So I (Snafu) am in Vancouver right now, at the downtown public library. It's been almost three years since I lived here...maybe even three years...and every time I come back I realize how much I don't want to live here.
I like to people watch and so Vancouver is a great place to do that. On the SkyTrain you can tell who's from Vancouver and who's not: the people who take the train every day are the ones who sit with glazed eyes, staring at nothing and not making eye contact with anyone. They usually clutch their bags to their laps or side; sometimes they rest their heads on the windows or shut their eyes and doze, nodding to the rhythm of the train. They hold their bodies very close to themselves and are careful not to touch those they must sit beside; it's an art they've perfected out of habit. I guess if you're around people all day long, then it's a way of staying solitary and keeping your own space boundaries. I used to be one of those people.
Those that are not daily commuters are more lively; they look around, watch the scenery passing by, are not as comfortable in sitting with the delicate balance of surrounded by people/preserving isolation; they talk more if with someone (thought that could be argued that anyone that has a travel companion would be more active and vocal) and are generally more animated.
People in Vancouver (again, arguable as this could be anywhere) are in a way less sanitary. The bathrooms are gross in public settings and most people do not employ proper handwashing tecniques. (Personally disgusted as I am typing on a public keyboard...yuck!) Yet the people here in Vancouver are generally more concerned with outward appearance than other places I've been. They (both guys and girls) are generally much much thinner, their clothes are tidy and are the latest fashion, and their hair/makeup is done to perfection.
But back to the SkyTrain...the whole idea of people living in a densely populated city and yet be very closed is fascinating to me. That's what I've noticed. The more people there are, the more closed people tend to be. In Vancouver it's very out of the ordinary to be in a public place and have someone look at you (unless they are creepy or something.) Hardly anyone smiles. Everyone seems to be in a rat race...flitting from here to there, it's always very busy, competing against everyone else...for what? I don't know. But it's like because there are so many people around all the time, the only way to preserve sanity and a sense of identity is to close oneself off from everyone else. There's not really any sense of community here.
Thoughts?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
In addition to your thoughts it's interesting how machines are taking over jobs that would normally stir up conversation. Technical support has now taken up the new idea of a recording voice to answer calls (I guess it's more been revolutionaized than introduced). At the Superstore they have adopted a few check out stations that are operated completely by the customer. Or there is also the pay at the pump option now at gas stations. Perhaps one day it will all be on the internet or something similar?
What has definately shocked me the most as I have observed people in major cities, is their reaction to the homeless. It doesn't seem like they avoid the homeless, it more so seems that they don't even see them anymore. Have we become a culture that is all about the individual and not about the community? Sometimes I think so.
In Toronto however peoples reaction to the homeless has been inspired by a man who lives quite a nice life (or did). With several cars in his nice six bedroom house. Every morning he would leave in a suit and get on the train, only to change into rags so he could cheat people out of their money. Apparently making on average 4000 bucks a day. Since his arrest people in Toronto (I believe it was Toronto), have been less willing to give.
Post a Comment