Rude mechanics

Much of the rudeness in “Nasty, brutish and short” (7 November) is really about status and class, and is prevalent throughout society. However, it is perhaps more glaring in the lecture and seminar room because these spaces are meant to be about ideas, not personalities.

That said, in the world of “have a nice day”, academic robustness bordering on rudeness is surely to be welcomed. And reading the paper in a tedious lecture is not rude, but traditionally acceptable behaviour.

Keith Flett
London