Sure Culture Shock and other books give you some idea of the customs in a new place. According to all the homework I did before moving here, I learned that Swedes like queues and rules. I read that even if people don't formally organize in a line, they know precisely in what order they arrived and when it is their turn to board. Perhaps that is true in the country side or small cities, but Stockholm is just like any other cosmopolitan center. People are in a rush and the queue, invisible or otherwise, is maintained by only a few fellow passengers. This is completely un-unique to Stockholm, so I only mention it because the books told me otherwise.
I have yet to figure out, though, why passengers feel the need to get up and move towards the door while the bus or train is still moving. Maybe you are thinking: what? but I was told to stay seated while the bus is in motion (along with keeping appendages inside the car). Isn't it dangerous? Won't people just be more likely to fall and injure themselves (and those around them)?
I understand that occasionally one might be in a hurry, needing to jump on the next bus or run to make an appointment. But, the frequency with which this happens suggests otherwise. It is just part of the culture of riding public transportation, and yes, I have seen plenty of people stumble as a result. The thing is, whether you agree with it or not, you often times get forced to play along because you are in the way of someone who demands to move five steps closer to the door. It's a little bit of a passive agressive bullying really - some "coughs", personal space invasion, and some muttering under the breath. Don't get me wrong, I have had my share of unfortunate run-ins with bus and train doors closing at inopportune times, so I get that there may be some sense of urgency. But I can't help but think that something could be done (for example, drivers wait an extra 20 seconds before closing doors) to eliminate the "need".
Maybe I am still hearing my teachers and camp counselors yelling that we won't be going anywhere until everyone is in their seats. And certainly, I am too sensitive. But I personally like to stay seated or, more likely, holding on to a railing and standing, while the car is still in motion. Call me old fashioned...I don't mind.
That's another example of a bureaucrat thinking they know best. If that house were built in another city, the bureaucrats would slap a notice on the structure and say "tear it down".
Posted by: Moncler outlet | September 23, 2011 at 06:45 PM