Why New Jersey Is Misunderstood In Latest Rudeness Poll

How many times do we have to defend our reputation here in New Jersey? It seems like we have to do it just about every day.

Here we go again. The minute we saw the rudeness poll we knew exactly what was going to happen. We were going to do poorly, and then we'd have to defend ourselves. It's happened a thousand times.

It has happened again. Although, this time, it's not as bad as it has been in the past. In this Moneywise report, New Jersey is listed as the 14th rudest state in the nation.

Isn't it funny that most of us probably have a positive reaction to that ranking? 14th rudest isn't that horrible after all we've been through here in the Garden State.

The fact of the matter, however, is that we can't get used to being called rude in New Jersey when we aren't really rude at all. We're just direct.

That is not how we are portrayed in the article, however. The first thing that got brought up was our driving. Of course it was, but let's be honest. We might have to own the driving thing.

If there is an area where some rudeness might trickle out here in the Garden State, it's behind the wheel. I say we pled guilty as charged on that one and move along.

It gets ugly after that. New Jersey is referred to as a state that is "not known for being a particularly friendly state". Hold on just a minute.

There are no people on the planet more friendly than the fine residents of New Jersey. We are caring, generous, warm, and loving.

Here's the problem. Sometimes people come to our state and leave garbage all over our beautiful beaches. So we say something.

People also visit and drive 30mph in the left lane of the Parkway. Yes, that's the passing lane. So we say something, usually with our fingers.

Sometimes people treat our state like it's their personal vacation toy and they have no respect for the people who live here. so, again, we say something.

If that's what the rest of the nation calls rude, then put us at the top of the rude list. Rude goes both ways.