Originally Posted by
cardiomd
I generally agree with you on this accord, regarding passenger incivility.
However, the "politeness asymmetry" exists and is part of being AT WORK and on the job. When working in the ER I have had more than a few people spit at me, and a few even take a swing at my head. Did I retaliate, or not give care?
Granted, MDs get quite a bit more deference as a rule and are generally respected, but part of being a "professional work force" is the ability to absorb a bit of this kind of punishment with a smile and deep breath. My nurses, secretaries, techs, and other staff deal with a lot of punishment and do a generally good job of maintaining a smiling face and professionalism. Yes, they HAVE to be nice.
I know patients can be hostile... including many under the influence, or with mental health problems... but it would be a different story if they went to the ER with the intent, from the outset, of being hostile, and with the view tha all staff were incompetent pedophiles, and posting, in advance, on chat rooms how they are going to do their utmost to disrupt the ER.
that's kind of what we get a lot of on this forum on FT.