The Slice: We can be just as impolite as other cities

I have heard more than one person complain that fake politeness is a Spokane social norm.

But I don’t think I’ve ever really bought it.

For one thing, courtesy of any kind often seems in short supply, here and elsewhere. Moreover, I have a hard time accepting that people here are somehow less sincere than residents of other regions.

But the thing that cinches my skepticism about the “fake politeness” rap is “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”

Stay with me.

As you probably recall, Van Dyke played Rob Petrie, head writer of a TV comedy show.

One of the things that used to crack me up was the way Petrie’s neighbors, friends and acquaintances would feel free to criticize the show to his face.

“It stunk last night,” some of them would say.

People wouldn’t actually tell him those kinds of things, I used to think.

Well, guess again. They might.

I have a little experience with doing purportedly creative work and presenting it to the public. And I’m here to tell you that quite a few people in Spokane are not paralyzed by the constraints of phony courtesy.

Now I’m not referring to those who hate my column or simply have no interest in it. I’m talking about loyal Slice readers who take the liberty of saying “Lose the cute-kid items” or “Enough already about cats.”

I’ll admit that I used to be taken aback by such frank feedback. Now, though, it usually makes me smile. Maybe that’s because it is so often presented in an unmistakably friendly way.

OK, I don’t have much tolerance for attacks on my reader-contributors who have been brave enough to share their stories. But suggestions about how I personally could improve The Slice are welcome.

I’ve always gotten candid reviews in the mail and on the phone. But since my mug shot has been appearing, readers approach me on the street or in stores. It’s almost always gratifying.

But this fake politeness thing marring Spokane’s character?

I wouldn’t worry about it.

“Today’s Slice question: The other day, a co-worker mentioned the month and year of her birth. Hearing that date immediately transported me back to the federal building in Burlington, Vermont. Bobby L’Ecuyer and I had gone there to register for the draft. We were high school seniors. He was wearing his letter jacket. I was too cool to wear mine.

It wasn’t all that dramatic. I think they had already stopped with call-ups for the unpleasantness in Vietnam. In any event, the draft was going to be officially discontinued in a few months. But hearing my colleague mention “January 1973” reminded me of a moment I apparently have no intention of forgetting.

So here’s the question: Overhearing a younger person allude to his or her birthday brought what vivid memory to mind?