Oaxaca/Puebla - Something in the water?

For years, I have been of the opinion that Mexicans were basically a courteous people. That position was formulated through fairly extensive travel throughout Central Mexico. After spending the last week in the cities of Oaxaca and Puebla, I have experienced a re-education on a lack of courtesy being exhibited in these two cities. Granted, it is accepted that the drivers are horrid, but it seems that the "all about me attitude" extends to walking down the sidewalks, crossing the street, making demands in restaurants, etc seems to prevail. Get out of these two cities and it is back to what we know and love.