Awhile after moving to this area, I heard one of the most asinine statements I have ever heard in my life:  "Manners are a sign of weakness."  My first thought was "oh-  that means you're an uncouth boor who wasn't brought up to know anything."  I resisted the impulse to say what I thought, as the individual was only putting into words the kinds of behavior I've encountered since I came here. 

I have manners.  Manners--  or basic courtesy--  is nearly as much an instinct as breathing.  Not only do individuals in this area not practice basic courtesy, they see it as very negative--  as you are sucking up, kowtowing, or don't have the "self-esteem" to be rude, arrogant, and obnoxious. 

Manners and basic courtesy are signs of being a civilized human being.  Somehow, it has not caught on in this area.  One example:  please, excuse me, and thank you are rarely heard.  I've been told the words thank you do not have to be used "because it is implied."  Huh?! 

Another example:  if a person goes to your home to see someone other than you, it is nothing more nor less than basic manners for the person to say hello to you--  especially if it was you who answered the door.  That is not done here, either.  Instead, they simply barge past you without a word--  and do not even answer if you greet them. 

Yet another example is also common to some regions, rather than generations:  kids, people whom I do not really know, and people with whom I do business in person, addressing me by my first name.  This is one habit that almost leaves me gritting my teeth and hissing.  I was brought up with the belief--  and still have it--  that using first names is limited to your friends and family. 

No, I don't think "manners are a sign of weakness."  The lack of courtesy is a sign of having no consideration for one's fellow human beings.