Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Back, Back

I have this thing about personal space. Mainly with strangers. Well, even if I know who you are but don't really know you, I do need you to not be all in my area. However, if I know you or I'm trying to get to know you (haaay boo!), then no problem.

However, I have come to find out that personal space may be a cultural thing. I am beginning to find that that when I'm out among "my" people, that I don't have to worry about getting extra breath in my face or turning around and damn near knocking you over. For example, I go to J & J's last night to pick up a dinner, and folks are spaced out, waiting their turn. There isn't even a formal line, however people know who's before them and when it's their turn. No one's breathing down another person's back trying to put that order in for some catfish... people are respecting the personal space.

Now fast forward to today. I ran out to grab lunch at Subway, it's packed to the point that the line is almost out the door. Also, there's a formal line. However, as I am in line, the man behind me is on my back to the point if I were to try scratch my back, I would elbow him in his rib cage. And he would probably look at me like I'm in the wrong but he's not respecting my area.

I really think there are only certain places that being pressed up on total strangers is okay.

The Club
-Since the majority of clubs (or should I say restaurants since promoters often do not utilize actual clubs) are small in size and the fact that doormen are going to violate the crowd capacity, booty bumping with someone you don't know is going to happen. You prepare yourself as you are getting dressed and pre-gaming that this will occur. Therefore, as you are at the bar trying to get that Goose and Cran, and brotha man next to you is pushing his way up, you can't even get mad. It's the club promoters faults.

The Concert (General Admission Only)
-More than likely, you are in groupie/fan mode and are trying to get as close to the stage as possible to see your favorite artist. You got the digi or the cell out trying to capture the beads of sweat on the forehead and feel the bass in your body. And you can't really get mad at the chick behind you screaming "I want to have your baby," because low key.. you thinking the same thing. And you can't lie.. you want to hold his hand. However, at concerts where there is assigned seating, I don't need to feel any part of your body across the seat.

Wherever Obama Is
-He's our (Black) President. He's wonderful. He's great. He's awesome. He's the homie. Enough said.

Festivals/Fairs
-We all know the Taste is jam packed the entire two weeks it goes on. The city of Chicago, the state of Illinois, folks from across the country come into town for it. It's national. All ages, races are out.. so yeah, you're going to feel somebody bump you with a stroller and it's going to take you 20 minutes to get to the next booth. *sigh*

How do you feel about personal space? Did I miss some venues where it's acceptable?

4 comments:

T said...

Yeah, this is cultural indeed. Then if you ask someone to get off of you, they act like YOU'RE the one being rude. Madness!

Another place you missed is the CTA. We're always packed on buses and trains like sardines in the Chi. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you want personal space... drive to work. LOL!

ThummyB said...

Now I will say...I've had to talk myself down at every general admission concernt that I've attended.

It's not that I don't understand that we're all trying to get close to the stage. It's that I don't understand why you (general 'you') think it's ok to leave the front of the crowd...go for a drink...and then try to return to your spot, nor do I understand why 'you' think it's ok to ask me to step aside so that you can stand DIRECTLY in front of me.

Every rip I'm saying to myself 'Chill, Thummy...we're going to have a good night tonight. You're not going to let this make you mad.'

LOL!

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