The commute is a machine, and frankly, I think it zaps our individual consciousness at least for the period when we are actually in transit. There is an element of savagery and selfishness; for the most part, it is understood that this is an segment of society that - for the rush hour - does not consistently observe common courtesies or social standards for things like personal space. People RUN, SQUEEZE and ELBOW to get to a platform, an empty seat, the elevator down to the tracks. There are no standards for personal decorum. The standard is, "Get there first."
Case in point, some large person today propelled me off the train and into the queue for the escalator and right up to the concourse using the force of his beer gut. And he knew what he was doing because I looked over my shoulder to convey to him the enormity of the skeeve of it all. He had jutted out the belly, held his head back slightly and moved me along. There was nowhere to go and his size, combined with momentum would not allow me to dig in my heels and come to a stop. I had to go with it. And it was disgusting. He bullied me with blubber. And sure, I did feel violated because it was so deliberate and it was a highly disgusting and inappropriate way to motivate me. What the hell was he thinking? He had no modesty whatsoever and probably got a little satisfaction out of it. Don't touch me with that thing, ya horse's ass.
Clearly, that annoyed me but it got me off thinking that men who don't give up their seats to women on a crowded train are the cretins of the rail. I have never, ever seen a man do the chivalrous thing and offer his seat to a woman. These are largely 30-something men who have to know better. Granted there is a lot of diversity on that train, but you cannot tell me that the majority of mothers in this world do not make an effort to impart the concept of respect and courtesy to their sons. I'm going to make a point of inquiring of the next guy I see who lets a woman stand in the aisle and doesn't offer up his seat.
When do you become that person? I want to know.
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EWWW! Reminds me of my old biker days... Once I was standing in a food line at an event attended by a large percentage of "outlaws." I had one hand on my hip and the next thing I know, one of those "outlaws" was using my bare elbow to scratch his bare beer gut that was sticking out from his black leather vest. And yes, I just stood there and took it. You don't mess with those guys... Well, now that I bring back that memory, I guess I can skip lunch!
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