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October 28, 2005
Whose Seat? My Seat.
On any given day, a NYC subway seat bank designed for eight derrières yields about six or less, given the girth of those fortunate enough to secure a spot earlier in the train route. If one is lucky, the space between the two people taking up two seats each is just large enough to shoehorn themselves into. I take up this challenge about 50% of the time.
There are 21 subway stops from the door of my home to the door of my office. This commute takes about forty-five to fifty minutes to accomplish and, depending on my ability to get out the door in a timely fashion, usually merits me a seat by the time the train hits Lower Manhattan. It is not impossible for me to stand for the entire trip, however like any human being, I enjoy parking my rear for a few minutes before the business day begins, even if that means sandwiching myself between two other large, warm and uncomfortably close asses.
I try to be aware of other’s needs as much as my slowly closing eyes will allow, getting up for the elderly, pregnant women, and the occasional really weary looking person. Sometimes, eye contact alone lets you know that someone really needs a seat. I offer that to them and hope that, one day, another person will do the same for me.
There is a woman who boards the train at Chambers Street nearly every day at the same door. She looks to be in her late 30’s and appears to be of good health, though that assumption is purely speculative. She moves to the bench opposite the doors, makes eye contact with at least one sitting person and loudly requests that she have their seat. This generally results in two or three people looking up at her incredulously, as if to say “What is your problem, woman?” Expressions are generally quizzical, scanning her body and wondering what possible malady, physical or emotional, might necessitate this woman’s request. Then it is a battle of the seated—each person sits for as long as they are able until the other gives up and yields their spot. I have never seen her left standing.
I have no idea what this woman’s issue is, or if she even has an issue. She could very well have a problem that requires her to be seated for the three stops that she rides prior to disembarking. Perhaps she is just smarter than everyone else in the car, realizing that your average subway rider has a conscience and that conscience will impel them, at some point, to be a good citizen. Or maybe she is just a giant pain in the ass. Whatever the reason, I always find myself getting up. That is, until I devised an entirely new and novel solution—to just board another car in the morning, alleviating the moral responsibility altogether.
I wonder, however, if I could get away with such a request.
Posted by callalillie at October 28, 2005 9:44 AM | City Life
fuck that. she doesn't need the seat. i say you walk on with a cane and see if people give you a seat.
Posted by: tien at October 28, 2005 10:42 AM
If I had an unseeable ailment for which I'd need to sit on the subway (a tricky hip or weird knee) I feel like I'd owe a brief explanation to whoever I was asking to give up their seat. That lady would drive me insane!
With winter coming and bulky coats coming in, space is even more of a commodity. Having to stand the whole way to work or home makes me really grumpy.
Posted by: Liz at October 28, 2005 11:30 AM
My biggest peeve are the normal or skinny people who still manage to take up two seats. They are akin to the diagonal walkers-- you know, the people who manage to take up an entire sidewalk while walking, making it impossible for you to pass them. Usually this involves a cell phone or iPod.
Posted by: corie at October 28, 2005 11:33 AM
Just ever so kindly say "may I have your" seat.
Give it a try!
Posted by: Brenda at October 28, 2005 11:47 AM
Maybe she's doing research.
I could not do this research. I would have panic attacks.
Posted by: beth at October 28, 2005 11:52 AM
By the way in which this woman requests a seat, it seems highly unlikely that she is doing research. But who knows! If i ever see her again maybe I will have a recorder with me.
Posted by: corie at October 28, 2005 11:55 AM
Why not see if you can get away with it by requesting HER seat...at the very least you may find out why she thinks she is so deserving of it.
Posted by: Kris at October 28, 2005 3:52 PM
Why not see if you can get away with it by requesting HER seat...at the very least you may find out why she thinks she is so deserving of it.
Posted by: Kris at October 28, 2005 3:54 PM
Caryn wrote about a similar thing happening....maybe the two women are related!
Posted by: Dahl at October 28, 2005 4:01 PM
well...i finally knew that i was "showing" when this guy offered me his seat at the 8th avenue L stop. i would never ask someone for their seat...but it's nice when offered...kind of starts a dominoe effect of smiles...i guess this is one of the very,very few benefits of being a soon to be mom...
Posted by: sherry at October 28, 2005 4:56 PM
The issue is.... The people giving her a seat. I think. I went thru this every morning when riding the train. A woman, over sized, demanding a seat; loudly. I never got up for her, she would stare as if i commited a crime of chivalry.
Posted by: William Fuentes at October 28, 2005 7:33 PM
Why hasn't the subway taken any cues from handicap parking and those little placards hanging from rearview mirrors? Anyone who needs a seat should be issued a wheelchair sign to hang from their nose - no confusion, and everyone will be on the same page.
Posted by: matt at October 28, 2005 7:50 PM
