Britain and Japan… the same sometimes.
This story over at MDN’s WaiWai just showed how similar Japan and the UK can be sometimes.
Basically, it seems that the trains in our countries can make us quite grumpy. In Japan, because of the SERIOUS overcrowding (and gropers if you are a woman). In the UK, the late running of the trains.
However, it seems both countries have lots of people who just get annoyed seeing women doing their make-up on the train. (There was a whole bunch of letters sent to Metro Newspaper (the free paper given out at train stations) about the same subject)
Me, well, can’t see what’s wrong with it per-say. I’m sure these women could find the time to do it at home, BUT when I see a lady applying their makeup, I find it amusing rather than filling me with RAGE! Ho-hum.
2007 Jan 30 Gavin
Pfff… some people get angry about pretty much anything – they need to chill-out a bit. I think it’s quite nice to see people doing stuff on the train that is slightly personal really… much better that than being terrified of strangers and just sitting there staring at your feet.
Anyway, people on trains are generally much more tolerant than people in cars. You see far more drivers having minor road rage than train passengers. The worst people get on trains is moaning a bit when it’s late, wheras drivers aren’t unknown to shout and swear at each other for the most minor reasons….
I never understood the thing about getting upset with women putting on makeup on trains. I think it’s displaced frustration, whether at the train being crowded to begin with or one not liking the destination one’s on the way to.
That said, I hate crowded trains…a few days it week it really gets to me.