The Death of (Commuting) Chivalry

I realize many of my woes revolve around commuting, but then again, much of my day does, so it's only logical.

During many of my case study observations (read: time spent people-watching on the bus), I've noticed that certain courtesies, which are slowly declining in the regular population, are disappearing at an unnaturally rapid rate on public transit.

Bottom line:
Seats are valuable. 
They are filled on a first come, first served basis.
No mercy is given to anyone who might be in greater need of the seat than the person whose rear claimed it first.

There is no such thing as chivalry, or letting women fill seats before men.
There is no sign of courtesy for elderly passengers.
Parents with young children in tow are seen as an inconvenience, rather than an adorable family on an MTA adventure together.
(The one and ONLY exception I have seen is giving up a seat for pregnant women...but they usually are wise enough to avoid rush hour buses).

It's discouraging to witness. And yet, I totally understand it. I would much rather sit and run down my iPhone battery flipping through apps than use a sweaty pole to balance myself on every short stop the driver makes.

One of my favorite peripheral observations happens to be a scientific phenomenon: Hund's Rule.
Hund's Rule states that atoms will occupy every individual orbit available before pairing up.

I always remembered this rule by picturing a crowded NYC bus:
Each person will hungrily claim a seat in an empty row before sitting down next to someone. 

However, my MO is to fear the unknown. I would rather sit down next a tiny, quiet old lady than risk sitting in an orbital row that may very soon become occupied by a profusely sweating atom individual.



Addendum: I found this amazing piece of art after writing this post, but it could not exemplify it more perfect. Serious credit to Nathan Pyle