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Illustration by Billy O'Keefe/Chronicle
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First rule of deodorant: Please use deodorant |
by Leslie D. McClellan
Guest Columnist |
Due to the fact that Columbia is mostly a commuter school, and a great number of us rely on public transportation, I believe it is time for a return to the basics of CTA etiquette. I firmly believe that we could all benefit from this review and even share our knowledge with the entire city of Chicago.
The first thing to remember is that this is public transportation and it behooves us all to be as courteous as possible. When riding the train or bus you have very little personal space. There is no personal air supply; we all share that. Still, it has become painfully apparent to me that a number of people riding the trains and buses have no regard for their fellow passengers.
For instance, why do people yawn without covering their mouths? What makes people think the person sitting next to them wants the privilege of seeing every cavity in their mouths? It isn't our fault that you didn't see the urgency in going to the dentist. Aside from that, most of the people who do this have stinky breath. I definitely do not need to partake in anyone's nasty-smelling, or even good-smelling, breath. The first rule of CTA etiquette: Cover your mouths!
The second thing we may need to go over is body odor. Now I understand that not everyone believes in using deodorant. I also understand that some people actually enjoy that "I've been very active and haven't washed up in days" smell. However, not everyone you ride the trains and buses with shares the same philosophy.
We don't want to smell you. Be stinky at home. If you have to go somewhere, humor the rest of us and put some deodorant on. The truth is, body odor can make some people nauseous. How would you feel if someone got sick and the bus driver or train conductor had to stop? Then everyone would really be angry with you. Rule number two: Smell fresh when leaving the house.
This third rule of CTA etiquette may seem elementary; however, it is prevalent--believe me. When you sneeze or cough, please cover you face. Did you know it only takes a small amount of spittle from one thoughtless person to make another person ill? How sick is it for you to sneeze and not cover your nose? We are talking pre-school manners here. This is probably why it is so easy for the flu to go around, as they say. This small act of politeness could save lots of adults and children money on medicine and doctor bills.
One other thing that is getting totally out of hand is the shoving and pushing that goes on when a train pulls into a station. You must keep in mind that everyone is trying to get somewhere. Everyone is probably late just like you. Everyone wants to sit down. IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!!! If you are fortunate enough not to be running late, you really should try to be considerate and let the pushing people go first. It will save you a headache in the end.
This situation has become so common that even the elderly and children are no longer safe; they get trampled like everyone else. I know we've all heard that "there is another train following this one" speech. The truth is, sometimes there really is another train, and if you let all of the rude crazy pushing people get on one train, chances are good you'll have a little more room on the train that follows.
It is also important to remember that children are watching you, and they repeat what they see. Perhaps that's why there are so many rude adults riding the trains and buses now.
There comes a time in everyone's life when they must make a change. Today is as good a time as any to make that change and become a little more considerate of others. These simple rules of etiquette for the train or bus will make many people very happy, and will make all of our rides more bearable. |
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