| | Eric:
I say "bravo" to the spirit of your article as well. However, I want to say that I almost stopped reading after the first paragraph. There is nothing inherently wrong with talking on a cell phone, eating with chopsticks, or smiling at strangers. The intention you placed on these people - to schmooze, to assimilate, to impress - I can't see how you would know without talking to them. Rather, I have the image in my mind of a rather misanthropic person walking along looking for the worst possible impulse in everyone he comes across.
Now, obviously that isn't you, because the rest of your article is fantastic. I just wanted to say that while it is important to be cautious, lest our lives be overrun with Keatings, it is also important that we not become overly angry and suspicious in the process.
At the risk of sounding all Eastern and New-Agey - I love mankind, and I don't want to be too dismissive. You wouldn't believe the fabulous people I meet. (And lots of them have cell phones and eat with chopsticks. So do I, come to think of it.)
Ash
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