The Lost Art of Being Considerate

I live in America. More specifically, I live in Chicago in the 21st century, so to say that I am shocked by society's lack of consideration for each other on a daily basis would be untrue. In a world that is increasingly more self centered, its members seem less and less troubled about stepping on the spirit of those around them if for no other reason than to gain a better foothold on their own self importance. When it comes to careers, school, and other important institutions--while still deplorable--at least it serves an understandable if not widely accepted purpose.

But this isn't what bothers me. What gets me on a day-to-day basis is people's total lack of consideration for others when it comes to the little things. Take this derelict pictured above, for instance. In the middle of O'Hare, the world's busiest airport, this cornshucking hillbilly has absolutely no issue with removing his socks and shoes and placing his disgusting, fungus-ridden (and they were--click on the picture above if you think I'm kidding) feet on the seat across from him. Even the middle-management douchebag in his standard blue-button-down-shirt-and-black-slacks uniform seems somewhat appalled at this guy's behavior. A child may soon be placing his hands on that exact spot to hoist himself up on that chair, then sucking his thumb to quell his anticipation of a visit to Grandma's house in Orlando. Well guess what Timmy. Now you and Mommy will spend some quality time in Grandma's bathroom while she debates taking you to the hospital for your explosive diarrhea.

Unfortunately, it doesn't end there. I work at an office at a massive international company. My co-workers are among some of the brightest in the industry, crafting brands and award-winning campaigns for companies across the globe. Yet every time I walk past an open stall, I see that someone has left the seat down and pissed all over the top of it so the next guy can enjoy it when they sit down. I mean seriously--the message that they're sending is "I work with you. I may even go to lunch with you on occasion. We share a common vision of bettering the place in which we work and creating ingenious creative. I also feel comfortable relieving myself on the backs of your legs."

It takes two seconds to flip up the seat. Two seconds to put a napkin under your diseased feet if you must air them out in the airport terminal. Two seconds to spit your gum into a trash can instead of on the sidewalk where someone will step in it. But people just don't care anymore. They leave their dog shit on the street. They let their kids throw trash on the ground. They cut people off--all to save a handful of seconds. Yet they'll take the time to stop, dig through their pockets of hard-earned money, and give a homeless beggar money for doing nothing. Maybe it's to make themselves feel better about all the inconsiderate acts they've performed that day. Ironically enough, the bum will use that money to pony up the $2 el fare, find a nice open car, and proceed to take a dump in the aisle to ensure the commute home for the working world is a pleasant one. Thankfully, some other inconsiderate soul will be sure to have left their newspaper on the train so he has something to wipe his ass with.