On Sun, 24 Apr 2005 14:06:39 +0900, Raj Feridun
<rferid@NOSPAMyahoo.co.jp> wrote:

>>A big part of the problem in my particular case is that 99% of the
>>time I have for observing the Japanese is when they are on their
>>absolute worst behavior (i.e. when they're driving). Some people might
>>contend that people are at their worst when they're drunk, since
>>alcohol removes many societal inhibitions. But while alcohol might
>>allow some people to reveal their mean, combative, irritating, or
>>otherwise asocial sides, it also gives us a fair proportion of happy,
>>friendly, and gregarious drunks. For the Japanese, gripping a steering
>>wheel releases far more inhibitions than gripping a bottle does, yet
>>doesn't lead to anyone acting in a more friendly or courteous manner
>>than they do when *not* under the influence of a steering wheel. So
>>taken all around, you'd be more likely to come away with a favorable
>>impression of the Japanese as a group if you spent 12 hours a day
>>surrounded by drunken Japanese strangers than if you spent 12 hours a
>>day surrounded by Japanese strangers at the wheel.

>Have you ever driven in New York? I drive every day down here in
>Shikoku in the region I am told is famous for it's lack of automotive
>courtesy and regard for other drivers, pedestrians, etc. 

>As bad as it is it doesn't hold a candle to the best day in New York
>City. I grew up in New Jersey but a drive through Manhattan was always
>an experience.

>All I'm saying is it's a relative thing. Assholes span the globe.

Hell, they even span this international newsgroup.