Transit Etiquette

A few things to keep in mind when using public transit:

The train conductor really is there to help you. Listen to them. When they tell you to move to the center of the car, it's because they want everyone to be able to board. It's not because they want to annoy you. If the platform is full, you cannot simply enter into the car and stop in the doorway.

The purpose of wearing headphones on public transport is to save _other people_ from having to listen to whatever you're deafening yourself with. If we can still hear it, what's the point?

Maybe it's different in your city, but in DC you walk to the left on escalators and stand to the right. It's a nice system, but only if everyone participates. First-timers may be excused, but just pay attention to your environment...it's pretty obvious.

When people bump into you on a crowded train, chances are it's because the train is...crowded. No malice intended. Conversely, yelling and shoving people in front of you into an already overcrowded traincar = very bad idea. Don't.

Just a few thoughts on my morning commute today. Have a good one, people!

posted from Bloggeroid

Civility

It's so hard for me to have a civil conversation about something I feel passionately about, especially with someone who disagress with me.

It's hard to communicate reasoned thought when overcome by emotion.

This doesn't mean that emotion is bad, or less valid than reason. It just leaves me ill-equipped to communicate when clear communication is most necessary.

When you feel threatened, it's fight or flight. No time to find the right words. Little opportunity for civility.

Mostly, the meat of such conversations remains unexpressed, indigestible.

posted from Bloggeroid