Every New Yorker dreads navigating busy Manhattan sidewalks in the rain. Very few residents, and absolutely no tourists have any idea how to walk with an umbrella. Apparently, these behaviors are not unique to New York or to the present day.
From The Unbearable Lightness of Being:
p. 135
It was drizzling. As people rushed along, they began opening umbrellas over their heads, and all at once the streets were crowded, too. Arched umbrella roofs collided with one another. The men were courteous, and when passing Tereza they held the umbrellas high over their heads and gave her room to go by. But the women would not yield; each looked straight ahead, waiting for the other woman to acknowledge her inferiority and step aside. The meeting of the umbrellas was a test of strength. At first, Tereza gave way, but when she realized her courtesy was not being reciprocated, she started clutching her umbrella like the other women and ramming it forcefully against the oncoming umbrellas. No one ever said "Sorry." For the most part no one said anything, though once or twice she did hear a "Fat cow!" or "Fuck you!"
No comments:
Post a Comment