...where I come from (Philly), it can definitely be perceived as rude/aggressive. Comin' from a city, I usually just avoid eye contact, and I rarely greet people on the streets. So on that level, I can see why this guy (although unnecessarily) reacted the way he did.
Yeah, I can definitely see this.
I was raised in a small southern city, and it was tough to grasp the concept of no eye contact when I eventually adventured to big cities.
It's strange how in one area eye contact is considered respectful, while in another, not two hours away, the same eye contact is considered disrespectful or even a challenge.
They are different areas though, and have resulted in the formation of different mannerisms, which, though inconvenient at times, I tend to enjoy.
~Sphinx