There Oughta Be a Law…

Posted on September 13, 2024

Let’s face it, life is full of minor annoyances. From the coworker who blasts conference calls on speakerphone to the suggested tip prompts that pop up at checkout (even for a quick coffee!), we all have things that grind our gears. But what if we could actually outlaw these everyday frustrations?

We at Weiss & Paarz surveyed Americans to see which common pet peeves, dating faux pas, and workplace etiquette violations they’d most like to see criminalized. The results are in, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into what truly irks different generations. Get ready, because we’re about to unveil the data that might just spark a national debate – should some of our biggest pet peeves become punishable offenses?

Laws That Each State Would Enact If They Could

If states had the power to make their own laws, the nation would look very different. Our survey shows that Americans are united on a few topics — though some are a bit more controversial than others. 

A whopping 34 states dream of a four-day workweek, making it the most popular proposed legislation. It’s like the entire country is collectively saying, “We’re tired, and we want to sleep in!” This is the dream for states from Florida to California and countless in between, indicating that no matter where you live, you could probably use a few hours off.

Close behind, 13 states believe it’s high time to impose an age limit of 70 years old on presidential candidates. Maybe they’ve been watching too many late-night talk shows. But seriously, it’s a clear indication that voters are seeking a change in leadership. New York, Georgia, Kentucky, and Ohio are some of the states that agree with this regulation.

While most states are focused on these two big-ticket items, a few have their own unique priorities. For instance, Arizona is tired of waiting in line and wants to make line-cutting a crime, and we can’t blame them. Meanwhile, Arkansas is ready to silence the world with a ban on playing music or videos aloud in public places.

Laws That Americans Would Have Enacted

Americans had a lot more to say outside of the one law they’d like to implement for their state. In fact, people have strong opinions when it comes to dating, the workplace, tech, and beyond. 

Laws that Should be Enacted in Dating/Relationships

Love is complicated, but these survey results suggest Americans might want to simplify it with a few new laws. A surprising number of people (40%) believe it should be illegal for an ex to continue using their streaming services. It’s like a digital breakup breakup!

While ghosting might be a modern dating scourge, only 11% think it deserves a place in the criminal code. And for those tired of the PDA, don’t hold your breath for a public affection ban – only 6% are on board.

Laws that Should be Enacted in Work

The world of work is ripe for reform, according to the American public. Gen Z is leading the charge against weekend work, while a majority across all generations dream of a four-day workweek. 

Remote work has emerged as the office rebel of the modern era. With 36% of respondents demanding a permanent ban on return-to-office mandates, it’s clear that many employees have grown accustomed to the freedom and productivity gains of working from their couch. And let’s not forget the war on pointless meetings – a quarter of Americans are ready to declare email the ultimate office communicator. It’s time for the corporate world to get with the program or risk a mutiny.

Laws that Should be Enacted in Tech

Technology has made our lives easier in many ways, but it’s also created a whole new set of annoyances. The dreaded suggested tip prompt at checkout (for non-table service purchases) is public enemy number one, with over 40% of people wanting it banned. And as for those restaurants that have ditched physical menus in favor of QR codes, a third of Americans are ready to order up some old-school paper.

Laws that Should be Enacted in Politics

When it comes to politics, age is clearly a hot-button issue. Gen Z is leading the charge for a younger presidency, with 73% in favor of an age limit. While older generations are more divided, it’s clear that there’s a growing sentiment for new blood in the White House.

Laws that Should be Enacted Related to Pet Peeves

America, it seems, is a nation full of simmering frustrations. Here’s a snapshot of other laws people think should be implemented: 

• One in three Americans can’t stand the echoey of the omnipresent speakerphone monologue polluting their public spaces. 
• Nearly half the population is tired of being cut in line, dreaming of a world where patience is a virtue, not an optional accessory.
• Two in five Americans are ready to turn down the volume on their fellow citizens, with Baby Boomers leading the charge.
• Women are more likely than men to want to outlaw public shirtless displays of sports fandom, a trend that might make tailgating a much more covered-up affair. 
• As for mansplaining, while it’s not a top contender for legislation, the 30% of women who’ve had enough might just start a movement.

Closing Thoughts

From the mundane to the monumental, Americans have strong opinions about what should and shouldn’t be legal. Whether it’s taming tech terrors or overhauling outdated work norms, the desire for change is clear. Our survey reveals a nation ready to rewrite the rules on everything from relationships to politics.

At Weiss & Paarz, we understand that laws shape our lives in profound ways. That’s why we embarked on this journey to uncover the public’s deepest-held legal desires. By shining a light on these issues, we hope to spark a conversation about what kind of society we want to build.

Methodology 

To gauge public sentiment on potential laws, a nationwide survey was conducted in 2024. A total of 2,221 Americans participated, providing insights into their pet peeves, dating preferences, and workplace expectations. The survey aimed to identify which everyday annoyances or societal issues respondents believed should be legally prohibited. Data was collected on a state-by-state basis to understand regional preferences, although results from Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming were excluded due to insufficient sample sizes.

Survey participants were asked a variety of closed-ended questions with multiple-choice or Likert scale answers. These questions explored attitudes towards various social and behavioral issues, inquiring about which actions or behaviors should be considered illegal. Demographic information, including age, gender, and location, was also collected to enable analysis of trends across different population segments. The data collected was then analyzed to identify patterns, preferences, and regional disparities in desired legislation.

Disclaimer: The historical information and specific statistics displayed above are solely designed to provide general knowledge to the public and are being used as a part of attorney marketing. Cited statistics and statements were taken from the research of various independent websites (referenced above). Weiss & Paarz did not take any steps to replicate the findings of any sources used in this infographic, nor were the numbers or results displayed above independently verified by Weiss & Paarz.