Put politely, 'rudeness' is treating others how you think they deserve
to be treated. 'politeness' is treating others to a best approximation
of how you think they might like to be treated. Notice that there is a
significant gap in between the two. Just because you can't be polite
because your approximation of how another might like to be treated goes
beyond the limits of your ego, pride, self respect, forebearance,
whatever, does not mean that you therefore MUST be rude. Also note that
I did not mention the precept of treating others as you would like to be
treated.
As to your question about circular logic, I can easily imagine a society
where rudeness is socially acceptable. Its called America in the 90's.
While I can easily see your point that excessive politeness can be a
destructive force, I look at it as an equal and opposite destructive
force as rudeness. Taken to an extreme, either is harmful to a society.
Witness, as juxtapositions, Victorian England and 90's New York City.
-- TANSTAAFL!!! Michael Lorrey ------------------------------------------------------------ mailto:retroman@together.net Inventor of the Lorrey Drive MikeySoft: Graphic Design/Animation/Publishing/Engineering ------------------------------------------------------------ How many fnords did you see before breakfast today?