Miserable people: A day in Center City (Philadelphia, Washington: to buy, wages)

[Shizzles]

Maybe it was the full moon. Maybe it was the Phillies being knocked out of first place. Maybe it's me, but whatever it is, Philadelphians have a happy deficet.

I have never seen so many snotty, uptight, mean, cold-looking people ever. Walking around Rittenhouse Sq and other areas is like an excerise in Victorian snobbery. Don't get me started on the attitude on the Market st El. Was out with friends yesterday and frankly I don't know what the hell is wrong with so many people in our area.

[lititzman2003]

Originally Posted by Shizzles

Maybe it was the full moon. Maybe it was the Phillies being knocked out of first place. Maybe it's me, but whatever it is, Philadelphians have a happy deficet.

I have never seen so many snotty, uptight, mean, cold-looking people ever. Walking around Rittenhouse Sq and other areas is like an excerise in Victorian snobbery. Don't get me started on the attitude on the Market st El. Was out with friends yesterday and frankly I don't know what the hell is wrong with so many people in our area.

I noticed the same attitudes on Sunday during and after the Komen Race. Many people were pushing others and being very aggressive. While we were walking back to our car traffic was bumper to bumper all around the Art Museum area and alot of people were blowing their horns and yelling out the windows. When you have 100,000 people in the same area you have to have a load of patience. It's a shame, since we were all down there for a good cause.

[MoorestownResident]

Center City has become increasingly unfriendly, and in addition to that, it seems like more seedy folk are hanging around normally professional areas. These are tough economic times and that could be part of it. But I am not impressed lately with what I see in center city. I think it speaks to the decline of white collar professionals living and working in Philly whether a temporary situation with more out of work or more structural shift to the burbs. I know Patco ridership hit an all-time high last year.

[treeluvr]

I moved out of Center City about a year ago. I really think that a lot of the bad attitude has to do with the fact that, the city gets more and more expensive--rent and food have gone way up in the last several years and wages for most do not go up at the same rate. And I'm not just referring to the most recent economic crisis. This trend has been going on for years.

I know life is getting more expensive everywhere, but in the city (unless you have a very nice job) you add the stress of working more for a constantly lowering standard of living to daily walking pasts beggars. Add this to the fact that most times you want to buy something or take care of routine business (CVS? Comcast? SEPTA?) you will be dealing with folks who are working harder for less and they are not exactly happy to see a customer.

The "I hate my life and you too" attitude is self-perpetuating. It wears on one, after a while.

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by treeluvr

The "I hate my life and you too" attitude is self-perpetuating. It wears on one, after a while.

It's true -- but I think you find this more and more everywhere, nowadays. The cost-of-living -- particularly in downtowns and many suburbs -- was already hard before, and the economic climate has added more of an edge now.

Naturally, those who are working-class -- who tend to work in sectors that are more prone to having their jobs cut in recessions -- aren't going to be as inclined to be nice to customers with a potential job cut hanging over their head. While this is frustrating for everyone involved, the important thing is to just be as nice as possible. It's much harder for someone to be rude to you when you're smiling and treat them like a person, as opposed to a nobody behind a counter whose sole job is to serve you.

[Shizzles]

Yes, but in Philly it's always been more pronounced. Up in NY, arguably hit much harder, there is still a "Life goes on" sense, instead of the psycological horror show Philly has become.

[toobusytoday]

Funny, my kids (ages 24 and 22) were in Philadelphia on Saturday and mentioned how nice everyone was and what a good time they had at a street festival. Maybe everyone used up their good nature early in the week end.

[LogSS]

I drove up from Washington this past Saturday and hung out in City Center. I actually thought the people there were pretty nice and friendly. Lots of cool places to eat and hang out. I like Philly. It has improved ten fold.

[carolinajack]

OP you are not lying there, i have lived in CC for 8 years, recently moved to Chestnut Hill. It is sad, it could be a wonderful city but the people are so unhappy and rude and not nice. I try and smile at everyone and yet they all, old and young , just look like someone just shot their dog.

i wonder how they connect with friends and family. it is even in the churches, i have left many churches because they didnt know basic fellowship and christian kindness.

so i know what ya mean

[BPP1999]

People from cities like NY, Boston, and DC are somehow allowed, excused, and justified in being rude/condescending/angry. People in Philadelphia are not allowed such a privilege.