Lesson in Subway Etiquette: Stranger Teaches Rude Boy a Manners Lesson
A young boy riding the New York City subway recently experienced a valuable lesson in manners after refusing to give up two seats and displaying disrespectful behavior. This incident, which took place in November, unfolded when the boy, leaning against his mother, decided to stretch out and rest his feet on the seat in front of him. Despite multiple adults needing a seat, the boy adamantly refused to move.
One frustrated passenger, determined to take action, made a bold move by sitting directly on the boy’s feet. Isabel Kim, who happened to witness the scene, documented the incident through a series of pictures in a flipbook and shared it on Twitter.
The boy’s conduct not only showed a lack of courtesy but also violated subway etiquette. While subway seats are not divided individually, it is generally understood that each bench can accommodate three people. However, the entitled boy occupied two seats without any regard for others sharing the subway car.
As the man sat on the boy’s feet, the young boy quickly tried to adjust his position, but one of his legs remained beneath the man’s body. In the final picture of the flipbook, the boy can be seen glaring at the man, seemingly convinced that he was in the right while the man’s actions were unwarranted.
Isabel Kim also shared a video capturing the aftermath of the incident. In the clip, the boy’s mother can be heard scolding him. Interestingly, she appears to be upset with the boy, named Joe, for causing her to miss her stop, rather than addressing his rude behavior.
The man’s response to the boy’s actions has garnered widespread applause, accumulating over 136,000 likes on the post. Many people commended the man’s actions, with one individual noting, “Not all heroes wear capes,” and another stating, “He has 0 s***s left to give, and he is my blood brother.” Another Twitter user added, “Subway etiquette is best taught nonverbally with force,” while another acknowledged, “The subway is the great equalizer.”
This incident serves as a reminder that some children may not learn proper manners from their parents and may need to be taught by strangers, as demonstrated in this encounter. Although the man who sat on the boy’s feet may not have donned a cape, he was hailed as a hero by numerous subway passengers who grew weary of the boy’s entitled behavior. It emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our actions in public spaces and exhibiting consideration for those around us.
Please remember to practice good manners and respect when using public transportation or any shared spaces. Let’s strive to create a more harmonious environment for everyone.