This week on PostSecret’s Sunday Secrets:
Within 24 hours of the secret being put up Frank, founder of PostSecret, put up these two emails he received about the secret:
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Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 3:55 AM
Subject: Bus seat
I make a conscious effort to sit and stand next to the "creepiest" people in hopes that they will not feel like they are avoided. I hope acknowledging them as people with no differences brings a little dignity.
-----Email Message-----
Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 7:42 PM
Subject: Re: Bus Seat
I've noticed for months now that people hardly sit next to me and when the bus fills up, I'm often the last person anyone will sit next to. Even though I don't understand why, it has had a significant effect on my self-esteem (to the point where I've brought it up in therapy).
Sitting next to me is probably one of the kindest things a stranger could do.
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I found the first response such a relief—it was good to know that not everyone in the world is so cruel.
I found the second response sad. I really hope that the person knows that not everyone on the planet is so mean.
Now, about buses. I find each bus ride I take so . . . educational. Is there a better place to observe the reactions of people? Like shown above, some people make it a horrible experience for others, but overall, for an innocent observer like me, it is a gold mine of human quirks.
Because of my fascination, I often get caught staring. I hope people know that I’m not staring at them because I think they are weird. More so that I find them fascinating . . . which, in my world, is a good thing.
Also, this secret reminded me of a short story I started a while ago and never finished. The story is about a person riding a bus that looks at each of the other passengers and makes all sorts of stereotypical observations about them. The story follows the person’s thoughts, which are much exaggerated in order to display how unruly such stereotypical reactions to people are.
Problem is I have no idea how to end it. I really should get on that.
Wow that's so interesting. I think the idea of human dignity can be really fascinating and is so much more important than we think. especially in the public sphere like on transportation
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