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By now I’m used to most cultural differences, but there’s still one thing I haven’t really adjusted to which isthe perception of public space. In Japan or Korea or other Asian countries, public space generally means “a shared space where you should avoid inconveniencing others.” People tend to try to be quiet, mindful of seating, and fairly conscious about cleanliness? from my experience..

In the states though, (maybe more about NYC? 🧐) I often get the feeling public space is viewed less as a collective space and more like many personal spaces existing side by side.

Like watching videos on phone headphones, sitting down and putting shoes up on the next seat, placing a bag on an empty seat even when it’s crowded, having loud conversations with friends, leaving garbage or cans on the floor when getting off, jumping the turnstile without paying, kneeling on public seating with shoes on, washing shoes in a coin laundry, wearing outdoor shoes at the gym, loud reactions at movies, etc (too many)

What surprises me is how common it is, and how little attention it seems to draw from others around them.

I’m so curious if this is simply a cultural difference in how “public” is defined. Why these behaviors are NOT treated as a bigger social issue, and how people who grew up in the states interpret this.