18th October 2006

Chivalry is dead on public transportation

posted in Chicago Stuff, Pregnancy, Office Rants |

My husband reminded me yesterday of one of my biggest complaints when pregnant- riding public transportation. Ever tried it?? Never have I encountered ruder people then when I was very pregnant riding the subway (”El”) to my office in downtown Chicago. Of the hundreds of times I took the El, I can count on ONE hand the amount of times someone offered me their seat - or even a pole to lean on.  And guess who the ones were who actually did offer me a seat - you guessed it - women.

Men: what’s the deal? We know you don’t know what it’s like to be preggo, but if you see a woman waddling her way onto the train, can’t you stand up!? Please!

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There are currently 5 responses to “Chivalry is dead on public transportation”

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  1. 1 On October 20th, 2006, Duo said:

    Actually, when I was a kid, my grandmother taught me about the “Priority Seating” signs.

    I’m a man who has always given up a seat both to the senior, but also to the pregnant. I am probably not 100% on it, but I have always made an effort. But, I will say, I will favor a senior citizen over a pregnant woman most of the time. I have observed that, most seniors who ride the el, or the bus, tend to look a bit more frail than driving elderly. Just an observation…

    But, more than that, we live in the iPod generation. Self absorbed nitwits who are so wrapped on their own sphere of influence, that they rarely see outside their bubble. And, yes, my fellow men are the worst offenders. Ive seen it. Next up are the young women/clubber/raver girls.

    Just my 2 farthings. =)

  2. 2 On October 21st, 2006, sarafisher said:

    I agree- I’d give up my seat in a heartbeat for an elderly person- if I was pregnant or not! Thanks for posting.

  3. 3 On January 3rd, 2007, Chivalry is dead: The sequel » Self-Made Mom said:

    […] Awhile ago, I wrote about how dismayed I was at the lack of people who would give my preggo self a seat on the “el.”  Seems this trend has been seen on the NY Subway and yet again on the Chicago trains.  […]

  4. 4 On February 18th, 2007, Signs you’re ready to tell your boss you’re pregnant » Self-Made Mom said:

    […] You’ve stopped wretching every time you get on the subway to go to work.  Unfortunately, this does not mean that people will actually give up their seat for you. […]

  5. 5 On May 22nd, 2007, I took the “El.” And I survived. » Self-Made Mom said:

    […] no man tried to take it before me.  I’ve written before that the El is not a chivalrous place.  And my other pregnant friends can vouch for this.  Tales of bumping and terrorizing pregnant […]

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