Shame
There something about riding on the tube. Not sure quite what it is; something clearly felt but never properly perceived. The symptoms, or effects (to steer clear of making it sound like a problem) are quite evident. They include, avoiding the eyes of others, an intent interest in publications which only a waiting room could make interesting and a strong desire that one could make one’s journey alone.
You can contrast these with the inverse of course.There are many, who, enjoying the false sense of privacy that comes from a throng of strangers are quite content to discuss the most intimate and personal of details on their mobile phone. Recently an additional layer of strange has been heaped upon this by the invention of wireless Bluetooth headsets. It is now quite common to see people confidently and often loudly engaged in unilateral conversations on the train. Gauging whether a person is delusional or merely holding a conversation is quite difficult in practice.
One of the most intriguing elements of travelling on the train or tube is the notion of personal space. If you have never seen a video of the sort of thing that goes on in Japan then consider it recommended that you do. The image of white gloved attendants manhandling passengers should prove indelible and fascinating. Once you have seen what goes on elsewhere it only serves to highlight how odd some of the things that happen here in the UK are.
Take most city platforms between 5.15 and 6.30 for instance. A sizeable group of people are present. The main aim of whom is to return safely to their various places of residence an enjoy what may be left of the evening when they get there. Despite this seemingly clear goal they will quite contentedly insist on maintain their personal space, and allowing others to maintain theirs even where this results in a delay to their journey.
BHG has been known to occasionally use the Docklands Light Railway in South East London. It operates a very useful and regular service. During the working week you can nearly always expect the next train to be no more than ten minutes away; often less than three. Despite this passengers contribute tremendously to delay the system wherever possible. At one terminus in Stratford, the queue of persons waiting to board will calmly line up in front of the doors. Five days each week, fifty-two weeks each year the same group of workers and student will form a human wall in an apparent effort to prevent anyone on the packed train alighting and continuing their journey.
Rules of privacy and conduct apply. The same individual stood in line will avoid eye contact and respond aggressively if their personal space is invaded. Just a few stops up the line, on the same line I should stress, at Canary wharf those waiting for the train wil have formed a pair of orderly lines perpendicular to the line in a display of almost spontaneous organisation. Ants would be proud.
Yes, you guessed it.
