As an able-bodied 41-year-old man, I give up my seat for someone else. I do this not only because it is good manners, but also because the best way for me to teach manners to my kids is to model that behavior for them ... more so than hearing my words, they will learn life lessons by observing my actions.
OK, so now you know what I DO ... however, I FEEL very differently.
It is the HEIGHT of self-centeredness and rudeness to get onto a bus KNOWING that there are no seats remaining and that you expect someone else to stand so that you can sit. It's just plain rude to feel that entitled. It is ill-mannered to EXPECT a favor ... it's great to receive one, but to EXPECT it and feel wronged when it isn't granted? Just plain self-centered and rude.
Like I said, if I see a lady with a baby standing, I'll immediately offer my seat to her. I won't wait for her to give me "that look" ... I'll get her attention and offer it to her.
She has my assistance ... but she does NOT have my respect if she EXPECTS my seat ... in that case, she's just rude.
On numerous occasions, I've held my family back from boarding a SRO bus, electing to be first in line for the next one; we just step aside and tell the people behind us to go ahead of us. If I want my small kids to have their own seats, since I believe it unsafe for them to stand, then I will damn well MAKE SURE they have seats, rather than entrusting their safety to the kindness of strangers. The only people responsible for keeping my kids safe are my wife and me. If I DEPEND on others and HOPE that they will comply and help me keep my kids safe (by offering them seats), then I am being a bad parent because I am entrusting my kids' safety to HOPING that someone else will be nice, rather than ENSURING their safety by waiting a few minutes for the next bus. Been there, done that.
I know I'm using strong language, but also remember that I will offer up my seat without being asked ... but if the person who gets on an SRO bus EXPECTS me to give them their seat (versus is hopeful and appreciative), that person still gets my seat, but loses my respect.
That's the best explanation of my point of view I've ever heard. Every time I try to express it myself, I'm called rude, heartless, uncharitable, selfish, bad-mannered, and constantly asked if I have kids (the implication being that my opinions on manners and personal responsibility will change when and if I am ever have kids).
In my OP, I never said that I was EXPECTING anything...I was meerly mentioning the fact that I had OBSERVED that people seem to be less caring and curtious to others lately. I remember in past trips that almost EVERYONE was as kind as you Eric and let up their seat for and elderly person and/or small children and/or mother with child etc. And just so we are clear, DISNEY even says on their recording on the bus to please kindly offer your seats to those guests with small children or guests needing more assistance.(I don't remember what they say exactly, someone please correct me if I am wrong) This was not a matter of getting on the bus/monorail and EXPECTING anything, It's a matter of the dissapearance of respect and kindness to others. EVeryone is entitled to their own opinons, that is the beauty of this board, we can all voice what we think is best or not. However, not just here or wdw, the world is lacking the kindness and compassion it once had for others....but that's a WHOLE nother can of worms, and thread
I just wish there was still the level of compassion that once was so much of the Disney Magic....
Kellen, I think I understand what you're trying to say, and I agree with the basics of your position, though I disagree on some of the specifics.
I do believe that we have become a rude, uncaring, and selfish society. People don't seem to care any more when their actions impinge on the personal space, air, quietude, finances, or property of others, and constantly seem to expect the rest of the world to bend over backwards and sacrifice to make their lives better.
I disagree that not giving up your seat on a bus qualifies as such behavior, because of the reasons stated above so eloquently by CleveRocks.
It is incumbant upon each person to refrain from putting themselves voluntarily in a situation where their health or safety might be dependant upon another person making a sacrifice for them. If you or your family MUST have a seat for health or safety reasons, then you MUST take whatever steps are necessary to provide those seats, and
hoping that strangers will provide them for you is insufficient and irresponsible.
Sure, there are times when you have no choice in the matter, but getting on a bus at WDW is an entirely voluntary act. You don't have to be there - it's a vacation, not a job, a doctor's visit, or grocery shopping - and you don't have to take the buses - there are other transportation options available where you are guaranteed a seat at no one elses expense.
I choose to rent a car whenever I go to WDW, so that I will never have to stand and never have to take up a seat that someone else might need. Certainly, I rent mostly for selfish and practical reasons - convenience, time savings, and a comfortable, guaranteed seat. But no matter what my motivations, the action is the same: I have voluntarily removed myself from WDW transportation, at my own expense, thus freeing up my seat for someone else who might need it.
