Ah, someone who knows how to use commas!

Grammar Nazi alert.

Thinking the exact same thin 29

Do people do that in Oregon?

Doesn't make the staring less rude. Also, who knows what kind of day that guy had. The OP staring could have put him over the edge. When I read shirts, I try not to stare, and I watch the person's face, as well. If they see me, I simply point out that I'm trying to read their shirt. It's not that hard. I know plenty of people who have gone through life being teased for ailments out of their power, and it does make some of them VERY defensive. It's a natural human response to get upset if you think someone is staring at a deformity you have. Why is rudeness ok towards them?

Why is rudeness okay to someone else if they don't kow, or if you don't know why they're looking. =/ The OP probably should have asked, but no matter how bad his day was, he had no right to take it out on the OP. The man was in the wrong on this one. OP, FYL.

I was responding to the comment above mine in which the poster stated, "I mean, the muthafucka knows his arm is gone and that people are gonna stare, it's a fact of life at this point. no reason for the attitude, just roll with the punch..(es)" Just because the person knows that people are GOING to stare, that doesn't make it any less rude. Also, people shouldn't think it's ok to stare just because someone is a little different. It's because of people who think it's ok that these people get defensive. They have to put up with stares, whispering, snickering, laughing, etc. One of my friends has a port-wine-stain that covers about half her face. It's a birthmark she has had her entire life. Dealing with rude people has made her very defensive, not only about that, but about many things in her life. Is it right? No. Is it understandable given her background? Absolutely. All I'm saying is, one little question or statement from the OP could have completely changed that person's mood. A simple, "I'm sorry, I was just trying to figure out what band that is on your shirt," could have ended the exchange in a much different way. I guess with my time around disabilities, deformaties, and ailments has taught me how to deal with such a situation. I would never just stare at someone's shirt without also paying attention to the person's face. Then I'd be able to tell if my staring was starting to agitate them. or it would give me the opening to explain myself. I honestly believe even a kind smile could have diffused the situation before it got to the point of the other person kind of blowing their gasket.

Yes, but being aware of your surroundings is never a bad thing. Somehow the OP was so incredibly oblivious that they didn't notice the guy's missing arm. Also, the man was being rude because he was offended. If something I did offended someone else, you better believe I'm going to apologize for it and explain. Especially if it means it would calm a situation down. To me, that's just common decency.

I completely agree. I would have probably replied this way.