Is ‘Mé Féinism’ ruining society as we know it?
Summary
Hosted by Shane, this episode of The Hard Shoulder discusses the rise of "muffinism" and social rudeness in Ireland, prompted by a recent Irish Times article. Guests Joe O'Shea and Dylan Hand explore how antisocial behaviors, such as feet on seats and loud phone calls, create a contagious cycle of aggression. They debate whether politeness has genuinely declined or if it is a generational perception, while examining the role of parenting, shame, and the lack of dedicated transport police in enforcing public etiquette.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Government of Ireland 'Build the Home' campaign
Introduction: Is maffiaism getting worse?
Dylan Hand on rising rudeness and public annoyances
The snowball effect of small social slights
Joe O'Shea: Research on contagious social aggression
Generational studies: Are we actually ruder?
Specific pet peeves: Feet on seats and eating
Parental influence and the 'Titanic' thought experiment
Shame as a tool for checking bad etiquette
Broken windows theory and need for transport police
Closing remarks and show credits
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