How can I stop getting so MAD at STUPID PEOPLE? Any advice?

Question

I live in Albuquerque, NM (not because I really want to, but because there are math teaching jobs here).  But it’s a shame that such a beautiful state like New Mexico has probably the stupidest people in the entire nation!  Someone told me, “Stupidity is part of the American condition (or perhaps the human condition in general).  Accept it and move on.”  

But I honestly think some cities are “smarter” than others.  Here in Albuquerque, there are no rules!  People just do whatever they want, no matter how stupid or dull the behavior may be.  Everyone (and I do mean almost EVERYONE) jaywalks, hardly anyone wears a helmet when biking (either bike or motorcycle), they drink on the bus even though beverages are not allowed, they ride their motor scooters and skateboards on the sidewalk with no regard for pedestrian safety, they just live like there’s no tomorrow.  New Mexico ranks among the lowest in the nation for education, so people just don’t care much about being educated.  And to think I may have to TEACH these people…?

I, on the other hand, am one of few smart people in Albuquerque.  I ALWAYS use the crosswalk and never jaywalk (well, almost never – there will *rarely* come a time when I have to jaywalk myself, but I only do so when there are NO cars coming, and even then, I dash across with safety in mind, unlike everyone else), I always wear a helmet, I have a high regard for safety, I never engage in reckless behavior, I obey all rules, and I’m actually educated (I went to school in Germany for a year) and want to learn.  I’m not saying I’m “perfect” or “God-like” in any way (because no one is ever “perfect”), but I just wonder how so many idiots can be concentrated in one place in central New Mexico.

Today, I just couldn’t take it anymore.  I beat the CRAP out of a punching bag at the gym because of all the idiots here.  The ONLY thing I can do about this is MOVE (like north to Denver, where people actually have intellect, intelligence and education!), because if being stupid is the way people in Albuquerque do things, then it’s not going to change anytime soon.  I had the privilege of living in Seattle over the winter – yes, there were some stupid people there, but a different kind of stupid (mostly just “posers” – wannabe actors, wannabe rock stars, Kurt Cobain wannabes, etc.).  Seattle was certainly more “intellectual” and “educated” and diverse (I loved hearing foreign languages in places like Capitol Hill), people always used turn signals and wore helmets (but probably only because the law required them to).  I sort of miss Seattle now!  Well, actually, I’m very, very homesick for Germany (my “adopted” home), so that could be a big part of the reason for my anger.  (I know some smart-*** might say: “There are only two things you need: A passport and a plane ticket.  Go back to Germany!” – but it’s NOT that easy.  EU regulations make it extremely difficult for an American to find legal work there.)

I feel I’d rather kill myself than live amongst these idiots – but since I’m smart and know better, I��m not going to kill myself.  I just have to move where people are smarter and actually follow the rules.  I can’t help but wonder though – is it stupid of ME to get angry at “stupid people”?  Someone in a forum once wrote: “Only ‘stupid people’ get annoyed by ‘stupid people.’”  Is there some truth to that?  What do you think?

fifthwheel948 · Accepted Answer

Old saying goes like this: If you think the price of an education is high, think about how much the cost of stupidity is. Good luck in Denver.

? · Answer

Whatever you do don't move to the UK because here the entire country behaves like that not just one county! Can you believe that  in a so called civilised country like the UK jaywalking is not even a crime.We just work on the theory that if your daft enough to walk into traffic natural selection will eventually take care of the problem! You could probably claim asylum in Germany it's probably the only country in Europe that would truly understand your desire for everyone to behave identically at all times according to one persons arbitrary rules (although the last time they had a go at imposing this on everyone it didn't go quite according to plan!) Avoid Italy and France at all costs their attitude to rules will probably make you explode. I wouldn't recommend Spain as they tend to think laws are  suggestions that you might want to follow if you feel like it. In short I think the best plan for you is to find an unoccupied island somewhere and start your own country. You can set all the standards for acceptable behaviour and punish accordingly. I fear this will not be a popular destination but at least you will actually be the smartest person in that country. As opposed to just thinking you are the most intelligent person in the one you just currently reside in!

tehabwa · Answer

Please get a grip.

The people are reckless, which isn't the same as stupid. Not all of the people are identical to each other -- if you WERE smart, you'd realize that.

When you travel, don't expect people to obey the rules of the road you seem to expect. You know many don't, you'll avoid a lot of grief if you stop letting it surprise and anger you.

You won't be teaching anyone anything if your attitude comes through.

If you want, you could infuse some data analysis in your math teaching -- to compare accident and death rates in various places, or who it is who gets killed on the road (people with helmets or without; people who jaywalk, etc.) if that will make you feel better. You might actually get through to people about THEIR OWN behavior.

Assuming everyone around you is stupid is a really bad idea. It's clearly not making you happy. Maybe you can find ways to connect with like-minded people there.

Anonym · Answer

Man, I feel you, but wherever you are...you will encounter stupid people. A good friend of mine has a famous quote, "90% of the world consists of idiots".

I live in nowhere Midwest, and here, we have to put up with rednecks. Not all people here are, mind you, but the select few that jack up their trucks, put loud exhausts on them, get drunk and drive, racists that fly Confederate flags on their trailers, etc.

So, wherever you go friend, there will be dumb people. You just have to rise above it.

And, the quote about how only stupid people get annoyed by stupid people is false. You write legibly and seem intelligent, so there's that right there!

P.S. I also lived in Europe for a time and I miss it there as well (even despite the concentration of idiots there too).

Bibigirl · Answer

No one is enforcing the laws there so people just do whatever they want. If it's bothering you that much you should probably move. It sounds like you are on the verge of snapping one day soon.

ZAnchor · Answer

It would be nice if you post a photo of yourself.  I would really like to see the standard that the universe should be calibrated to.

How can I stop getting so MAD at STUPID PEOPLE? Any advice?

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