The Loss of Public Space
Where has our public space gone? For the past month at least, I’ve been riding the train when some ass with an old school phone shows up with the thing blaring and the rest of the car has to sit and listen to whatever horrible dreck is streaming forth from said phone.
It’s so annoying.
Today I’d almost had it. But, in an effort to contain myself, I started wondering what exactly causes the breakdown of public behavior. Tom seems to think it’s narcissistic personality. I’m prone to argue, along sociological lines, that it has to do with power–it’s a reclaiming of space they want or need but don’t have. I’m sure theories abound. But it all seems to do with the loss of the idea that anyone exists but yourself. It’s not even a choice to be rude; it’s a total lack of awareness of others around you.
I used to really like riding the train. At least I didn’t hate it. And now I find myself actually forced to plug into some headset or earphones to avoid other people’s need to not realize anyone else exists but them. I’m forced to be disconnected.
Or else kill them in a blatant fit of rage.