Gothamist: Subway Seat Hog Subset Man-sitters, Beware!

girl1

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:15:41 -0500

@Kreo: If you have to say you're not a racist, you're a racist. I had to switch from the 6 & 7 to the R/W because it just got to be too much. the R/W gets crowded and runs slowly, but there are just less people than on the 6 & 7...less man sitters, pole leaners, backpack havers, bicycle bringers, long conversation talkers, and generally annoying people. I can also usually find a seat. And btw, I just moved here from the midwest. All I can say is most of the people here come off like "typical" New Yorkers. You chose to live here, suck it up like the rest of us.

fortunate one

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:27:50 -0500

On the brighter side, once the Second Avenue line opens this May, a lot of these problems will be ameliorated. (What? You didn't hear?)

wer1212

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:42:28 -0500

http://www.lilsubwaycrybaby.com ha - hilarious. wow. Get a grip people.

jcameron11

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:58:27 -0500

ha now that is funny! HTTP://WWW.MYMEDFAST.COM

lilsubwaycrybaby

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:15:46 -0500

People get so worked up over the subway! For this reason, I love to instigate. When I get on a car with lots of people, I make sure I do not move in towards the middle. I like when people getting on get upset because there is no more room for them, but they can clearly see tons of space in the middle of the car for people to move to. LOL

JenChungsBra

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:42:31 -0500

I bet it takes one to know one.

mgdu

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:30:16 -0500

Herpes-Sitting Man-sitting is the wrong word. The only people who sit like this, mostly men but far too many women also, are those with open sores in the genital area. Any pressure or rubbing against those sores must be very painful. That also explains the clown pants on the guys since they can’t walk around in skirts (though if you look at those baggy hanging pants it’s clear that they are skirts with little leggings from the knee down). These people should be pitied, especially since the way they have to sit and dress just advertises that they are diseased and walking around with running sores. Many of them may be wearing diapers.

Jen S

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:30:27 -0500

Problem solved! Hug it out, bitches!

zodak

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:54:52 -0500

Jes S, if you hugged me, we wouldn't be strangers anymore & i would give you my seat.

1987porsche944

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:42:51 -0500

This has got to be the most amusing run of comments I have ever seen. Thanks for all the laughs guys! I think everyone should take a trip out to Tokyo and ride their subways. Those are twice as packed and eight times more pleasant! Everyone is really nice and polite. P.S. you won't realize how much you miss the convenience of the subway until you're too far away from a station to be able to rely on it. Agreed that the MTA needs to address some issues though.

KhuntienNang

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:26:17 -0500

i hate man sitters. if i see any of them, sometimes i would intentionally sit right next to them even there are seats somewhere. most would close their legs automatically. another time, there were a big group of kids (teenagers) clogging the subway stairs somewhere at 14th st station, most of them sitting on the stairs leaving only a few inches wide for others to walk, as if the fucking stairs belong to them. and both my hands were full of bags that day, and none of them moved an inch. i tried to balance myself while i walked down down the stairs, and i purposely lowered my arms so my bags "accidently" hit their heads. i notice this is a cultural thing. i have been to subways of other countries, when it's crowded, people would sit closer together, put their belongings on their laps, and offer someone standing to sit down.

Jen S

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:52:58 -0500

Z, I wish I could reach through this screen and give you a hug.

zodak

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:28:42 -0500

Jen S, if you insisted, i would tell you that i've lived my life just fine on my own & i don't need anyone's help or charity or pity. i would be insulted & probably say "didn't your mama ever teach you not to talk to strangers?"

cucarachita

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:06:16 -0500

Pregnant women should ASK for a seat. Stop with the passive aggressive "what ever happened to chivalry" act. Chivalry is over, this is the world as it is. We're all tired. I've offered seats to you preggers people and been turned down. So ASK, goddamit. That's why people don't get up. If you ask nicely, you'll get a seat. If you stand there glowering like a child who didn't get invited to the birthday party, you won't.

JenChungsBra

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:34:41 -0500

What I REALLY hate are those chicks who bang into me with their big boobs. Or the ones who don't wear bras and jiggle all the way from Forest Hills to 34th Street. I fucking hate those people!

cucarachita

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:16:10 -0500

RIDGE-RIDERS being the people who take up two seats by sitting on the ridge separating the seats. Presumably they don't mind the sensation of the ridge wedged between their two buttocks. I've watched them ease their cracks over that ridge till their nice and cozy. It's GROSS!

cucarachita

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:15:06 -0500

Man-sitters are the bane of my life! These men are so inconsiderate! Not only won't they put their legs even slightly together to allow one to sit down -- even if you politely say "excuse me" to them -- but they seem to think nothing of re-opening them and forcing you to rub thighs with them all the way to your stop. They'd NEVER do that if a man sat next to them, for fear of homophobic hysteria. But they don't mind imposing their damned thighs on women. The other thing I can't stand are the RIDGE-RIDERS!!!

Abraham Rappahannock

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:49:30 -0500

how fucked up is it that this turned from a sensible article title about a real subway annoyance into something sexist by the author; then spun pretty much every shade racially. i've seen 3 women today alone on the 1 southbound from 137th to 23rd street. true, us doods do it alot more tho- slide, bitch.

Abraham Rappahannock

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:49:14 -0500

Jen S

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:24:00 -0500

Aw, Zodak, I was lying. If you were grey-haired, knocked-up, and hobbling around on crutches, I'd get up and insist you take my seat. Mama done raised me right.

Kojak

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:18:34 -0500

This reminds me of an incident last week where this obese man was taking up three seats on the 2 train. He wasn't man-sitting but his fat was taking up all the space so no one could sit down. So I asked him nicely to loose at least 200 to 300 pounds so I can at least get myself a seat. For some reason he seemed very offended. I still don't know why.

Armchair_warrior

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:08:40 -0500

thugs sit like this alot. pisses me off no time.

bxGagger

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:45:40 -0500

shut the hell up gwinny , if you aint like it get the fu ck out of nyc you little whinny bitch

SubwayA181

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:44:30 -0500

You're worried about one or two people occupying an extra seat? Ride the A train from upper Manhattan. So many mornings, evenings and weekends you share the many seats with the homeless who get on the trains and sleep over 4 or 5 seats. Add to that their bags, carts, etc. One man on this past Fridays' train was so bad that you could smell the urine and feces and bags of belongings half a car away. I promptly moved to another car. Don't worry..no one ever says anything. They have the longest and most climate controlled subway to ride - from one end to the other. Oh - don't worry. No one seems to patrol or care. If you tell those who work at the stations they don't care. Apathy abounds with the MTA personnel If they can't clean the stations or service the transit patrons they aren't about ready to take on moving smelly vagrants off the trains. One extra seat taken?? You should be so lucky on the A line.

Gwinny

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:14:54 -0500

KinoSport: well, there's the Chinese food storage place that was using the No Standing zone in front of my building as a loading area for their trucks at 2 AM and again at 5 AM every day for two years despite numerous requests for them to stop, followed by summonses from the NYPD. How would you like to be woken up every freakin' night and kept awake (twice) by inconsiderate assholes who just couldn't be bothered to use the actual loading zones on the block? It didn't stop until I threatened a class action lawsuit against them on the part of my fellow residents...but my sleep patterns seem to have been permanently damaged by this. Or how about the tire shop on Allen Street that insists on attempting to operate a garage out of a storefront, double-parking cars and removing their wheels in the bike lane at a very busy and dangerous intersection? Again, they continue to do this despite numerous tickets from the police. Only a cyclist could really understand how bad this one is. Really, I could go on and on. Anyway, I'm glad your experience in Chinatown has been more positive than mine.

zodak

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:11:16 -0500

"Zodak, when you're an old, pregnant, disabled stranger, I won't get up for you." Jen S, i won't (& don't) expect any stranger to get up for me. so stay in your seat, you got there 1st.

bxGagger

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:44:30 -0500

i love chinees foo bery bery goo fo jooo

Steven

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:44:16 -0500

The most annoying is when people don't always move all the way into the subway car. Second most annoying is when people try to push themselves on a crowded subway car. Wait for the next train!

KinoSport

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:33:09 -0500

This is way off topic, sorry, but re: #88 -- Gwinny! Get a grip. I live in Chinatown, too. Been here for 4 years and, yes, there's a heroic amount of spitting and it ought to stop. But I think that's about the extent of "inconsiderate behavior, disgusting cultural habits, and general disregard for one's fellow man." (Wow, that's some serious hate!) You said there are too many examples to list, but I'd love to hear even two or three other ones. It's crowded? It smells like Chinese food? The jaw-dropping fashions on the boxy old ladies?

chung

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:03:44 -0500

http://www.cafepress.com/sitbig.55874467 Doh! This is the correct link.

chung

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:59:19 -0500

Shameless plug for CafePress shirt I made up 2 years ago on the very same topic. http://wwwapps.ups.com/WebTracking/processInputRequest?HTMLVersion=5.0&loc=en_US&Requester=UPSHome&tracknum=1Z269R9R0342544832&ignore=&track.x=18&track.y=12

bxGagger

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:17:19 -0500

yes Indians are dirty, so are the blacks "african americans" yes just like in africa... the white folk and jewentry know as it is told by the lord almighty to cleanse thyself when boarding the NYC subway, especially the 7 train, its there. look it up. Verse 7 Chaper 29:39 Luke Duke and Bobble Heads.

Gwinny

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:15:45 -0500

KinoSport: that's because I have been living on the edge of Chinatown for 4 years and have witnessed unbelievable amounts of inconsiderate behavior, disgusting cultural habits (the constant expulsion of phlegm to name but one), and a general disregard for one's fellow man (too many examples to get into here). It sure as hell isn't limited to bad subway manners, but that doesn't help, either. And yes, I am moving out pretty soon, as I am tired of the extreme rudeness/grossness of the people down here that is unparalleled by anywhere else in the city as far as I can see (and I am a NYC native, thanks very much). Frankly, I don't care what other people think -- however, one only knows the extent of it by living down here.

Kojak

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:45:10 -0500

"If you "need" a seat, ask someone." Ditto. All you have to do is ask or just plop down. People generally move. Now ladies, if you want our sperm to be extra potent so we can knock you up properly, you'd best let us continue to man-sit.

dcschaub

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:42:47 -0500

I'm confused, white people are allowed above 96th St? Since when?

Kevin Walsh

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:18:35 -0500

Gothamist should switch over to an all-subway complaints format. Jake...think about the ad money... www.forgotten-ny.com

jaycjay

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:08:40 -0500

"you guys are the biggest bunch of fuckin whiners ever" Whining about whining always trumps whining about anything else.

aydiosmio

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:06:28 -0500

If you "need" a seat, ask someone. If someone is "too comfortable", say "excuse me" and take your seat. If someone is standing in the mofuggin door, GIVE THEM A GOOD SHOVE. If someone holds the door, YELL AT THEM. Bikes are a necessary evil, and they are not common. Worst subway riders: People who bolt through the door hunting for a seat. And yes, for some reason this seems to be smaller, middle aged women. This problem is bad on the 7 train at Grand Central. Second worst riders: People who stand on the parts of the platform too narrow to allow people to pass safely.

russ

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:02:11 -0500

As a fat guy who easily takes up more than one seat, I'm lucky. I get on the E each morning downtown so its empty. The E has the long bench seats so I don't have to feel the seat divider other older subways have, riding up my taint. However, my biggest complaint is standing next to any Indian on a crowded subway car. They DON'T bathe!!!

plk779

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:42:46 -0500

In the same line as number 76 up there.. you know what's way worse than dealing with this kinda bullshit? Having to DRIVE to work in rush hour. Especially if it's a high-speed freeway full of freaks tailgating at 90. I'd rather space out (even if it is shoulder to shoulder) than legitimately risk my life twice a day. Just ignore the assholes, it's not worth the effort.

roe

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:34:09 -0500

It's all about consideration--realizing that you're sharing a space with others. The subway isn't comfortable on a good day, but it's even less so when people feel the need to splay themselves out all over the place. It's "human interaction?" Sorry, but I get enough of that in New York without having to touch some creepy stranger's leg for my commute. As for getting up--two things. I do give up my seat to the elderly and to pregnant women. But, I do not get up for mothers with kids. When I was a kid (in the 80s, which isn't so far behind us), my parents made me get up and give my seat to adults. They made it clear that if the bus or train was crowded, it was rude for me to sit while an adult was standing. Respect for elders and all. Two, not all disabilities are visible. That young person sitting with the iPod might be seriously ill, or be recovering from surgery, or have a back brace under her clothes, or whatever. So don't always assume they're being jerks and they don't have a legitimate need for that seat.

BMMDan

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:30:12 -0500

i didnt realize me wearing a backpack caused such a problem. I mean, the trains are always empty when i'm on, and i usually stand in front of the doors (especially when they are open, preventing people from getting on), but wow. i had no idea i was such a convenience. so glad all you whiners could open up my eyes. i guess kicking baby strollers out of my way as i get on/off the subway is wrong also?

Jen S

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:15:40 -0500

Zodak, when you're an old, pregnant, disabled stranger, I won't get up for you.

TimSPC

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:14:55 -0500

gossipgirl:I was on the L train late one night heading home and had my foot propped up on the seat next to me. There were about 3 other people on the train. I got a ticket. The system works!

BootyInMyEye

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:06:52 -0500

i love subway ridership conduct posts. they consistently generate the most comments, which for the most part, all of us agree upon. we feel the urge to throw in our two cents and share similar stories because we've all been there. we've all been disgusted by packs of loud teenagers, we've all pondered how big his balls must be to have to sit with his legs that far apart, we've all marveled at the way some passengers bumrush into a full car once the doors open after pulling into a station, we've all given dirty looks to ipod blasting morons who think we want to listen to their metallica/soulja boy/bollywood music above the din of the subway cars. rarely does a day go by where my commute is unaffected by some asshole doing (fill in the blank). the subway brings out the worst in me and i always find myself cursing up a storm... under my breath of course. rolling my eyes... subtlely shaking my head...just enough to not get me killed. yet through it all, as a new yorker, i can't help but adore and abhor the subway at the same time. for $81/month, it's still a bargain considering all the priceless subway stories you get to bring home with you. apologies to those who've ever been mugged, assaulted, harassed, murdered, etc riding the subway.

Mike D

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:06:51 -0500

@69: Sometimes people have to use backpacks. They should take them off to ride, but asking people to not bring backpacks or briefcases is completely irrational. It's great in theory but would never work in practice.

zodak

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:04:37 -0500

leg spreaders aren't just men, there are plenty of women whose cottage cheese thighs force them to spread apart taking up two seats. whether it’s a man or woman, i usually just let my legs touch theirs until they close their legs. it's annoying. oh, & i'm not giving you my seat, even if you're old, pregnant, injured or disabled. you're a stranger & i don't owe you anything.

Rocknrope

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:03:16 -0500

@72 - because we're a bunch of weak, passive-aggressive blog commenters. Also, we're don't want to risk getting knifed.

Thespis

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:53:31 -0500

Oh, come on -- if the guy's sitting like that, just start to sit down next to him. He'll move. That guy isn't trying to be rude -- he's trying to read. When did we become so whiny that a dude can't even sit on a train without worrying that the position of his legs might upset someone? At the same time, when did we become so timid that people won't take an empty seat just because a guy's knee is temporarily overhanging the front of it and would have to be moved three inches? It's a normal, ordinary, small human interaction -- don't be so scared of it.

drtmuir

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:52:33 -0500

Put your damn backpack down.

ab_bklyn

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:49:55 -0500

I had a recent knee surgery and have to wear a fairly visible brace. I'm really shocked by the number of people who see it and pretend not to notice so that they don't have to get up. Look, we're all tired, we all want a seat, but there are times when some deserve it more than others. Someone who just had their knee cut open to have their ligament replaced and the cartilage stitched up deserves to sit and not risk re-injuring it, rather than the 20-something, iPod wearing hipster guy who's currently occupying the seat. I'm a woman btw, and it's women who get up and offer me their seat more often than men.

Akit

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:49:01 -0500

Suitcases during rush hour is just horrible. Take the local!

Rocknrope

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:46:44 -0500

Backpacks wearers are assholes. I've fantasized bringing an X-acto with me and opening a hole in the bottom of their pack just weak enough so that after a few steps, everything comes pouring out of the bottom. And sorry, but I'm hauling my ride on the subway after the 5 boro bike tour on May 4th, so y'all should mark your calendar for that day and walk.

La Leone

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:46:21 -0500

I've only skimmed the 60 or so comments, but I doubt that anyone suggested the obvious solution: testicle amputation! I mean seriously, if your balls are THAT much of a problem, just get them removed already! They are obviously causing you to sit in a completely unatural way and have reached the level of public nuisance. Off with the balls. I'm sure there are also myriad long-term benefits of putting this into practice amongst the NYC male species...

EricRoberts

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:39:24 -0500

"and and AND, i hate it when i have a spot and someone goes to walk by so i shift my weight to the side so they may pass easily and they just STAY THERE. so i'm leaning to one side and now i can't move back." That exact thing happened to my pregnant wife on Saturday. A nice guy offered his seat to her when he saw her look of anguish. I'm not sure about the fatties. It's one thing to be taking up two seats but another thing to squeeze a 2-seat ass into one seat in the middle (read: sit on people). I wouldn't mind bicycles as much if they weren't greasy and didn't have sharp edges. As they are though, they take up more space than they actually occupy.

amsci

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:38:26 -0500

BTW, I should have mentioned the heavy people I'm talking about are mostly of the huge assed, stretch jeaned, hoochie mama variety... not necessarily medically obese people.

Akit

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:38:15 -0500

You can thank Married w/Children's "Al Bundy" for the man-sitter position.

robingee

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:36:47 -0500

If someone is taking up a bunch of room, just say "excuse me" and force them to move over.

amsci

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:32:11 -0500

roxxan23 Re: fatties Yes, they have just as much right to sit as anyone. It just chaps my ass when they give you the stank face for not giving you the rest of your seat... you know, the part your crushed body is still occupying after they've oozed over the crack.

thecrusher

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:24:17 -0500

I'm a fat guy with enormous testicles. Nevertheless, I'm always considerate to my fellow straphangers.

bxGagger

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:21:28 -0500

you guys are the biggest bunch of fuckin whiners ever

mrguy

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:20:03 -0500

jp lych- how exactly would you do that? cattle scales in the turnstiles?

adamadam

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:19:27 -0500

what's worse is mansitters on long-distance buses or airplanes, especially being a tall, long-femured male. the most awkward experience on a five hour chinatown bus ride to d.c. is the constant jockeying of leg space when your seatmate is a mansitter.

sakebalboa

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:18:33 -0500

man sitters are lame but what's wrong with the photo in the post? I'm sure if you sat next to him he'd move his legs. It's only a problem when they don't.Find me a photo of that! signed, humansitter depicted in the photograph.

mrguy

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:18:27 -0500

eating fried chicken or an orange or french gries or any other pungent food on the train is pretty obnoxious. roxxan23- i understand about the people who get up early,but i think that's better than being the person sitting in the middle of a bench on a crowded train who only gets up once the doors open at their stop and have to bumrush through the crowd to get out. especially bad when peoeple have already started to move into the car and this one person is still swimming against the tide. i can't believe nobody has mentioned the worst offenders of all though: PEOPLE WHO BRING BICYCLES ON THE SUBWAY. I'm sorry, but this is never okay under any circumstances, period. I will admit that i did it once, against my will, on the C train, going uptown on a saturday from 110th street (ie, a very low-traffic route and time), and still felt incredibly guilty. the only other time i have ever come close was when i rode from inwood to coney island and back on a saturday. on the return trip i lost my willpower at columbus circle- i was in agony. i went down and i watched two trains go by, and while i could have squeezed my bike on, i refused to be that guy. realizing that i just wasn't going to get an empty car in the near future, i actually carried my bike up the stairs, out of the station, and rode the remaining 8 miles home.

rulebook

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:15:16 -0500

The "logos" suck

JP Lynch

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:10:46 -0500

MTA should make obese people pay double - don't most airlines do this?

roxxan23

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:06:07 -0500

i HATE pole lean-ers. i love the ones who acknowledge that you are there and then arch their back so you have enough room for your hand in the small space between their back and the pole. i stern "EXCUSE ME" usually makes them move, but they are always soooo inconvenienced by it all. also, i hate to say it, but i agree with whoever it was that commented about old asian dudes being the worst. i don't know how many times i've been pushed out of the way for them to get a seat. or even just to get off the train. plus, they usually are the worst about stinky foodstuffs. i also get pretty irritated at the people who decide to start making their way toward the door (and making about 15 people move position and let go of the pole, etc) when we haven't even got to the stop yet. i guess they just want off the train 5 seconds sooner than before. and and AND, i hate it when i have a spot and someone goes to walk by so i shift my weight to the side so they may pass easily and they just STAY THERE. so i'm leaning to one side and now i can't move back. i might as well keep going. what's up with the guys who have to stand right next to you when the train isn't even crowded? i have arguments in my head with all of the above offenders. sometimes i say something, but really, it isn't worth it. i'd also like to say that i really do appreciate it when people are polite and say they are sorry if they plow over you or say excuse me when they accidentally bump into you. oh, and about the fatties...i think they deserve to sit just as much as anyone. them taking up a seat and a half is a bit different than some dude with a bag or legs-a-gape who don't actually NEED the space.

Jen S

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:02:45 -0500

Everyone just needs to be more conscientious of the space they occupy. No need to be exceptionally polite. But, yes, on a crowded train, you need to stand for very pregnant ladies, very elderly people, and people with injuries/disabilities. I'll always do this, despite how tired or sore I am. It's called being civilized.

goya51

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:54:36 -0500

Actually, I understand that the benches are meant to hold 7 people. Just too many fat people these days.

twakum

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:54:05 -0500

If all you whining hipsters who post here would just like get the f-up earlier, instead of getting on the train at 9:30 am to go to your "job", the trains arent so damn crowded at 7. -signed old fart who gets up early. And as a guy with a small penis, I hate mansitters!

Deathcard

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:50:47 -0500

I totally agree BabyHitler, people are different. Some people are rude assholes while others aren't. The point is, if trains were less crowded than none of us would have to hate eachother for our differences because there would be enough room for every asshole to have their own space. FUCK THE MTA. They make millions and millions a day and yet they raise prices and give us shitty service.

mstartini

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:42:08 -0500

I know that this is not a specifically a race issue as I have seen all races commit this infraction on the subway and buses. I usually attribute it to the airing out of the balls, but more often than not the seat hogging offenders have the only attitude when you ask them to move so that you may sit in the seat next to them. Overall courtesy on public transportation is an anomaly unfortunately.

AvenueHebrew

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:41:48 -0500

In the interest of full disclosure, my balls are actually that big.

mrguy

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:38:16 -0500

i prefer the molded seats to the benches. reminds people that 8 adults of a healthy BMI shoudl be able to sit there. people tend to spread out more on the benches, and yes, about 6 people is what i usually see on the older model E/C/A trains. the A trains with the three/four/three molded seat configuration actually squeeze in 10 people in the space that six normally

Mike D

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:30:02 -0500

I just got into a fight on the Slog (closest Seattle Gothamist equivalent, sorry Seattlest) about how subways in New York are better than busses in Seattle. The busses in Seattle are full of crazy people and mainly driven by angry/weird people. I sometimes fear for my safety. BUT I have never felt like I was on a cattle car in the same way I did in New York. So I guess it's a toss-up.

babyhitler

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:24:16 -0500

you guys are all complaining about man-sitters but the real problem is frequency of train service. If you actually had trains on time and every 5-10 minutes then Man-stiiting wouldn't be a problem cause the trains would'nt be packed to the brim. If there were no man-sitters in a crowded train it would still be uncomfortable as fuck regardless. Ever been in a train during rush hour armpit to armpit? it sucks no matter what. sitting down sucks, standing sucks. Just being in close proximity to old people and poor people with bad hygiene and minorities. GROSS!

Needles

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:24:16 -0500

Why not just be an adult and ask if he could move over so you could sit down? You'd be surprised how much more effective that is than passive-aggressive moping.

petemac

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:22:47 -0500

Jesus Fucking Christ - its a city of 7 million+ people... of course there's going to be some assholes who block doors and sit or stand in a rude way! Say excuse me and move on. No need to dwell on something petty like this! There's too many real problems in the world.

bxGagger

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:21:27 -0500

"man sitting" is a medically recommended position to keep the hips relaxed and less stress on the hip joints.

bxGagger

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:19:26 -0500

or or how about this one... ah shit its real funny repair the goddamn tracks and fix the signaling and whatever the fuck controls traffic, so there are enough trains that come on time also add some real sharp blades on the doors, so that when they close the person between doors gets the arm clean straight cut - easy to suture! how about this one: whoever is at the door has the responsibility to punch/push/shove if anyone tries to enter while the doors are closing.

Kreo

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:19:19 -0500

Mansitting IS a cultural thing! I frequently commute from Jamaica Queens, and I monitor certain culturally similar people mansit and not even move when someone wants to sit in the next seat. Someone would sit next, and the guy would not even try to look like he is squeesing his legs closer. I believe it is the penis thing - they want to show that their "thing" is so big that the legs cannot be put together and need to be spread as wide as the buggy pants allow (whch btw are held at the "thing" level and by the "thing"). Another thing that bothers me greatly is this: a jamaica.queens person sits on a crowded train, with a dozen of caucasian women and elderly in the closest vicinity. When it is this person's stop, he/she would look around, find someone from similar culture, it could be accross the train 20 feet away, and call that person to take his/her seat. Some kind of brotherhood. I am not a racist, just some things that strike me on my every subway commute.

PBRK

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:17:09 -0500

Need to start a no slouching campaign. What I hate most on the subway is when people put their hair on you tho.

JenChungsBra

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:14:00 -0500

NYC Transit's Rules of Conduct would disqualify most fat people from sitting down on the train. I only have ever had to yell at one person who was standing in front of the door and wouldn't move when the door opened, and I think he or she was just retarded and didn't understand it was a doorway. This is why I like the E train -- long bench seats with no predefined asscracks.

JRod5417

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:08:14 -0500

jaycjay- Ihave used the shoulder check many a time on door blockers and it is quite effective. Kino- I think the flat bench is inferior because only six people can fit on them (less if there are several fatties).

KinoSport

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:04:12 -0500

Any man over twenty who still wears a backpack is a child.

jaja007

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:02:46 -0500

I have never seen anyone white do this..

Akit

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:00:53 -0500

Greetings from the SFist side. I was just in New York last week and I totally understand what you are talking about. As a guy, I totally understand the boundaries of riding on the subway, and I'm no mansitter on a crowded train. If it's empty, I might hog just a little more space, but not too much. As for those people who stand next to the door and don't move when the train opens the doors, I wanted to just go on a cuss rant and tell them to get the f*** off the damn train and let the people get off. Hell, there's another express train in a couple of minutes, why not wait and be the first in line at the platform?

KinoSport

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:56:05 -0500

In terms of dealing with enormous people on the subway, this raises the question: which is the better seat design - the one with predefined ass grooves or the flat bench? Gwinny: based on your other comments, it seems like you have a serious issue with Chinese people

Gwinny

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:52:56 -0500

I particularly love the people that don't just have normal backpacks, but those full-size "I'm trekking across Europe" dealies that extend beyond the tops of their heads. Get real, people. How could you not be whacking someone with that shit on a crowded train?

Deathcard

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:50:34 -0500

@ Reality Czech Umm "Move all the way into the cars means don't block the door from closing, it does not say move away from the door so the next schmuck who gets on the train can stand there. Also, yeah I want to lean on the door, there's no other place to comfortably read the paper (except for the door in between cars) No one gives a fuck about me so why should I be courteous to strangers. Me being nice makes no difference other than make me feel like an idiot for being nice to someone. The only thing I get for being nice and courteous to people is the unpleasant feeling that they would'nt be courteous to me in return. And yet I'm still courteous to everyone I encounter. I move completely out of the train when I'm standing in front of the door, I move my legs closer together when people sit down next to me, I hold doors for other people when they exit the station, I don't push or have any of my belongings invading anothers space, I don't breathe down the necks of other people, I give up my seat to anyone who appears as though they might need a break. I do these things because I believe they're the right things to do. How many of you can say the same?

disconnec

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:49:30 -0500

haha, i ride a bike you people are losers.

ihateallbrokers

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:46:43 -0500

you want a seat? just stand in front of an oriental, they all get off at Canal st. want a seat uptown, stand in front of a white guy, they all get off by and go no farther than 96th st.

ihateallbrokers

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:45:21 -0500

how about those people who think that they can claim the seat right in front of you and give you a dirty 'i saw it first' look!!!! asshole, i saw it first because ive been peeking down this girl's blouse for the last 47 stops!!!

bklynd

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:44:25 -0500

I like to sit next to mansitters, and snuggle right up, thigh to thigh. Give 'em the gay creeps (though I'm straight, actually.) Most will not adjust their position - you can't *acknowledge* that you don't really need to sit like that, after all - and so it becomes a game of chicken until they get to their stop.

TurkeyburgerDLX

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:38:04 -0500

I agree that backpacks (and bags in general) during rush hour are most annoying. Put the friggin thing on the floor. There used to be ads on the trains in the 90s telling people to take them off during rush hours. I can't imagine how people don't realize their bag is pushing people on a crowded train, but its getting much worse, especially as backpack laptop bags are gaining popularity. BRING THE COURTESY ADS BACK.

JanieAGoGo

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:36:46 -0500

True story: Union Square, going to Astoria. Only girl in a group of 5 guys from work. Get into the car, and there is one guy who is just splayed out. I asked him "Pardon me sir, do you have big balls?" He looks at me as if I am an alien, and says 'What?" "I said, DO YOU HAVE BIG BALLS?" "Uh, no" "Well, how about closing your damn legs so I can f**king sit down" My friend Mike starts laughing and says "She's got the biggest balls of all" I got my seat.

Reality Czech

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:36:21 -0500

I like the standing by the door because its tougher for people to impose on your personal space. BULLSHIT! You like to stand by the door so that you will have a place to lean against. Try and understand English, like when the condutor says, "Move all the way into the cars!"

gossipgirl

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:35:02 -0500

I was on the L train late one night heading home and had my foot propped up on the seat next to me. There were about 3 other people on the train. I got a ticket.

jaycjay

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:31:26 -0500

Oh, and I should have added to the above: don't forget to say "I'm sorry" or "excuse me" after taking that action. It's always important to be polite on the subway. And I'll add my answer to the people blocking the doors waiting to board while other people are exiting. I played hockey; I can throw a good shoulder check. Spot the target as the doors open, launch through the door, lower the shoulder into the chest. And again, "excuse me."

jaycjay

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:27:25 -0500

In spite of the headline, there's really nothing in the article about what they should "beware" of... I guess it's the point that it might be a "violation." But come on, no one will ever be ticketed for this. So, the recommended solution: stand in front of the mansitter, facing the window, holding the bar above him and placing your foot between his. Wait for the train to make a sudden stop, start, or turn. Flex knee and apply.

GaryK

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:26:50 -0500

If you ever see someone sitting on the train like that, make it your business to sit next to them and force the issue. Chances are they will slide over one seat and everybody is happy. Take the physical challenge Bob!

mrguy

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:26:46 -0500

jrod5417- oh man, how could i forget about the backpackers. IT'S A CROWDED TRAIN, TAKE OFF YOUR BACKPACK AND PUT IT ON THE FLOOR.

Deathcard

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:26:16 -0500

It's not like I wouldn't move my legs if someone wanted to sit. Wahhhhhh, no one gets a seat because too many people ride the train. It has nothing to do with man sitters or people who stand in front of the door. I like the standing by the door because its tougher for people to impose on your personal space. Once I move further into the car, is usually about the time that someone stands like right at my toes and is breathing on my neck. I don't want to be breathed on or smell anyones breath on the train. I paid money to ride the train too. Wahh Wahh Wahh everyones upset they don't get a seat. Good thing congestion pricing will get more people off the roads and onto the trains...

Reality Czech

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:25:24 -0500

am 7 months pregnant and now that it is really obvious I have to say I am disappointed by how often no one gives me a seat So you expect a seat? You should have thought about that before becoming pregnant.

mrguy

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:21:46 -0500

i hate man-sitters i hate parents who let their kids sit next to me swinging their legs and kicking me. i know raising a kid is hard, but you chose it, so get the brat under control. the fat question honestly stumps me... it's annoying that a really fat person takes up two seats... but what can you do (realistically) except to shurg your shoulders and live with it? while we're on the subject of subway gripes, how about cellphones with speakers- they're the new boomboxes. Honestly, i'd rather not hear Flo Rida blasting out of your shitty little cellphone at 8:30am. Long-talkers: having a conversation with somebody across the aisle during peak times- i make a point of trying to stand directly in between them. people who stand in the doorways and just turn sideways (or hey, not at all! why should they have to move??) when the doors open and 10 people are trying to get in. any band that plays during the morning rush hour. I'm looking at you, Mariachi trio. the acrobat/breakdancing teenagers on the A train. Preachers and "outreach co-ordinators" who SCREAM WHEN THEY MAKE THEIR SPEECH. and of course, conductors who put the PA volume up to 11. one reason why i really like the newest trains in the fleet with the automated announcements.

mcrae

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:18:36 -0500

They should give out tickets for man-sitting. Civilians should be able to give them out, like a citizen's arrest. Contrary to some others on here, I see all kinds of people, including women, man-sitting. Just people sprawling out their bodies with no regard for the people around them or those sitting in the adjoining seats. And totally agree with the first commentor. How often do you encounter someone standing shoulders squared IN FRONT OF THE DOOR to the train during rush hour, like parallel to the door blocking half or more of the entryway when there is a line of people trying to get on, not even making an effort to move to the side at all. These are the real sociopaths.

Deathcard

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:16:47 -0500

So let me get this straight...you, as a woman got fucked, and now you're pregnant. I've been working all day standing on my feet and yet I'm supposed to morally feel obliged to give a pregnant woman my seat because...? Also, I spread my legs on the train because for some reason when my balls are all aired out like that, I don't get like random itches that need to be scratched, I don't want to be on the train while people are looking at me picking at the itch on my balls. Third, more often than men I see women neglect to hold doors for people, push through, stand in front of the doors when people still need to get off the train, and act entitled more than men because they EXPECT that other people should be courteous to them. It's 2008 ladies, you want equality then man the fuck up and give respect, then maybe you'll receive it in return.

JRod5417

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:15:53 -0500

LOL amsci. I love the getting dirty look after getting a nice slab of dimpled thigh and derrierre squashed up on me. And I always have to get up for the preggos and oldies while the man-sitters pretend to sleep. Other good ones are the backpack wallop in the gut and newspaper/book resting on my head/shoulder. Nothing says subway commute like being treated as human bookshelf.

Gwinny

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:13:43 -0500

I dunno, I've seen mansitters of all ages, races and creeds. I don't think it's a cultural thing -- just a gender thing. However, if I were to make a cultural distinction, the Chinese are far and away the LEAST considerate subway riders (although mansitting is not one of their transgressions). They shove onto the subway to grab a seat before anyone gets off, completely block the stairways when exiting so that no one can go down them to get the train sitting there... hell, I saw one lady have her 4-year-old son piss onto the subway platform at Grand Street a few months ago. Um, that's incredibly gross! EastRiver: yeah, I hate those people who step in and then go no further. I take the 7 train one stop from Bryant Park to Grand Central every morning... and everyone gets into the last car so they can go right up the escalators. There's ALWAYS one person who maneuvers to get on the train first, and then just stands in the door so everyone else (also just going one stop) has to get around him/her. It's like, would it kill you to step in 5 feet and get out of the train 5 seconds later?? Or to get into the train LAST so as to stand near the door? I actually pointed this out to a guy who did that the other day, and I could hear him complaining to someone else about me after that. Get a life, dude. I always give my seat to pregnant women on the subway if I notice they are pregnant. I think the problem is that, immersed in our own thoughts/iPods/books, we don't always look at every single person getting on the train...

tnturner

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:00:54 -0500

despite the pic above, I believe the correct term is "thug-sitting".

amsci

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:00:34 -0500

Reality Czech: Word. The kids never want to sit anyway. They're always hopping up or twisting so they can see out of the window behind them or kicking seats. A corrolary to this is when a person brings a kid w/ a stroller on the train. I've seen too often that the adult leaves the stroller fully open but yet has the kid sit in one of the seats. So not only are they taking up hella space, but their precious snowflake is also hogging a precious rush hour seat.

crozette

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:56:28 -0500

I am 7 months pregnant and now that it is really obvious I have to say I am disappointed by how often no one gives me a seat, but especially by the number of times that its an older woman or a man with a cane who gets up instead of the 25 year old ipod-wearing man-sitter beside them. And amen about the no leaning against the pole. I hate that!

Snoopy

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:55:46 -0500

Oh I just hate when that happens. It's almost as bad as the wankers that take their coat off and place it on the bar stool next to them and are surprised when you want to sit there. No that's OK, just leave it there and I'll leave a couple of good beer farts on it so you remember the night.

JacqueMehoff

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:55:16 -0500

interesting, I never seen a white guy man sit but that photo takes the cake. not only is he man-sitting but taking the middle seat forcing people to squeeze into him leaving little space to the sides. I suspect he's a perv and he needs to iron his shirt.

amsci

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:54:40 -0500

People who also suck are fatasses that squeeeeeeeeze into a seat and then give you a look as if to say, "What, Jerky... can't you move over anymore?" No bitch, I can't. This is because (a) I can actually fit into my seat with no spillage and (b) the displacement caused by your large booty has caused me to splat against the wall/partition like a mosquito on a windshield.

Reality Czech

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:48:38 -0500

I hate mansitters. Usually it's the homeboys who feel the need to spread out. But I guess if one's extremely fat then they too coud be guilty of taking up more than one seat. Maybe fat people should only ride subways with bench style seating? And I see nothing wrong to NOT giving up ne's seat to People with kids. Especially the kid, and especially during rush hour. Look, if you want to traipse all over NYC with your spawn, and you want to rid ethe subway at rush hourm then don't expect a seat, especially from someone who has just worked 8,9,10 hours and is decades older than your child. The child should stand, it will teach them fortitude.

ChampionOfTheSun

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:46:25 -0500

What about "no leaning against the pole on a crowded train."

Rocknrope

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:46:11 -0500

Yeah, man-sitting sucks, and this is from a dude. Annoying. However, I've seen just as many women ignore standing preggo's as I've seen men. Even more so on the F train, I believe. Sometimes people just don't notice, especially in heavy-coat season, but I've seen others who look to the tummy, then look down.

EastRiver

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:45:56 -0500

The real problem are the retards that take one step into the subway car and stop, leaving a dozen people on the platform to push past them or get left behind.