Subway Etiquette

NYC Subway

“Etiquette is very important when so many people are crammed into such small spaces. First of all, when preparing to board the subway, let people off of the train before shoving your way inside. Take only one seat when it’s crowded -- don’t put your feet up, put your bag on a seat, or sprawl all over the car. Be gallant and give up your seat if you see a pregnant, elderly, or handicapped person standing. Most importantly, keep your hands (and the rest of your body parts) to yourself.” (About.com)

Are these etiquette rules followed in the NYC subway?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzHHuh7J8Bs

Whiteheads fantastic writings on the NYC subway scene inspired me to reflect on my own subway experiences:

SUBWAY ARCHETYPES

The Pervert…….stared at me without blinking for 10 minutes straight and said, “I like the way you adjusted your pants.”

The Asshole…..is 1 of 40 sardines in this can of a subway and yet is the only one yelling and cursing (at the woman who happened to accidentally bump into him): “Don’t fucking touch me!”

The Performer….made my day when he and his buddy formed a gigantic human ball and rolled down the train aisle. My sister’s first nyc subway ride experience couldn’t have been more perfect.

The Beggar….will unfortunately have to continue to beg from one train car to another.

The Old Lady…is very rarely offered a seat …..unless I’m in the train car (cuz my mother raised me right).

The Student….is me, reading a book, and listening to my ipod in hopes of escaping my claustrophobic hell.

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