Which rule to enforce next?

[letterdavidman]

Xenophobia? Not necessarily. Xenophobia is a phobic dislike of strangers. luvitmoreachtime's message didn't express an irrational dislike of strangers, but rather a reasonable aversion to being cut in front of in queue, and aversion to rudeness, and an aversion to foul smells. Now I don't think these problems are overly widespread, but there is no denying that some foreign guests visiting WDW violate various tenets of what is considered polite and respectful behavior in our society. Those that do, shouldn't.

From Dictionary.com:
"xen·o·phobe ( P ) Pronunciation Key (zn-fb, zn-)
n.
A person unduly fearful or contemptuous of that which is foreign, especially of strangers or foreign peoples."

You're doing nothing so much (IMO) as splitting hairs, and that could be taken as trying to put a rational, benign face on a dislike or distaste of foreigners. Sort of the same thing that Richard J. Herrnstein and Charles Murray tried to do, vis-a-vis outright racism, with their book The Bell Curve.

 

[bicker]

Better to split hairs giving someone like luvitmoreachtime the benefit of the doubt, than splitting hairs in condemning luvitmoreachtime. Regardless, luvitmoreachtime was pretty explicit in describing actions and conditions that were offensive -- not people(s). I think that warrants benefit of the doubt.

Perhaps we can get back to discussing the topic, instead of discussion luvitmoreachtime?

 

[Disneyfriend]

I spent a semester in Greece and after being there for a while I could pick out the "Americans" from a mile away. They traveled in packs talking loudly, several abreast, in knit coordinates and shorts that were more brightly colored than the clothes the Greeks wore and, yeah, they had sneakers and baseball caps on. You would never notice these people in your mall but in the middle of Athens they sure did stand out and announce themselves as tourists. And clothing that they thought was appropriate for touring was often seen as garish and too casual by the Greeks,
I have no Greek heritage but natives would consistantly pick me out of the group of American students I was with and try to talk to me as though they expected me to understand because I wore a lot of dark simple clothing and I didn't wear sneakers.
I'm not really saying anything new here, just another observation that cultures can vary quite a bit. There are rude and oblivious people from every spot on the globe, just like there are nice people who would like to be able to fit in, but are just miscommunicating. I'm sure those Americans I saw in Greece had no idea that they stood out the way they did or that they were behaving in a way that could be seen as rude.

I don't think you're comparing apples to apples. I don't see anyone on this thread complaining that one foreign tour group wore all orange silk shirts, or another tour group wore odd fur-lined boots. (I'm making these up as examples of clothing choices that we as Americans might find odd or inappropriate clothing for a theme park.) I do see people complaining about rude behaviors that directly harm or bother those around them, such as blatantly cutting in line.

I am fully aware that many non-Americans find our clothing and shoe choices to be overly casual. But honestly, I just don't see that as a moral choice or an issue of right or wrong. I have had eleven foot surgeries, and you can bet that when I am fortunate enough to take my first trip to Europe, I will be wearing high quality walking sneakers. That's truly all my feet can handle. I don't feel like I have a moral responsiblity to avoid bothering European sensibilities because I am wearing sneakers while touring (unless it is to a religious building or something along those lines). In other words, if it bothers Europeans that I am wearing tennis shoes, that is, frankly, their problem. It does not harm or bother them in any way other than "hurting their eyes and/or sensibilities". If it makes them feel smug and superior to me because I have on a knit shirt and tennis shoes . . . oh well.

On the other hand, there are behavioral norms that I will study before hand, in a sincere attempt to be as polite, agreeable, and respectful as I can.

Disneyfriend

 

[QueenGoblin]

Hmmm...maybe I am too optomistic, the point of my posts have only been to say that I think there are curteous people and there are rude people from all countries and all levels of income...and that sometimes things that appear to be "rude" are merely the result of misunderstandings.

Personally, rules I would like to see CMs enforce a bit more would be the ones most often mentioned here: line cutting, using rude language in front of strangers/children, etc. In a perfect world, I'd like to see some sort of system that let young kids (and maybe even short adults) have the front row when viewing parades. We also have waited for a parade only with our young daughter only to be crowded by adults arriving later. But I don't see how they can make a rule about this, much less enforce it.

 

[WillCAD]

Xenophobia? Not necessarily. Xenophobia is a phobic dislike of strangers. luvitmoreachtime's message didn't express an irrational dislike of strangers, but rather a reasonable aversion to being cut in front of in queue, and aversion to rudeness, and an aversion to foul smells. Now I don't think these problems are overly widespread, but there is no denying that some foreign guests visiting WDW violate various tenets of what is considered polite and respectful behavior in our society. Those that do, shouldn't.

Why pick out the foreigners for these violations? The vast majority of the people I run into at WDW who don't bathe, cut in line, talk LOUDLY on cell phones in queues and attractions, or use foul language in front of others, are Americans.

Rude, stupid, and arrogant know no country.

But then again, neither do polite, generous, or friendly.

 

[Mickey1122]

Hmmm...maybe I am too optomistic, the point of my posts have only been to say that I think there are curteous people and there are rude people from all countries and all levels of income...and that sometimes things that appear to be "rude" are merely the result of misunderstandings.

Personally, rules I would like to see CMs enforce a bit more would be the ones most often mentioned here: line cutting, using rude language in front of strangers/children, etc. In a perfect world, I'd like to see some sort of system that let young kids (and maybe even short adults) have the front row when viewing parades. We also have waited for a parade only with our young daughter only to be crowded by adults arriving later. But I don't see how they can make a rule about this, much less enforce it.

I partially disagree with the last bit. Everyone is very frustrated when a parent with young kids shoves them out of the way so that their shorter kids can see the parade. I think that it should be first come first serve. Someone on the Disboards mentioned that on the DCL good bye parade, the mother said, "I bet you don't even want to see it anyway." The guy was pretty upset. If you want a good parade spot, you should get there early instead of expecting people who have been waiting to move over for you at the last minute.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

The No Heelies Rule. I see them everywhere at Disneyland when I am there. They drive me crazy and are not safe weaving in and out of people who are trying to walk together as families. I often wonder what parents are thinking letting their kids wear them in a crowded place like Disney.

Am I the only one who gets the urge to stick her foot out and trip a heelie-wearing hellion as he or she whizzes by?

 

[Mickey1122]

Am I the only one who gets the urge to stick her foot out and trip a heelie-wearing hellion as he or she whizzes by?

I have no problem with people who were them if they don't annoy everybody else. In a place like WDW, there are lots of people and it is very frustrating!

 

[QueenGoblin]

I partially disagree with the last bit. Everyone is very frustrated when a parent with young kids shoves them out of the way so that their shorter kids can see the parade. I think that it should be first come first serve. Someone on the Disboards mentioned that on the DCL good bye parade, the mother said, "I bet you don't even want to see it anyway." The guy was pretty upset. If you want a good parade spot, you should get there early instead of expecting people who have been waiting to move over for you at the last minute.

I didn't mean to imply kids should get to block the view of an adult who has been waiting, but if the adult can see over the kid I think the kid should be able to be in front rather than get crowded out by the adult until the kid can't see at all. I think sometimes adults don't realize how intimidating they can be to a child who does not know them. They might not even realize they are crowding a child out of having a view.

 

[Rella Bella]

Not been to WDW for a while, but in DLP, I would like to see the European's queue for chararcter meet and greets instead of having all the UK guests at the back waiting patiently while the french, german, italian, spaniards, etc all push in and shove us out the way. It's happened on every trip. We've never seen it in WDW in the times we've been.

We'd be glad to welcome you to the regular American queue! We all speak your language and we know how to stand in line...

 

[TinkNH]

I agree that people seem to be ruder more each year.

......
I'd like to see parents to their job.

That is my biggest pet peeve...not just at WDW but anywhere! I am a parent myself and am horrified sometimes by the behavior other parents let their children engage in. I know it gets tiring to repeat yourself, and you paid for this vacation but that does not mean you can forgo common sence and let your children behave like animals. My DD is 4..and if she is misbehaving the plan is to remove her ..I don't care if we are just about to get on a ride, she acts up and does not cease after a warning...out of line we will get. Parents should remember that being a parent is their first job, and not a suspended job just cause your on vacation!

 

[TinkNH]

The line-cutting is the one thing that really got to me while in WDW. I have been to many, many theme parks all over the United States and only in WDW is it considered almost normal for people to save spots in line. If you get out of line for any reason....you give up your spot in line. No ifs ands or buts about it. When you get in line for a ride, you see that it has a 45 minute wait...if you think you may have to use the restroom, phone, eat, etc., during this time period don't get in line!!! Call me grumpy...but this is just common courtesy, and is not tolerated at several other parks I have been to.

I can see your point as it pertains to adults..but my 4 yr old does not have quite that level of forethought. I have had to leave lines at several places with her and run to the br, then have always gotten back in line with DH without any problem. Course I always do apologize to the ppl behind us, I think politeness goes a long way. If it were not for emergency trips to the br..she would have missed out on a lot, or ended up in a wet hysterical mess.

 

[bicker]

sometimes things that appear to be "rude" are merely the result of misunderstandings.

Absolutely, and sometimes it's a result of simply not concerning oneself with one's conduct. I'm sure there are a significant number of instances of both. I think the whole issue here is that Disney should be considering how to "help" folks who, either through misunderstanding or lack of concern, exhibit transgressive behaviors.

Why pick out the foreigners for these violations?

You'd really have to ask luvitmoreachtime. At this point, I'd recommend making your inquiry to her via PM.

 

[loveswdw]

Ok I have to add mine. How about some kind of rule for the rude people that don't pay attention that you are pushing a stroller. They merge into the front of you and almost fall on your child.

I am very carefull not to run into people but so many people don't care and jump in front of you and get hit. Then get mad at me.

ITA! Last trip my DH was pushing DS in the stroller over in AK. We were walking straight up the walkway when a lady walked diagonally and walked right in front of the stroller and almost tripped over it. Then she looked at my DH like it was his fault!

 

[Dreamseeker]

My rule:

You can only attend Mickey's not so scary Halloween party and Mickey's very merry Christmas party if you know the full names and can say them without getting confused!
"I'm going to Mickey's not so very scary merry Hallochristmas party"

 

[kellypooh]

Am I the only one who gets the urge to stick her foot out and trip a heelie-wearing hellion as he or she whizzes by?

I have no problem with people who were them if they don't annoy everybody else. In a place like WDW, there are lots of people and it is very frustrating!

Not only is it frustrating and annoying, but I understand (from reading about this issue on another thread), it's illegal in Florida to wear heelies in theme parks.

I'd like there to be a "cell phones turned off on rides" rule....I can understand using the phones to find each other when you get separated and I don't honestly mind people using them on the buses but I have a big problem being distracted by phones ringing and people having conversations during the rides/shows.

 

[FantasmicDreams]

Our last trip to MK I saw them enforce a rule I still don't quite understand. The lady in front of us was almost refused entry, because her top tied at the top (around her neck). They told her someone could come up behind her and untie it, which would bare her breast. It was sort of like a bathing suit top, but not that revieling. She would not have got in, if her son had not had two shirts on, and gave her one. What I don't understand is I've always seen ladies with similar tops.

What??? A Halter top? I have tops like that and I'm a very conservative dresser... That makes no sense...

Yet they let girls stroll in in skimpy swimsuit tops?