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Elevator Etiquette

Written by Diana Golobay

Thursday, 04 October 2007 06:59 PM

The Shorthorn: John Henderson The common student with a 9 a.m. class on the fourth floor of the Fine Arts Building often faces the same dilemma every morning. Parking was atrocious, and the student is running late to class. The professor took roll two minutes ago, and the student knows his mild tardiness might be overlooked if he makes the next elevator ride. The student flies through the building’s automatic door and hurries past the Communication Department office toward the still-open lift. Sadly, the elevator is packed and its doors are likely to close at any second. Within the tiny compartment, the already cramped passengers give the newcomer discouraging and slightly alarmed looks as he debates what to do. Should he wait for the next elevator, take a grueling three flights of stairs or simply squeeze in with the others and hope no one’s claustrophobic? The student should, in fact, do none of the above. The solution to the crowded elevator predicament often has nothing to do with the newcomer trying to catch a lift. Instead, it has everything to do with a few questionable characters already on board: the morbidly obese girl in the back, the guy hauling a tuba conspicuously under one arm and whoever that is who smells like sweaty feet and ammonia. It is the responsibility of all — but particularly of these three — to understand and practice elevator etiquette. In times of heavy elevator traffic, some students in a hurry to class can’t escape a brief and unpleasant appointment with the stairwell. Those most eligible for a workout include anyone bound for the lower floors, people who fear elevators spontaneously plummeting to the basement and our three squatters. The overweight girl could use the cardiovascular exercise of climbing a few flights to get to class. Tuba Guy ought to be more considerate and let two or three other students go in place of him and his brass companion. And the anonymous person with deficient hygiene habits should show the courtesy to either brave the less-crowded stairs or go home and shower. Other etiquette travesties include the overstuffed backpack that bowls over any person unfortunate enough to get in its way, the guy who stands inappropriately close in a near-empty elevator and the crowd that exits the lift at a sluggish pace reminiscent of a food-court line. All of these minor elevator etiquette rules are broken on a daily basis. Most are petty annoyances that can be easily ignored. Others can be forgiven. Only one common courtesy is inexcusable. Never under any circumstance should a student enter a crowded elevator, move toward the back and then wait until the door closes to call out, “Hey, could someone push ‘2’ for me?” I hope you like stairs, pal. — Diana Golobay is a print journalism junior and a columnist for The Shorthorn. Views: 2844 | E-mail   Comments (4)  1  Written by C. Burke, on 10-05-2007 14:07 Wow. So people who are carrying heavy packs, large musical instruments, and may have difficulty walking up stairs (or may not, and may just be going to a higher floor) should get off of the elevator for the student in perfect shape who just can't seem to get to school on time?    This isn't a lesson in "elevator etiquette". It is a perfect example of a young woman believing she is better than everyone else, and being angry that others don't fall all over themselves to get out of her precious way sounds like.    Actual elevator etiquette requires space on elevators be given to people who would have physical difficulty taking the stairs by those who have no such difficulties. Much like handicapped parking spaces, loading zones, and reserved seating in the front of buses are for people who need them, not those who do not. Report Abuse  2  Ettiquette for our betters.. Written by Victoria, on 10-08-2007 22:26 After all, fat people…wait, wait…no, fat women should just know that if their very existence is in the way of tardy "pretty" people, they should just cease doing that—at least while in an elevator. They can continue to exist in the stairwell, but not where she might have to share space with them. Report Abuse  3  Written by John Doe, on 10-12-2007 11:39 Exactly what is your point?  Anybody has disability, carry heavy objects and/or have body odor are not allow to ride Elevator?!! Only young lady with full mobility that late for class should have top priority to ride?   I can't believe that you dare to show your face when saying something so stupid. Grow up, the world is not revolve round up. Report Abuse  4  Written by John Doe, on 10-12-2007 11:44 Sorry for typo. My last sentence should read "the world is not revolve around you." Report Abuse Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6 AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com All right reserved

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 23 October 2007 02:50 PM )

 

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