Wednesday, October 29, 2008

2 - Staring at others through a car window

So, the other night, I was on the bus, on my way home, and somewhere along the way, the bus stopped at a traffic light. I was tiredish and had had a long day, so I sort of had my head facing downwards for most of my ride. I looked out the window to check I hadn't missed my stop, but all I saw was a businesswoman of some sort, staring at me through the window of the taxicab she was in. She was dressed up all fine and had glasses that made her look all professional. The way she looked at me with such curiosity suddenly made my seat uncomfortable and it was just... creepy.

Why are people so interested in looking at me?

Each time I catch someone ogling at me like a newborn baby, they make me feel so incredibly self-conscious when all I'm doing is innocently trying to get from point A to point B. They're looking at me and I think to myself: Does she think my hair's too shaggy? Do I have ink on my face? I knew I shouldn't have worn this color. Do I look weird? Are my eyes too big? Is my mouth too thin? Is that old guy with the fanny pack... checking me out?

It's not like I'm a famous celebrity that actually deserves window-based attention (kudos to those of who can make out the celebrity kissing in the car 'make out' pun totally intended). There really is nothing mildly interesting about my appearance and I actually think it's slightly uncivil to make people feel so uncomfortable by glaring at them like that.

And my standpoint regarding this issue does not only include the creepy people that invade your privacy through your car window. Even if it's the occasional 3-year-old toddler gawking at you on the train with those cute, innocent eyes, I still firmly believe that kids should be taught by their parents and teachers that staring is every bit as bad as pointing. But hey, that may just be me.

In conclusion, it's disturbing. If you do have this worrisome habitude, kindly take a nap, read a book or play a game on your iPhone instead. And if you find yourself being stared at, there are a few things you can do.

(1) Stare back and scare them away. I mean, you can be creepy too, you know? Personally, I would recommend black eyeliner to give yourself a slightly more Gothic look. (2) Move out of the creeper's line of sight. (3) Start crying and make him/her feel guilty. (4) Ask him/her a question. Quickly take out a notepad, jot down an inquiry and slap it on the window. Do you like my shirt? Have you seen the new Saw movie? Obama or McCain?

(5) Or you could just make a general comment that concerns the creeper. I looooove your fanny pack.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Great post ... I really like your writing style. I never thought about people staring but ... now that you mention it ... it does make me uncomfortable. When I catch them doing it, most people turn away ... those that don't make me wonder ... and then make me mad. It's rude!

Keep writing ... you're good at it!!

Small Footprints
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

haha I love this post. it's really funny, and so true. I HATE when people stare at me when they're in their cars. especially when they go out of their way to do it. one time I was going to the store with my brother. he was driving and I was sitting in the backseat, with the window rolled down. I noticed this cowboy pulled up next to us at a red light and was staring us down. even when we stared back at him, he didn't even move. it was so creepy, he kind of looked like a statue. my friend was sitting in the passenger seat, and he just so happened to have a hose of some sort so he started to pretend like he was sucking on it, to see if he could gross the guy out. which still didn't work, he continued to stare until we finally were able to drive away. that's only the one of many times! .. also, thanks for the comment on my post. I'm glad you enjoyed reading it. I was trying to make it at least a little bit interesting haha. you can call me jess and I do agree that it seems like we're already getting along pretty well :)

Anonymous said...

an actual cowboy. black vest with no shirt, cowboy hat and all. I imagine he was probably wearing those spikes on his boots and those things they call chaps. talk about super creepy. what's funny is that I don't like to bring any attention to myself what-so-ever but then I'm the crazy type who finds myself dancing and singing in my car, forgetting that I'm not in the privacy of my home. I guess I unintentionally provide a good reason for people to stare at me. nonetheless, I'm thankful for having even crazier friends who do and say things purposely to scare people away. anyways.. I did enjoy your little story that you left :) what a trooper for sticking up to your mother that way. barely answering when she asked you a question. I think most of us do act the same way we did when we were younger. one time my dad yelled at me and I told him, "you're not the boss of me." which is also funny how kids have little control over what they say. they just say it as it comes to mind.

Unknown said...

Ha ha. what a cool blog you got here! What a unique and interesting idea. Thanks so much for the comment I really appreciate it. =)

And thanks for watching my youtube video! I actually just posted up my video for the teeth whitening blog. All this internet stuff is kinda tricky. lol. Especially video editing!

Well enough rambling for me, thanks so much for your comment! Take care and talk to you soon!

Anonymous said...

Yeah I hate it, too.. bystanders who looks like perverts who melt you with a stare. at such times, i feel like being barbaric too. you gave me an idea what to do. your tips made me laugh, but i'll use them. Cool. Heh! Heh!

Seano said...

When I lived in NY I was stared at all the time..in a sea of crazies..they stared at me. I could never figure out why...but sometimes I'd walk crooked and bump into walls or let a little bit of drool spill out of my mouth to make it interesting.....

Lily W said...

he he he, this is hilarious. And what incredible potential for post ideas. Like the advice to avoid the "creeps".
Thanks for the comment on my blog. ;-)

Blossom said...

Hi Michael,nice blog. Your blog is very interesting. You have good writing skills. Good job. Keep blogging! By the way, thanks for comenting on my blog.

http://www.blossom-toefl.blogspot.com/

Teller of Tales said...

hehehe.. u'v got a nice eye for detail..nice & wacky blog!!.. so d creepy guy wid d fanny pack been staring at u as wel?? I thought it was just me :P ..& when a child stares at you, easiest thing to do is to pull a face at it, then if its a plucky child a contest of grimaces will issue which will keep you entertained for a while, or if its a soppy child it will run away crying =D (wot?? its just a fricken kid!) ..maybe next time i'll keep my eyes glued to the window to witness all the interesting specimens you mentioned... =)

Phil said...

Staring is always awkward. It's always weird for me when I just space out and look at something, only to realize that I was actually spacing out on someone's face, or worse yet, their crotch, and not even realizing it. And at that point, if they catch you, they think you were fantasizing about them, but that glazed over, deer-in-the-headlights look you get on your face is usually about something totally unrelated.

Jeez, people are so vain sometimes.

Anonymous said...

haha
I always stare at other people
when im in the car.

J.J. in L.A. said...

I was on crutches for 17 years and got LOTS of stares. I'd cut a kid some slack if s/he was under 10. Over 10, I stared back. I'd tell adults, "Take a picture, it lasts longer." Now that I'm in a wheelchair, I ask, "It's pretty cool, isn't it?" Freaks 'em out every time...