Dan Posted January 12, 2004 Report Share Posted January 12, 2004 well, what a grand day!! lol.. i was late to class today (not cos i was too lazy to get up from bed in the morning, i was right on time when i left home), but because I was called "rude, inconsiderate." yes, i know that sounds weird and even mysterious, but here is what happened: I change 3 buses to go to school, or take the subway and then take the bus to university, and you know, it's always boring to sit there and not be able to read cos people talk (and i have concentration problems), or not being able to read cos you can't get a seat and the bus is packed, etc... and so i always take my walkman with me and listen to my punk CD by Thrice, called The Artist in the Ambulance... so today, like every other day, i took the bus that goes straight into university, and i was sitting in the front (which i rarely do, as it's priority seating for elderly people).. so anyhow, then this oh-so-elite/civilised lady gets on the bus and sits right beside me and pushes and shoves and at last makes herself comfortable... and at the time, i was listening to my CD at max volume, and no one really cared (i always listen to music at that volume).. so this really considerate lady turns to me (and i was looking right in front of me, as i'm not in the habit of LOOKING at people) and she touches me on the arm to get my attention and so i take my earphones off, and she goes like "turn the volume down, will ya?" so i say "NO" and i heard half of her reaction (as i put my headphones back on once i said that) - she went like "oh, so you won't, eh? you're RUDE and ..." *click - don't hear her anymore*.. everyone starts shaking their heads, don't know if it was their disapproval of my reply or her address to me.. so she doesn't do anything for a while, and i didn't turn down the volume, as i thought her tone to be extremely condescending (i might've turned down the volume a bit if she had been nice enough to say "please" or talk to me in a nicer, not holier-than-thou tone).. after a short while, she starts fidgeting again, and goes up to the driver (i was sitting at the 3rd seat away from the driver) and tells him something i can't hear (cos i have my headphones on), and the driver stops the bus and turns to me and starts talking, so i take my headphones off and he says "are you gonna turn down the volume or not, sir?" and i tell him, "NO." and he says "no? ok.." then addresses everyone on the bus "sorry folks, but this bus is outta service." so everyone starts wondering what's going on, people at the back didn't really know what was going on, and they start asking each other, and the lady who complained says "SHE's very rude and inconsiderate..." and then one guy who was sitting right beside me says "well, it works both ways. you just caused 50 people on this bus to have to wait for the next bus in the cold weather out there, just because you're inconsiderate." and others start nodding in approval of what the guy said. i'm still silent. so the bus driver asks me if i'm getting off or not, i tell him "i'm sorry to disappoint you, sir, but i paid my fare, and you have no right to tell me to get off unless you show me where in the tranit commissions rules it says that one cannot listen to music using headphones." so the driver calls the supervisor of the transit service and the cops, and then there's a direct announcement from the transit commission headquarters that the person who is playing the music "LOUD" should turn it off... so the bus goes outta service and people start to get off, except for this one guy who says "lady, if you want peace, stay at home" (the same guy who made the comment about who was inconsiderate lol).. and then another girl (lol, she was hot ) turns to the lady and says "ya know, most of us on this bus are university students, and if you have a problem with young people listening to music, then it's your problem.. we hear other people listening to music on their headphones all the time, but we don't say anything. we just shut up and bear with it. whereas you, with your inconsiderate selfish act, just caused all the people on this bus [who did hear that music but made no comment on it] to get out in the mud and snow and wait for another bus. it's a PUBLIC transport, so deal with it." i was like --> while she was talking lol.. so then the lady says "i paid a fare for the ride too, so i have the right to do whatever i want to." so the girl gets off the bus.. after a while, 2 cops arrive. so they get on the bus, and they're like, who's causing a problem here? and i say, "i believe that would have to be me, officers." so they tell me to come and talk with them at the back of the bus... basically, what they ask me is what was going on, and i tell them what happened and i tell them "this is clearly not a public nuiscance, officers. this is clearly going into my ear. and if she's gonna have a problem with what SHE hears, is she also gonna tell people who are talking with each other on the bus to just shut up?" lol .. so one officer asks me to put my headphones on and turn the music on, so that they'd hear how loud it was.. and i do it, and they start shaking their head and say that it wasn't even loud enough to be considered a nuisance... so they get my name, address, phone number, and as a sidenote ask me if it's my 1st year at school and what i'm taking, etc. then they go to the lady and they ask her what was going on, and she tells them that i was rude and that what i was listening to "wasn't even music." what the hell... and one of the cops starts laughing and tells her that rudeness is not a crime. and that differing taste in music is not a crime.. ahahaha. that was the best thing i've ever heard a cop say.. it just cracked me up.. haha.. and in the meantime this other guy who was defending me (not that i needed defense, i knew the law was on my side lol) said that he didn't even think it was loud, and he was sitting right next to me... so they just basically leave.. it's the first time i came off clean in a case with cops. hmm.. and so the bus short-turned and i had to transfer to another bus, and that friggin jerk was gonna get off where the bus short-turned anyway, and she was in no hurry, and we were a coupla stops from it when she made a complaint and all this happened.. so yeah, i'm pissed off, especially that i ended up skipping my lecture cos of her.. you know, even if i was rude to listen to music that loud or saying a simple and honest "NO" to her, i don't think she was any better than she tried to make me look like... i think she was a huge hypocrite or a huge attention whore.. so yeah, that's my story.. i think i dealt pretty maturely with this one situation... i don't know... does anyone think i was rude? i mean, what right does she have to tell me that i should turn down my music? it's not like i had a surround sound stereo radio on the bus or something.............. hmmm.. and the scary thing is that i've never had so many people be so supportive of me lol.. i mean, they were pissed off at the woman, maybe that's why they weren't pissed off at me lol... but still, they were like "there's nothing they [cops, transit supervisor] can do about it." lol, i guess my reading/studying of the criminal code paid off, in the end. and i don't think i am inconsiderate at all (perhaps am very blunt and that gives people the image that i'm rude) -- on the contrary, i am very respectful of others' rights and my duties and responsibilities, and i always give my seat to elderly people who would otherwise have to remain standing up on the bus, because younger people [mostly chinese people] just close their eyes as soon as they see an old person get on the bus, and pretend that they're sleeping, so that they wouldn't have to give up their seats.. yeah, i'm frustrated.. i mean, i am all for immigration and all that, but when will people realise that freedom or anything else for that matter is a 2 way street? it's about "live and let live." seriously, why do so many immigrants think that because they are now established in this country, they can basically order other people around? do they think they now own the land and are basically right just cos they think they are right??!?!?! i don't get it.. *sigh* this, i am afraid, is a report on the sad state of our country, the country being Canada, if any of you happen not to know.. and those of you who are wondering what happened with that girl -- well, nothing... except that she made me think twice about my sexuality lol.. 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CheekY Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 aw sorry Dan hey but i pictured you saying no to that lady lol kinda funny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angel4hope Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 dan youre so adoreable-- apres-job well done danni boi--were proud of you, defending your rights~ yahi yahi i totally disagree with the lady-no matter how loud the music is or what youre listening to, its none of her buisness- and besides if she were nicer youd be nicer too.... aww dan nice story hehe good job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted January 13, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 hey but i pictured you saying no to that lady lol kinda funny lol... :blink: she was so pissed off haha... but she did learn a lesson in civility (well, even if she didn't, she will think twice before she does that sorta thing next time ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Accelerated Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 I dont understand why the bus was forced to stop.... <_< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted January 13, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 well, apparently, the transit service rules are that if someone on the bus makes a complaint against someone else on the bus, the supervisor [& cops, if the conflict isn't resolved] need to be on the scene.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellthecat Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 Dan, you seem to have made an Ararat sized mountain out of a mole hill. Was the satisfaction of not turning down the volume a tiny bit worth all that disruption to you and to others? Save your strength and indignation for battles that are worth fighting. And get a set of sound-leak-proof earphones! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted January 13, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 not really, Steve (that's your name, right?)... it's about what people believe in. i strongly believe in rights, and well, the fact that she didn't give it up means that she only did it the second time because her pride was hurt in front of everyone because she expected a yes... and i'm not about to give someone something when she has no right to it... especially when she talked to me like that.. i thought my earphones were pretty good with respect to sound-leak... hmmm.. they were damn expensive!!! i don't think a war can start without battles. this being one of them. we will see how many people on that bus will ever think of being as rude as that lady was and tell someone to turn down their volume again in their lives. not that there were any consequences for the lady [it's kinda weird that they didn't charge her at all for a complaint made in bad faith -- so she got away pretty well considering that she cost so much money and time], but still, i think it's more about the embarassment of it that gets to people. and i wasn't about to let her embarass me. hell no. not some mean attention whore who wants to get her way... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted January 13, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 (edited) Was the satisfaction of not turning down the volume a tiny bit worth all that disruption to you and to others? the answer to your question would be: Yes. or rather YES, in capital letters. like i said, i think it's more about pride and freedom, and being told what to do. how do you like it if some old unrelated lady whom you've never seen before ordered you (not told you) to do something just cos you not doing that was annoying her? i think it's pretty straightforward and solid.. i mean... i don't know... if i didn't know that i had the right to turn on the volume as much as i had, i would've probably turned it down at the second request (by the driver), but knowing full well that there was nothing anyone could do or charge me with, i think it's pretty logical for me to make use of my rights to the fullest. and like i said, it's more a matter of ideology... she's not my mother or anything. i don't even do what my mother tells me to do half the time.. so why should i do what she ordered me to do? And to answer your question with another question and an answer to my own question as well: Was the satisfaction of her getting her way worth all that disruption to her and to others? Apparently so. So you're gonna ask, "what makes you better than her?" To answer that: a) I had sat there before she came and sat beside me. She could move and sit elsewhere, but she didn't. She chose to sit right beside me. b ) If rudeness were a crime, I would've been the first one to complain to the driver. c) I respected her boundaries and her right to complain and remained on the bus and waited for the cops to arrive [even though that cost me my lecture, whereas she had nowhere in particular to reach on time], and at the same time practiced my rights. d) I cleared my conscience and some of my traumatic past with the police. That is probably why I did not turn down the volume the second time when I knew full well there was nothing they could do about it but call the cops [and I knew the cops wouldn't be able to press charges -- the example of people talking on the bus being public nuisance]. e) I taught (or would like to think I did) someone [or many people] a lesson in civility, and an example of how hypocritical people can be and what it all results in. f) I must say I did enjoy the entire situation, although I had no idea it was going to turn into that when I said "no" to that lady. I must admit that being right is a great feeling. And being cleared in front of police officers is an even better feeling, especially for someone who has had problems with them for like as long as my memory goes back. she is on an equal footing with me, but she is not any higher. and that is what i want people to wake up to. it's a fact. if she wants freedom, she's got it, but when she trespasses the boundaries, i'm not about to play along.. Edited January 13, 2004 by Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anonymouse Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 I didn't read your post, too long. But I'm sure it was ground breaking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gevo27 Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 I think i would adone the same thing as you Dan, and as you said im sure if she asked you a little nicer you probably woulda turned it downa notch.. Kinda the same situation::: when we used to live in apartment i parked my truck using both of our parking spaces, ( cause i didnt feel like backing up 4 times to fit) and i had to go over the little cement thingy for my tail not to stick out far.. and our neigbor (OH GOD BLESS HER!!! lol) she complained to the manager tha the way i park was irritating, and the manager asked me if i could just park regular, i said,, whatever np dude.. but then that same day i saw her as i was walking to my car, and she told me " Why do you park your car in such a stupid way".. I was like, excuse me? what the heck does it botter you for?? its my 2 spots and i pull in so you can get aroud me.. LOL.. i compeltely had no idea what her problem was.. so i dont remember exact words, she was real rude though,, and i said fine then.. from then on i parked no more than 12 inches from her spot, (within my lines) and didnt go over the cement stopper so my tail was sticking out, (plus a hitch) and then she got really pissed.. LOL.. i was still within my rights and she kept on complaining but we moved out in few more months.. Anyways,, little story there, but your right Dan, i think that lady was being an ass.. i hate it when people act like that..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gurgen Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 i mean, what right does she have to tell me that i should turn down my music? She has the right to *ask* you to turn down your music. But if she's not asking nicely she can fk off. You did the right thing imo. It's matter of pinciples here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormig Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 I think she could have asked nicely in the first place, with a "please" instead of a "will ya?" If I were the lady, I would've moved to another place. But if you were me, I could go one day or five minutes without listening to music blasting (which I don't) out of consideration for others around me. The next thing you know people will be farting in such tight spaces ("Where in the rules does it say it is not allowed to fart? Hey you're on a bus full of students that didn't have the time to poop in the morning before leaving for school!")... And then people lament about the days when people on the street that didn't know each other would greet everyone. What BS... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted January 13, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 lol, well, of course i could go without blasting music for 10 minutes.. but like i said, it wasn't really a matter of listening to music at that volume or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormig Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 Quite the pity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DominO123 Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 I agree with the lady, what you were listening was probably no music. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted January 14, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2004 I agree with the lady, what you were listening was probably no music. too bad. she got what she deserved, and i'm sure i would've done the same if that were you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted January 14, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2004 not to mention that she was stupid enough to call me "SHE"... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormig Posted January 14, 2004 Report Share Posted January 14, 2004 Next time I go on the bus, I'm gonna eat beans the day before and pass gas and see if people are going to be with me or on me. <_< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted January 15, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2004 loooool... better than smelling others' at any rate.. ugh.. haha.. people do it here all the time. disgusting, i know.. http://64.21.83.54/forum/style_images/1/icon8.gif Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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