1. New York – The City That Never Sleeps… and Sometimes Never Smiles
New York is famous for its fast-paced energy, but some say that hustle culture has come at the cost of common courtesy. Whether it’s subway riders ignoring elderly passengers who need a seat, pedestrians shoving past each other without a second glance, or rising cases of animal mistreatment, kindness seems to be slipping away. Some shelters have reported an increase in people surrendering their pets simply because they “don’t have time” to care for them anymore.
Public courtesy is also taking a hit, with rudeness becoming more of an expectation than an exception. The stereotype of the “gruff New Yorker” is starting to feel less like a cliché and more like a reality. While the city’s always been a little rough around the edges, there was once a kind of unspoken camaraderie. Now? It’s every person—and pet—for themselves.
2. Florida – The “Anything Goes” State
Florida is known for its beaches, theme parks, and, let’s be honest, some pretty wild news headlines. But behind the sunshine, a concerning trend has been emerging—one where courtesy seems to be fading fast. Reports of animal cruelty, including dogs left in hot cars and cases of neglected pets during hurricanes, have been on the rise. Some shelters have even had to issue warnings about people abandoning their animals in record numbers, unable (or unwilling) to care for them properly.
Human interactions aren’t faring much better. Tourists have complained about rude behavior, and Florida has become infamous for viral videos of public freakouts in grocery stores, airports, and even roadways. Add in a rise in aggressive panhandling and retail worker mistreatment, and it seems the Sunshine State’s reputation for fun-loving energy is being replaced by a culture of impatience and indifference.
3. California – The Land of Laid-Back… or Just Indifferent?
You’d think that in a state with so many animal lovers, California would be a haven for pets. But shockingly, it’s among the states with some of the worst rates of pet abandonment, particularly in big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Shelters are seeing record numbers of people surrendering their pets, often citing high living costs or lack of time. Worse still, cases of outright neglect—such as dogs being left in sweltering heat or tied up for hours without food or water—are becoming distressingly common.
Beyond animals, California’s reputation for friendliness has also been taking a hit. With rising crime and homelessness, people seem more guarded and less willing to extend a helping hand. The classic “chill Cali vibe” is being replaced by a kind of urban coldness, where people are more likely to avoid eye contact than say hello. If there’s one place that could use a serious dose of old-school neighborly charm, it might just be here.
4. Texas – Where Everything’s Bigger… Including the Neglect
Texas prides itself on big hearts and Southern hospitality, but recent trends suggest that courtesy—especially when it comes to animals—is struggling. Reports of abandoned pets, backyard breeders, and cases of extreme animal cruelty have been rising, particularly in major cities like Houston and Dallas. Stray dog populations have become a crisis, with shelters overflowing and rescues unable to keep up with the sheer number of animals left to fend for themselves.
But it’s not just animals feeling the sting of declining kindness—road rage incidents, public confrontations, and a general decline in neighborly respect have also been reported across the state. From aggressive driving to increasing cases of verbal disputes in public spaces, Texas seems to be losing its reputation for warm hospitality. If there’s one place that needs a reminder that kindness goes a long way, it might just be the Lone Star State.
5. Georgia – The Southern Charm Slipping Away
The South is known for its hospitality, but in Georgia, that warmth seems to be fading. Pet abandonment rates have been rising, and cases of animal cruelty—particularly dogfighting—continue to be a major issue. Some communities are struggling with an overflow of stray animals, with shelters unable to keep up with the increasing numbers. Rural areas, in particular, have seen an uptick in reports of pets being dumped on the side of the road, left to fend for themselves.
On the human side, neighborly kindness isn’t what it used to be either. Reports of rude behavior in public spaces—restaurants, stores, and even churches—suggest that the famous Southern charm is wearing thin. People are becoming more impatient, more confrontational, and less willing to lend a hand. If Georgia wants to keep its reputation as a state of sweet tea and smiles, it might need to work on bringing some of that warmth back.
6. Nevada – A Gamble for Common Decency
Las Vegas might be the city of bright lights and big wins, but it’s also becoming a hotspot for a different trend—declining compassion. Animal shelters in Nevada have been overwhelmed with pets being surrendered, many of them by people who once treated their pets like accessories. The pandemic pet adoption boom has led to an unfortunate wave of abandoned animals, with people realizing too late that caring for a pet is a long-term commitment.
As for human-to-human interactions, Nevada has also seen an increase in rudeness, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Casino workers report a rise in entitled behavior from visitors, and service industry employees have spoken out about mistreatment from both locals and tourists alike. It seems that in a place where luck is everything, kindness is becoming more of a rarity.
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7. Illinois – The Midwest’s Courtesy Crisis
The Midwest is often praised for its friendly, down-to-earth people, but Illinois seems to be an exception lately. Chicago, in particular, has seen an increase in pet-related neglect cases, with more dogs and cats being left in shelters or even abandoned on the streets. Some rescue groups are struggling to keep up with the number of animals needing urgent care, as pet owners opt for convenience over responsibility.
But it’s not just animals feeling the decline in common courtesy. Illinois has also reported rising incidents of road rage, aggressive public behavior, and general unfriendliness. What happened to good old-fashioned Midwestern hospitality? It seems like it’s getting harder to find.
8. Pennsylvania – The Keystone State, Cracking Under Pressure
Pennsylvania has long been a state that balances big city energy with small-town charm. But lately, that balance seems to be tipping in the wrong direction. Reports of animal cruelty cases have been increasing, particularly in rural areas where enforcement of animal welfare laws is inconsistent. Puppy mills remain a major issue, with some of the worst offenders operating in Pennsylvania’s Amish communities, where dogs are often treated as nothing more than livestock.
Beyond the treatment of animals, Pennsylvanians themselves seem to be growing less patient and less kind. Complaints about aggressive driving, public rudeness, and poor treatment of service workers have surged. Even in tight-knit communities, the sense of “looking out for each other” seems to be fading. If the Keystone State wants to keep holding everything together, a little more common courtesy would go a long way.
9. Ohio – The Heart of It All… or Just Heartless?
Ohio is often seen as the heartland of America, but that heart might not be beating as warmly as it used to. Cases of neglected and abused pets are on the rise, with shelters across the state struggling to find homes for the influx of abandoned animals. Ohio has also seen a disturbing number of cases involving mistreatment of farm animals, raising concerns about how animals are viewed and valued in the state.
The decline in courtesy isn’t limited to pets, either. People report an increase in public confrontations, road rage, and an overall lack of politeness in everyday interactions. Even in grocery stores and restaurants, Ohioans seem to be losing the patience and friendliness that once defined the state. If “Midwestern Nice” is still a thing, Ohio might need a refresher course.
10. Arizona – Too Hot to Handle, Too Cold to Care?
Arizona’s desert landscape is stunning, but lately, the social climate has been anything but warm. Stray animals are becoming a bigger problem, with many pets left to fend for themselves in the brutal heat after their owners move away or decide they no longer want the responsibility. Shelters are overwhelmed, and reports of pets suffering from neglect—left outside in triple-digit temperatures with no water—are heartbreaking.
On the human side, Arizona has been seeing more public aggression and less willingness to lend a helping hand. Whether it’s road rage incidents on the highways of Phoenix or frustrated customers lashing out at service workers, the state’s atmosphere feels more tense and impatient than ever. Maybe all that sunshine is making people a little too hot-headed?
11. Tennessee – Where the Music’s Still Sweet, But the Courtesy’s Gone Sour
Tennessee’s music scene may be as vibrant as ever, but the state’s reputation for Southern hospitality is taking a hit. Reports of animal cruelty and pet neglect have been increasing, particularly in rural areas where resources for animal welfare enforcement are limited. Some rescue organizations are overwhelmed with abandoned dogs, particularly hunting breeds that are discarded once they’re no longer useful.
Meanwhile, kindness between people isn’t faring much better. Tennesseans have noted an increase in rude public behavior, from aggressive driving to outright hostility in customer service interactions. Even in traditionally friendly towns, the warmth that once defined the state seems to be cooling down. If Tennessee wants to keep its charm, it might need to tune up its kindness.
12. Louisiana – A Culture of Celebration, but Not for Courtesy
Louisiana is known for its lively culture, rich history, and incredible food, but there’s a darker side to the state that’s hard to ignore. Animal abuse cases are on the rise, and stray dog populations are getting out of control, particularly in New Orleans. Some reports describe abandoned pets wandering the streets, malnourished and in desperate need of care.
And it’s not just the animals feeling the decline in courtesy—people are, too. The once-welcoming spirit of Louisiana has been overshadowed by increasing public tension. Whether it’s rude customer service interactions or rising reports of aggressive behavior in bars and restaurants, the state’s legendary warmth seems to be fading. Let’s hope Louisiana can bring back its old-school hospitality before it disappears completely.
13. Michigan – The Great Lakes, But Not-So-Great Vibes
Michigan’s natural beauty is undeniable, but kindness seems to be drying up faster than the state’s famous shorelines. The state has been struggling with a surge in abandoned pets, with some owners blaming economic hardship for their inability to care for their animals. Detroit, in particular, has seen a rise in stray dog populations, and shelters are stretched thin trying to keep up with the number of animals in need.
On the human side, Michigan residents report a noticeable drop in common courtesy. Whether it’s aggressive driving in Detroit, increased hostility in public spaces, or a general decline in small acts of kindness, the state’s sense of community feels like it’s slipping. If Michigan wants to keep its reputation as a welcoming place, it might be time to bring back the kindness—both for people and their four-legged friends.
