Chivalry Is Dead

Or maybe it's just dead on Chicago public transportation.

Any time I'm on the train or the bus I see the most awful violations that make me feel that chivalry is indeed dead.

Yesterday was the worst I've seen in a long time. I got on with at least 3 other people, including a little old lady. The train was full and not once did I see anyone offer the little old lady a seat.

Two stops after we got on, there was an empty seat. I turned around to tell the old lady so she could sit down. Out of nowhere, some guy just sprinted to the empty seat and sat down.

Now, I get it, you're tired from work or whatever. But seriously... you don't think it's wrong that you ran to the seat and not even think: oh maybe that old lady wanted to sit down because she has weak legs and the train is moving very fast. I mean, seriously, the CTA does not put in writing and in recorded messages that the elderly and people with disabilities have priority in seats for their own benefit.

Right after he sat down, he immediately started jamming to his ipod and covered his face with his hood. It was clear this guy has done this before. I was mad. I didn't even care that I wasn't offered the seat. I was tired too... but, I thought about how one time I saw a old man fall on the train, and he broke his hip. His cries made me hurt. I never want to see that again, especially because it's so preventable. I just wanted the old lady to have a seat so she wouldn't fall.

Another man saw how mean the other guy was and offered his seat to the little old lady. I told him thank you.

I wanted to punch the first guy the whole train ride.

But I realized that it's not only on the train/bus but it's anywhere in the city. For every one male who opens a door, there are at least 9 more who will let the door slam in your face. What. The. Fuck?