The state of people

I’m going to try a new entry set in this blog. I’m not sure where it will go but my mission is to move people to action. I’m not trying to change the world, but I wouldn’t mind changing an attitude or two. The State of People will focus on the good and the bad I physically see in the world. It will probably be a little more serious than my other blog entries so don’t expect a lot of laughs. I will, however, ask for the readers to reach out and share. Harmony takes more than one note.

Setting: Tuesday morning, metro

Time: 9ish

As I pass through the gates at the metro I approach the escalator. I’m standing behind two women. Both in their late 20s, early 30s. In front of them is a man holding his daughter’s hand (maybe 4 years old) and his other daughter’s hand (maybe 3) with his other hand. Hanging off his chest and shoulders is his newborn baby boy (twin 1). He is tucked away in one of those baby koala pocket thingys that makes you look like you should be on a Sacagawea dollar. In front of Dad is Mom. She is carefully moving a stroller down the escalator with the other newborn (twin 2). Needless to say, this little family is taking up the width of this escalator. Also, the escalator has stopped to conveniently become stairs.

The first thing I hear is, “you gotta be kidding me.” Woman A, we’ll call her Lucy, is rolling her eyes and pointing. Woman B, we’ll call her Sandra, is trying to inch around one of the 3 year old girls. The girl isn’t budging, ‘cause she’s not about to let go of Dad’s hand and Dad is making sure Mom and the baby get down safely. John and Kate plus 8 (-4) is slowly moving down the escalator when Sandra says, “can you please hurry up.” Lucy chimes in, “seriously, we need to get to work!” Dad remains cool and responds with, “I’m moving as fast as I can but it’s hard to move the whole family down the escalator.”

For the next 2 minutes the women berate Dad and tell the family how they should be moving down the escalator. Not only that, but others have joined in at this point. “You should’ve taken the elevator.” “We’re only in town visiting and we weren’t sure where the elevator was.” Mom is yelling back and just trying to defend her family.

Okay, a few things. I know the elevator isn’t hard to find. I know how annoying it can be to miss your train. I know that no one likes to be late for work (if they get in trouble for it). What, however, makes these two mega bitches think that it’s okay to yell at ANYONE as they are holding not one, not two, but three children? Watching these little girls stare at these women who are yelling at their dad was heart breaking. Also, if you’re so eager to point out the elevator, why aren’t YOU on it? I know it must be hard walking around in heels that could sink a ship with a bun so tight that your eyelids haven’t closed since 2003, but come the eff on. Yelling orders isn’t getting anyone anywhere.

Let’s suppose for a second that Lucy and Sandra were worried about missing their train. Uh oh, better catch it; there will NEVER be another train AGAIN. This was the Blue and Yellow line at Pentagon City. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an actual delay in Pentagon City. Now let’s suppose they were running late. They get to their office and the world hasn’t ended. Their bosses ask, “why are you late?” “I stopped to help a family get down the escalator.” When, if ever, will you get a slap on the wrist for helping a family of tourists? Maybe your boss is a monster that eats babies but I think you might be safe. Also, if your boss is pissed at you for being 5 minutes late for helping some children, well…you need a new job.

As the train arrived I helped the family carry on some of their million strollers. Mom looked at me with beads of sweat on her forehead and a look that said “I slept for 2 hours last night,” and thanked me. I could tell the gratitude wasn’t for helping her move the strollers, but because I wasn’t an asshole.

Thanks for reading. Peace.