IS KINDNESS ON THE MENU?
In one of those moments where I ask, "And we need legislation for this?" I read this morning that:
What does bother me, however, is the actual necessity of this. Who says no to a pregnant woman when she wants to use the restroom? When did decency go out style?
Every morning I ride the subway to work, and I can't tell you how many times I've had to leap from my seat, rush halfway across the car, and offer it to an elderly or pregnant woman, since no one else thought to do so. Why "leap" and "rush"? Because, as anyone who rides a rush-hour train'll tell you, there are dozens of able-bodied young men who'll sneak in and take it as I try to do my deed of good citizenry.
I'm telling you, this has happened many, many times. And it bothers me every time.
Texas would join two other states that mandate access to employee-only restrooms for anyone with a pressing medical condition, including pregnancyI know I've been known to rant from time-to-time about governmental meddling in private life, but I'll level no objections here. This doesn't bother me at all.
What does bother me, however, is the actual necessity of this. Who says no to a pregnant woman when she wants to use the restroom? When did decency go out style?
Every morning I ride the subway to work, and I can't tell you how many times I've had to leap from my seat, rush halfway across the car, and offer it to an elderly or pregnant woman, since no one else thought to do so. Why "leap" and "rush"? Because, as anyone who rides a rush-hour train'll tell you, there are dozens of able-bodied young men who'll sneak in and take it as I try to do my deed of good citizenry.
I'm telling you, this has happened many, many times. And it bothers me every time.
posted by Mike at 8:19 AM
16 Comments:
When did decency go out style?
See "McCarthyism".
Thanks, Mr. Welch.
You know what I'm talking about. I actually have some theories, but they're not fully formulated, nor am I willing to air them publicly yet.
Maybe I will at some point.
There are few things that bother me more than that. Able-bodied young men vying for a close parking spot (you can walk, dickhead) is another one.
After I have given up my seat for an elderly person, a pregnant woman, or a really hot chick, and I stand there holding on the rail or strap, I will still see an old lady standing or struggling while some twentysomething sits in a pile of their own selfishness. Oh, they plainly see the old lday. There is eye contact and everything. And they look away. No shame.
Indeed, are decency and chivalry dead?
or a really hot chick
Indeed, I forgot that one.
But usually I allow the hot chicks to stand, so I can seem . . . Steve McQueen-ish, somewhat unphased by their stunning beauty.
Plus, I hope they'll stand in front of me, giving me a better view.
You know what I'm talking about.
Sorry. I do.
I actually have some theories, but they're not fully formulated, nor am I willing to air them publicly yet.
Can we blame it on the "me generation" narcissism of the 70's?
Actually that wasn't even part of the theory. I'd better add it in.
Like tofu, decency has been scientifically proven to promote gayness. Count me out, homos!
This is true, Thrill. And the fact that I didn't think of that must prove that I'm gay, too.
And there is something wrong with that.
So, in order to prevent The Neighborhood from becoming a hangout for Teh Gays, I will now kick a pregnant lady out of her seat on the subway, force an old lady to eat the tofu I carry at all times, and declare my allegiance to James Dobson.
Farewell all, it's been great knowing you, but I'm moving to the Castro tonight.
Frankly, I'd like to see those laws enacted at the national level and expanded to include as cases of medical need "Any person who needs to urinate so badly that they are nearly doubled over in obvious agony."
Seriously, businesses that pull that "Our restroom is for employees only" crap on me? They lose my business. I have to fucking pee, OK? What are you, inhuman?
(I actually wanted to start a campaign with the theme "Universal Restroom Access Now!". The accompanying logo was to be a fist rising up in defiance out of a toilet.)
businesses that pull that "Our restroom is for employees only" crap on me? They lose my business. I have to fucking pee, OK? What are you, inhuman?
You could always ofer them a choice: the restroom, or the floor in front of the cashier.
I actually wanted to start a campaign with the theme "Universal Restroom Access Now!". The accompanying logo was to be a fist rising up in defiance out of a toilet.
Please tell em you're joking, and that you just made that up now.
Please?
You're serious aren't you?
Please tell em you're joking, and that you just made that up now.
Nope. Thought that up back in the early nineties. I was pretty exercised about the issue. Believe me, if CafePress had existed back then? I'd have sold thousands of t-shirts and bumperstickers by now. Just seems like a campaign people would get behind.
Hmmmmm...
back in the early nineties. I was pretty exercised about the issue
The clear result of a beer-fueled bladder, a young man's passion, and a stubborn rule-abiding punk behind the counter.
I would've been one of the T-shirt purchasers.
Back in the dark ages before cameras were cheap, a few of my friends peed on the front glass of stores that wouldn't let them use the restroom. Being a decent sort, I went around back in times of emergencies...
One friend that seemed to enjoy that game a little too much finally got arrested for it, and they slapped in a Public Intoxication charge for good measure.
I don't know that he learned not to do it, but he did learn not to do it when a cop is parked nearby, drinking coffee and eating donuts.
I wonder what ever happened to that guy? He's probably a congressman now.
I wonder what ever happened to that guy? He's probably a congressman now.
The pisser or the cop?
Not the cop. He was a decent guy.
Small town and all...
The lovely and talented Malibu Stacy broke her foot a few months ago, and every morning on the train -- giant cast on her foot, crutches under each arm -- no one would get up. Ridiculous.
I love New York a hell of a lot, but it's moments like that that make me miss the South.
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