Every morning I ride the #11 Lincoln bus to work. Lately I've been using public transportation a lot, in preparation for not having a car. Sidenote: My parents are coming up to Chicago for Thanksgiving and driving my car back to Florida. This is happening by choice. It's pretty easy to live in Chicago without a car.
Something that has begun to irk me is how young people rarely relinquish their seats to the elderly and to pregnant women on the bus. It just really bothers me when I see this. It's like we live in this society that won't man-up and do the right thing. Not to be sexist but... hey guy, if you see an elderly lady struggling just to make it up the bus steps, get up! Don't let the young lady sitting a couple rows back who gives up her seat make you look bad. It's like people don't understand that if you're sitting at the front of the bus you have to be extra aware of the elderly...those seats are meant for them, not you.
A lot of times it's obvious when to give up your seat. But I will say, sometimes it's not so obvious. For example I've struggled with whether or not to give my seat to someone like an older man in his 60's. A man with grayish hair, looks older, but looks in overall good shape. In these situations I don't want to insult him by offering my seat...especially since I'm a girl in my 20's and there's some weird age/gender things going on there. Plus I don't want to make anyone feel old.
One thing that I always look out for is pregnant women. I make sure to give my seat to them always. Sometimes they decline...but you gotta ask.
Sometimes I think chivalry is dead on the CTA. The other day while we were boarding the red line, my female friend was nearly knocked over by a guy trying to get into the train. Seriously?
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7 comments:
public transportation is one of the places where people are just in their OWN world and in a hurry like no other place.
...maybe next time offer the 60ish something man if he wants to sit on your lap...i bet that they would appreciate that offer more ;-)
Very true. People have their newspaper, their ipod, etc...and aren't really engaged in the world around them. Perhaps this is why no one notices.
But one time was really funny. An elderly man stepped onto the bus. The bus driver actually addressed the bus, asking if someone would like to give up thier seat for the man. No one moved. (Awkward!) Then finally, someone got up.
This is a common complaint usually covered in the RedEye. So you're not alone.
thanks George.
Counter-point: I was standing up on the bus today and this elderly obese lady with a cane kept thwaping my leg with it. I kept looking at her and she would stop for a minute before continuing up again. What's my point? I'm calling out the ungrateful old people, yeah, that's right!
No, seriously, I always try and give up my seat.
is chivalry just dead on public transportation or is it just dead in general?
at sarah's wedding, all the bridesmaids were talking about how when a nice evening or event is happening, women not only dress up nicely but they act properly. women are more likely to not talk with their mouth full, say please and thank you, and hold their silverware properly. whereas the guys tend to dress up nice (suit and tie) but yet they still act the same (check sports scores on their phone, tell a crude joke, chew with their mouth open, etc.)
maybe...chivalry is just dead in our generation.
either way, it's too bad.
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