Statistics That Could Restore My Faith in Mankind

Time, experience, and temperament cause me to conclude that some of our species are rude, wasteful, tasteless, and dumb. You see evidence all around you in the news, on the streets, in overheard conversations, and, most pervasively, on the Internet.

That is not to say that I am necessarily a pessimist or a misanthrope. In fact, I hope most of my observations and conclusions are based on hard evidence, even though hard evidence is often hard to come by. Many abide by the saying "One bad apple doesn't spoil the whole bunch (girl)". And I hope they're right. But give me the data, please. I would love to see statistical evidence that shows the following to be the thoughts and work of a very small minority of miscreants. In other words, show me the:

• Percentage of smokers who toss their consumed butts out the window of moving vehicles.
• Percentage of car occupants who dispose of their used candy wrappers, hamburger holders, super-sized drink cups, and other trash out the window of moving vehicles.
• Percentage of gym patrons who leave their wet towels on the floor and benches in locker rooms.
• Percentage of people who shout into cell phones on commuter trains.
• Percentage of people who miss the trash can and don't pick bother picking it up.
• Percentage of people who tip less than 10% in restaurants.
• Percentage of people who truly care about anything Kardashian.
• Percentage of people who actually believe if everyone carried loaded guns there would be fewer shooting deaths.
• Percentage of guys who actually like wearing ties to work.
• Percentage of women who actually like wearing dresses and pantyhose to work.
• Percentage of restaurant patrons who don't mind waiters who do not divulge the prices of today's specials.
• Percentage of people who leave their trash on the table at self-serve restaurants.
• Percentage of people who go to the movies so that they can text in the dark.
• Percentage of people who actually like the taste of Bud Light.
• Percentage of slow runners who start races at the front and make faster runners go around them.
• Percentage of dog owners who don't scoop Fido's poop.
• Percentage of dog owners who let their mutts run free and then reassure people who are cornered by the beast that "Fido's really friendly."
• Percentage of weekend bicyclists who wear spandex outfits with European logos who actually think they look cool.
• Percentage of congressmen who actually have a clue.
• Percentage of towns that don't allow right turn on red at any of their intersections.
• Percentage of of NJ shore towns that don't have any streets above 25 mph.
• Percentage of guys with shaved heads who think they actually look good.
• Percentage of people who ask "How are you?" and don't wait for an answer.
• Percentage of people who watch Fox News for, you know, the news.
• Percentage of females who talk like valley girls and don't think they sound stupid.
• Percentage of guys my age who actually listen to hip hop.
• Percentage of people who own SUVs and actually need a vehicle that large.
• Percentage of people who enjoy commercial air flight.
• Percentage of people in corporations who truly believe that anything productive comes out of brainstorming sessions.
• Percentage of executives who think team-building exercises have anything but the opposite effect.
• Percentage of consumers who prefer plain yogurt.

This is my short list. Feel free to add your own thoughts.