Outsider Looking In (5)

It is mid-Tuesday morning, the one day where I get a period of longer than 2 hours to be free from classes or work. Yesterday I had the opportunity to labor on Labor Day. All of the students at IU had to go to classes, but all of the university offices were closed. It was strange.

But I didn't mind going to class; I actually look forward to it--even at 8 a.m. and on national holidays. I'm not taking being a student for granted. I just want to learn, learn, and learn! And I'm paying big bucks to be here...

One thing about living in a tiny town with a huge university, is that the traffic and crowds can be almost as crazy as China--not quite, but close. So although I'm living in America, I've still had the chance to stand in many lines, which brings me to my blog topic for today. :)

5.) Lines and Rules

America seems to love rules and order. The swimming pool at our apartment complex has something like 28 rules. The computer labs have about 15 rules. Everything and every place has a rule. And there are countless rules not even written down.

For example, even when there is no traffic, people do not cross the street until that "Walk" sign is illuminated. Yesterday I was walking with a herd of people and friends to class. I looked both ways before I crossed the street at a crosswalk, and made it to the other side. Then I realized I was alone. I looked back across the street, where everyone was still standing, dutifully waiting for that "Walk" sign to light up.

I don't understand all these rules. I also don't understand how lines are very necessary, especially when waiting for the bus. Lately I've been passed up by several too-crowded buses. I want to shove my way on to the bus, Chinese-style, but can't, because everyone is standing in an orderly line. Somehow the Chinese students always manage to get on the bus, but I don't. People think, "they're Chinese," and give them some grace. I look like an white American who ought to know the "rules," so I get no slack. When I try to inch my way up there, I get glares. They don't know that I'm really half-Chinese. :)

Another rule is that you don't invade an American's personal space, which is usually a bubble of about 25 square feet. If you happen to make it on to one of those crowded buses heading to campus, people will freak out if you accidentally bump their arm or hit their huge backpack sticking 8 feet from their back. I like to freak people out.

I'm quite comfortable now with sitting close to people. However, I have to remember that most Americans are not. A couple of times I sat right next to a stranger in a couple of different churches I visited. They automatically shift another seat away from me, while looking nervously at me. Oh, no!! I'm sitting by you! I might even talk to you, heaven forbid!

Hope you had a line-less Labor Day weekend!