My Soap Box

The Stand Around and Watcher
I was watching a news story on CNN where a woman cashier was punched in the face at a convenient store when she refused to sell an item to a man who didn't have the money to pay for it.  She was punched in the face for $0.41!!!!  Ridiculous.  Even more ridiculous were the four men standing in line who did NOTHING!  They stood there and watched.  Now I get that the whole thing was probably pretty shocking, but they didn't even care that she had been punched.  They just stepped forward in line as the man left and waited for her to check them out.

I am so tired of watching these videos of people just standing around as some one is beaten.  We've turned into a society of weaklings and the bullies know it.  The guy at the store knew no one would stop him from punching the woman behind the counter.  If there are no decent human beings willing to stop the evil-doers, they will continue to trample the weak and unprepared.

I understand why many women don't involve themselves in physical altercations.  Often times we feel too small and unable to intervene.  As a society, I think we've handcuffed the "good" men.  The ones who would be willing to help are taught at a young age that "it's none of their business" and they "shouldn't get involved".  That's total crap!!!  There's a reason that people who are willing to step in and stop atrocities are heralded in the news as heroes.  It's sad that what was once considered common decency is now a heroic act.

The Plane Leaner-Backer
There are many things people do that are just plain inconsiderate to other members of the human race. We litter, we cut in line, we sneeze without covering our mouths. I think one of the absolute rudest things anyone can do is lean their seat back on an airplane. I apologize to all those people who do lean their seats back, but it really is rude.

I NEVER do it. How much more comfort do those 2-3 inches really provide? Basically none. We're all stuffed on the plane enough as it is; taking any additional space from the person behind you is just selfish. I'm a relatively small person of average height and when the person in front of me leans back, my tray is pushed uncomfortably close and I feel like my head is just inches from the back of the seat. It makes it more difficult for me to get to my various entertainment options and there is NO WAY to type on a computer without getting carpal tunnel.

Also, if you're like me, you get more self-conscience about your body movements. I hate the idea of bumping the chair and knocking the person around, even if they are in my space. The whole thing is really inconsiderate.