When did it become cool to be a smartass?

[raccoon]

You see it all the time in the movies, on TV, and in RL.

Being assertive and taking up for yourself DOES NOT mean you have to be a smartass.

[BuelahWitch]

1. I think it was sometime in the '80s

Although smartasses on television have been the norm for quite a while. Whenever I take a job that involves telephone customer service I always want to say to the assholes, "You know (sir/ma'am) you don't have to be such a jerk. No one here is auditioning for sitcoms..."

[cwydro]

2. Especially with kids on TV

I hate it. We would have had the taste smacked out of our mouths if we had talked like that..

[crim son]

3. That's so true.

I allowed my young kids to watch PBS shows exclusively because the offerings on other stations were disrespectful at best and sometimes downright hostile.

[1gobluedem]

4. I agree. Except for that whiny Caillou.

I blame reality TV for a lot of the smartmouths out there.

[crim son]

5. Even my seven year old finds Caillou to be a PITA.

He needs to spend a few hours in his room.

[zanne]

6. I've always been a smartass.

Therefore, I've always been cool.

[Rabrrrrrr]

7. About the same time it became cool to ask stupid questions.

:eyes:

:rofl: Just kidding! :hi:

There is a lot of smartassery going on, isn't there?

[Richardo]

8. 1953?