reesesWeb

What is it with people on the subway? In crowded spaces, especially cities, it is essential to abide by the social contract -- try not to step on other people's toes, don't make anyone miserable, and keep to yourself. It's not that hard to understand: don't do the things that would make you irate if someone did them to you. It's the golden rule, but given emphasis because in a large, crowded, city, you can't avoid other people.

So why is it that in the most crowded area (the Metro) of one of the biggest cities in the world, (Manhattan, New York City) that people are rude and invasive? New Yorkers generally aren't this way. Sure, you have a bunch of bad apples in the big apple, but I estimate it's less than 1% of the population. This just happens to be 70 000 people, so you're bound to run into a few of them throughout the day. The rest of the people are really courteous, friendly, and nice. I suspect this is because they figured out the urban golden rule, that manners are lubrication to keep us from killing everyone else on the street.

MANNERS == LIFE!

There are two things I noticed this morning that tend to be a constant thread of annoyance.

1. Take off your frickin' backpack if you're going to be on a crowded train! Yes, I know it's a pain, and awkward, and you have to keep hold of it, but believe me, that poor person you're crushing with your 1' hunchback is thinking of nothing less than pushing you into a red mist at the front of a rushing train.
2. If you're standing in a crowded subway car, and there's a seat open right in front of you, don't be "polite" and remain standing. Sit! You'll alleviate the pressure of the people around you, rather than scrunching them in some vain attempt not to slight someone who might have been on the train first. If you think the person standing next to you was there first, give them a couple seconds to make a move for the seat. If they don't take it, you should.
   This is like people in lines of cars -- they hold up thirty cars behind them to let a car out of a driveway at a green light. Lesson: go fast through the green light, get as many people as possible, and only let the person out of the driveway when the light turns red. Duh!

Kat and I went to the Holocaust Museum Sunday, because that's how we have a good time. I went in pretty suspicious, because anyone whose life or outlook would be changed by such a museum is probably a kid or an idiot. Then again, my perspective is that we have to be aware, because it can happen at any time. Not to be very aware of the speed and ferocity with which a nation can turn against a group of people is to be naive.

I was also disappointed by the muting of the message. Discussions about the Holocaust should feel as if a sledgehammer were driven between your eyes. It shouldn't just be a little uncomfortable. People should come out angry and ready to kill to prevent it from happening again.

Anyway, at the museum, there are little exhibits, some of which have admittedly small text. There can be a ring of people standing a respectable and courteous distance from the exhibit, so everyone has the chance to read. A trail of idiots will come up, stand in front of everyone, and block the exhibit while they read. I especially love the ones who use the railing to rest their leg, and lean in, so there is no chance that anyone might catch the least glimpse from the side.

People. Can't live with 'em.

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