Tough Crowd

On a crowded B train, two nights ago, a man in a mainly yellow Ed Hardy jacket and dickies pants starts to talk. More like rambling for a full 10 stops. People take a quick peak at the thirty something, black man, roll their eyes, and look away quick. He says things like, "it's not what you do, but how you do it," "there ain't a thing wrong about a good joint," and "crack! Don't smoke that shtit!" Additionally, he ends all his insights with a "You dig." If you haven't guessed it, I really didn't dig it, but I beared with it.

Many of us try to make our commutes on any of the 26 train lines as painless as possible, which includes averting eye contact completely and keeping physical contact minimal, there are those who like to distrubt this peace, for lack of a better word.

There are those who put on their headphones, which restrict only them from hearing, yet their music is heard throughout half the cart. And they seem perfectly content humming along offbeat, sometimes even sing along, with an air of nonchalance. Do they really think it's not that loud?

To those who preach about the second coming or hand out flyers tight lipped, really?

While it's an upsetting sight to see those who have designated spots on sidewalk floors, where they stand, sit, or lay with hands outstretched looking for donations, it's not annoying one. Many people in the city live off coins and dollar bills. Panhandlers walking cart to cart, 2 out of 10 times with a guitar in hand, give their schpeel about losing their job and needing help to get started again. Some do arouse sympathy, for sure. But others give off the impression that money will trickle down to other things, namely drugs and more drugs. Do those who come in suits and nice shoes really think I think they need my money?

Let's not forget those who just want to be heard. It can be the average joe or the smelly elder who gives off psychotic vibes. From the moment they enter the train, they either scan their audience or make a whole section of seats empty up real fast--they have the power to have a cart filled with dozens of people disappear within two stops.

And honorable mention goes to those who can make their illegal money, while seriously entertaining- meaning that people are not scared to laugh, smile, and watch the show. They desrve it, it's a tough crowd out here.

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