Rude Politeness

Most people think of being polite as saying please and thank you, but how is that really being polite? Is it because you have to hear people say it until you believe it, or to make you feel good about yourself? Whatever it is, it is selfish to pout when you don't hear it. Are we that self-centered? Or is it because we want to feel that moment of pride that we did something nice or properly asked for something? And what with table manners? Sure I can understand if it is something that would detract somebody from eating, but all this "may i be excused?" is nonsense. Why should you have to set the table a certain way, or set the napkin a certain place? Does that mean that you like the person more, or respect them? The answer in most cases is no. We do it because that is what we were trained to do, even if it may feel awkward or meaningless. Whether we like it or not, society demands it from us. The true reason behind most all manners is that we as people believe that we have deserved a certain amount of respect, even if unwarranted. This, along with being civilized, are the main reasons that cultures have not usually peacefully intermingled. What someone does may come off as a sign of disrespect, even if it was not meant to do so. All these hassles do is create confusion and awkward moments. When you look at yourselves as people, do you really think you've earned what you demand?