Attorney Warns of Growing 'Meanness Epidemic' in American Society

WASHINGTON, DC—A Washington-based attorney has sounded the alarm about what she describes as a "meanness epidemic" sweeping through American society, where basic civility and decorum are being replaced by aggressive rudeness that many mistakenly interpret as strength. Donniece Gooden, who typically focuses on legal matters, wrote about her concerns after witnessing what she called "utterly disgraceful" behavior at a local coffee shop that she says reflects broader societal trends.

Gooden described an incident where a customer with food allergies was met with extreme hostility from coffee shop staff when making specific requests about her order. "The barista was not just curt, but extremely rude to this woman," Gooden wrote. "Then the rest of the staff joined in. The other employees started yelling and cursing at the poor woman, aggressively demanding she leave the store." The situation escalated to the point where one staff member dramatically jumped over the counter before both Gooden and the targeted customer left the establishment.

The attorney argues this incident exemplifies a dangerous cultural conflation of rudeness with strength. "True strength—the kind born of deep self-respect, conviction, and courage—is quiet and unwavering," she wrote. "It is the ability to be assertive, to stand up for oneself, and to articulate one's beliefs clearly, firmly, and respectfully." Gooden contends that unnecessary rudeness actually signals weakness rather than power, serving as "a preemptive shield, thrown up by those who fear honest engagement, self-doubt, or being genuinely seen."

Gooden, who describes herself as someone who "goes hard" for her beliefs and isn't easily intimidated, emphasized that her perspective comes from principle rather than privilege. Born in Gary, Indiana and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, she stated, "I have seen a great many things, and my standards are not based on privilege but on principle." She specifically pointed to technology and social media as contributing factors to this decline in civil engagement, suggesting these platforms have "severely impacted how people engage with one another on a fundamental human level."

The attorney proposes what she calls a "classy counter-culture" as the solution to this growing incivility. "Class is not about wealth or status; it is an inherent quality of grace, integrity, and self-control," she wrote. "It means choosing composure over chaos, thoughtfulness over impulse, and respect over retaliation." Gooden warns that engaging rude people on their level only validates their behavior, while maintaining personal standards represents "the ultimate, most powerful act of control."

This cultural analysis carries significant implications for business environments, public discourse, and community cohesion. As incivility spreads from digital spaces into everyday interactions, the erosion of basic decorum threatens workplace productivity, customer service quality, and the fundamental trust necessary for functional societies. Gooden's legal background lends particular weight to her observations about how deteriorating social norms can affect professional conduct and public behavior. More information about her legal practice can be found at https://www.hierophantlaw.com.

The attorney's warning comes at a time when many business leaders and social observers have noted increasing incivility in public forums, political discourse, and customer interactions. Her call for a return to basic decency highlights the broader economic and social costs of what she describes as a cultural shift toward prioritizing "loud, rude, and frankly obnoxious behavior" over respectful engagement. The persistence of such trends could have lasting impacts on how Americans conduct business, resolve conflicts, and maintain the social fabric that underpins both commerce and community.