Using phone with Speaker on PATH train.

Submitted by lazysloath1 t3_ymqdzl in jerseycity

From WTC to JSQ PATH train a person was playing some king of noisy shooting game with speakers on ( no headphones). It was clearly audible to next few people and was quite irritating. When I politely told them about it, they said to mind my business, we all are in NY, this is noise is very common where I am from? etc etc you know how it goes.And others around did not utter a single word. He kept on doing the same.

Should I have just walked to another corner of the train when this happened instead of speaking up? I did actually sensing its only me who is bothered and all others are comfortable with the situation.

I think us being silent in these situations reinforces this kind of behavior.

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Comments

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ICarlosRoberto t1_iv55v9b wrote

Not worth it. People get stabbed for telling people to lower their music. My philosophy with everything like this is if the cops aren’t willing to do anything about it then why would I bother? I always think it’s a couple of minutes of annoyance from someone I’ll never see again and will forget about minutes later or I’ll be creating a scene that’ll have repercussions for who knows how long. Best thing to do is wear earplugs and listen to music

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precordial_thump t1_iv53tio wrote

I've always wanted to sit next to someone and do the same thing they're doing (play loud music/movie/game).

But I'm a coward.

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mooseLimbsCatLicks t1_iv6finb wrote

Same. You just never know how someone will react: you can’t predict level of craziness. It’s attention seeking behavior, you don’t know what else they are seeking.

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TrumpsBadHombres t1_iv55qr8 wrote

Two weeks ago a guy stabbed a dude in Stella’s for trying to do the right thing. Don’t underestimate how crazy somebody can be. Can you fight? Can you defend yourself? Why bother? Just move and avoid a confrontation. Nothing about that is being a coward, it’s just street smart.

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Nope- t1_iv6p24m wrote

Agreed. Just the other day on the Upper West Side a man was beat up for OP’s exact scenario, asking someone to turn down their music. It’s not right, but it’s not worth it to test just how crazy a random person is, especially since they are already clearly very comfortable violating social norms.

https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-loud-music-subway-beatdown-nypd-20221028-2rhrmho64bephpgqzs23rwhcry-story.html

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RAWisROLLIE t1_iv5abwt wrote

Steal the phone and jump out at the next stop. "It's the city, what did you expect?"

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cC2Panda t1_iv5kfix wrote

If you're going that route I'd say slap it across the car. Make them decide to chase you or their phone but not both.

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carne__asada t1_iv5h0by wrote

People like this don't give a shit about impact on others. If they did then they wouldn't do it.

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hrckw32 t1_iv54lm1 wrote

You’re overestimating your influence on strangers behavior on public transportation. Definitely a situation where you just move if it bothers you.

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GoHuskies1984 t1_iv5jf1x wrote

Engaging these people isn't worth it. At best you'll get that sass comeback. At worst they'll throw down to show what's what.

Too many people just don't care, have zero shame, and absolutely no concern for anyone else. They'll say the city made them that way.

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lbyron22 t1_iv5usfr wrote

Exactly, those type of people are most likely looking for a reaction

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kittyglitther t1_iv56bta wrote

I'm always tempted to start blaring bagpipe music out of my phone. But I try to avoid escalating situations with people who are already showing that they're assholes.

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kekelakes t1_iv5qnkw wrote

Please be careful about blaming bystanders for not Doing anything…just in general. I politely asked a stranger on the path once to take their shopping bag off my shoes… I assumed they had done it by accident. And what it led to was a verbal altercation that lasted several minutes and got very hostile. They just didn’t like being told what to do. People who are aggressive and mentally ill can be unpredictable. Everyone around me disassociated while I was literally crying and shaking because this man was cussing me out because his property was on my body. So much more happened that I won’t bother listing here but the point is that bystanders just don’t want to go home to their families with a black eye because they tried to do something about it. In some few cases, Doing something can make a difference but it can be really dangerous if the person is aggressive

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possums101 t1_iv54a4i wrote

The list of things I would confront someone on public transportation for is very short. Playing audio out loud is not one of them. Welcome to city life, I’m guessing you’re new here. This will not be the last time you see something like this. If you want to keep “confronting” these assholes you gotta be willing to fight. I know it sounds crazy but people have come to blows for less.

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sutisuc t1_iv5nqh7 wrote

*city life in the US. Trust me this is not a common occurrence in cities in Japan, Western Europe, etc

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possums101 t1_iv5ofy8 wrote

Sure yeah I thought it’d be clear I’m not speaking from a global experience on r/jerseycity lol

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Nedi-Ryze-57 t1_iv54t0i wrote

These people are always going to exist. The reason that people don't speak up is because they know it won't change these idiots' minds.

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Blecher_onthe_Hudson t1_iv5ter3 wrote

This is a species of sub-human called an "asshole", defined by a total lack of the social skill known as "The Golden Rule". Then do what they want when they want, without a bit of consideration for its effects on other people.

You can find them just about anywhere, but situations like on the road where they intrude into your activity, or being trapped like you were on a train, are typically where their attitude of "no one else is real and has wants and needs, except for me" truly shines.

Cell phones are merely the latest way for the Asshole to make his presence known, it's direct predecessor was the boombox used to share their shitty taste in music with the known universe. It's current iteration is the car with the absurdly high-powered audio system and windows down blaring their shitty music.

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FollowMeKids t1_iv5e9g4 wrote

Should’ve minded your business. Too many crazies nowadays, stay in your lane to avoid getting stabbed over something not worth fighting about. Goal is to get to where you’re going safely. A train full of randoms is not the place and time to try and make changes in the world.

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TheOffice_Account t1_iv5s0xm wrote

>I think us being silent in these situations reinforces this kind of behavior.

This is true only if the person is not aware they are being obnoxious. Instead, consider the possibility that the person knows they are being annoying and obnoxious by acting in that anti-social manner, and are looking for a reason to fight with someone.

Any half-socialized person knows that using loud speakers like that is going to annoy others. He knows what he is doing. You telling him about it changes nothing. So don't say anything. Just walk away (and let someone else, who wants a fight and wants the quiet - let those two handle it together).

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WarrenBuffetsDriver t1_iv5efgs wrote

Think of the outcome you're hoping to achieve then the probability of you reaching that outcome.

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PowerfulCobbler t1_iv5p415 wrote

annoying but not worth it to say anything, frankly i’m just glad they’re not jerking off

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One_Bell_2607 t1_iv60bv9 wrote

i see such issues in NYC more often then in europe. i guess this tells about cultural level of population,

there is no other way than just accept it, as i did.

for 6month living here i have seen more incedents in public transport than in whole my life.

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half_cold t1_iv57p09 wrote

Lotsa crazy people in this city and the one next door. I know it sucks but it's best to go to the next car if it bothers you.

I wish it were, but this isn't Japan.

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knit_run_bike_swim t1_iv59wk0 wrote

Like the saying goes:

It’s easier to don a slipper than it is to carpet the world.

Everyone has irks. My irks are quite preposterous when I get down and think about them. Even that irks me. I hate when others are listening to their devices without headphones, but the only time I’ve said something is when I have no choice to move (e.g. a plane). I try to always remember that if everyone in the world did everything exactly like me, we’d probably all kill each other. We need more balance than we think.

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fruit__gummy t1_iv5n94h wrote

While I agree with your general point, I doubt we would all start killing each other if people stopped playing audio out loud on the path…

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ReadersAreRedditors t1_iv5fp4d wrote

I sometimes dance really bad to the music, to the point that it's awkward and they turn it down or off to make me stop.

I haven't seen someone play a game with sound in public, but maybe I would start talking to them and act overly interested in the game that they are playing. I.E: asking how to play; giving advice; or rooting them on. Hopefully they'll get annoyed enough to want to stop being the main character.

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dfrancisco2 t1_iv5lurz wrote

Some one recently got beat up on the MTA for confronting someone about the loud music. I think it’s best to just not get involved since there are so many crazy people out here. If possible get some noise canceling headphones or AirPods pro to drown down the noise. Not worth losing your life over other people stupidity.

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Vince_BK t1_iv6io5n wrote

Tell the conductor. They will have the police remove the individual from the train. It may cause delays but that's a solution for you.

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Anonymous1985388 t1_iv73gdb wrote

I speak up but I'm selective about when I speak up. If the person looks angry or unhinged, I may move to another section of the train. If the person looks to be on their way to the office or is a tourist with their whole family there, and they're making someone uncomfortable, then yea I may speak up.

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ILoveHotDogsAndBacon t1_iv56tld wrote

Just start talking loudly like you’re on the phone. Get him to ask you to quiet down. Assert your dominance!

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nelozero t1_iv61sam wrote

Slightly off topic, but anyone familiar with that guy who preaches loudly about the bible and Jesus from Newark to WTC on the Path?

That dude was super annoying.

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jpporcaro t1_iv59n56 wrote

Is the OP trolling us?

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boojieboy666 t1_iv63911 wrote

This is jersey not NY, we should keep it that way.

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thedukeoferla t1_iv6ovok wrote

Pretty sure everyone is bothered by it. Fairly certain the perp has zero spatial/auditory awareness and is likely a shitty human being. Hey could you get out of the way so my crew can breakdance on this crowded PATH train?

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Onlytheonethatlived t1_iv6raag wrote

Anyone who does anything obtrusive on public trans is a complete asshole.

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ribasad t1_iv5lrvi wrote

The noise cancellation feature on AirPod Pro 2’s are effective

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skyeyemx t1_iv7ctrv wrote

Even better than consumer-grade earbuds is a set of Etymōtic monitors. I have an ER2SE and properly inserted they're the closest thing to dead silence

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sthornr t1_iv60zpo wrote

I have a neat trick I use that works. Say the person is playing a game, I'll wait till they hit pause, or we are underground without network to ensure I'm not ruining their online game. Then, engage them in a conversation.
I'll feign interest in the game and ask them about the game they are playing, etc. They'll often stop playing and start talking with you, which is more tolerable + I've made a couple of friends this way.

Works less often for people playing loud music, but they will lower the volume to be able to hear you talking.

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flippenstance t1_iv6f3zp wrote

Unless you bought a First Class ticket, we're all in this together. I have moved to another location in a car or even to another car in the case of MTA if I am finding someone particularly annoying. It's definitely not worth taking a chance that this is a belligerent, psycho just daring someone to say something. Mind your business, stay safe.

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shampoomotorola t1_iv5y8ik wrote

The Jersey City autistic Redditor trifecta: This guy telling people to be quiet on the PATH, the guy who gave $2 to a bum at Newport, and the guy who took a bum to the ATM.

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claudioe1 t1_iv5z9sb wrote

Unless you’re ready for a fight, mind your business. That’s always been the way it is, and it’s even more so now; no one wants to go viral for the wrong reasons… or worse.

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anothercsguy t1_iv7pkez wrote

Tons of people do it. People are just rude, selfish, and don‘t give a fuck. Just let it go. otherwise you‘ll be upset and get into an argument every train ride.

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DontBeEvil1 t1_iv80ldw wrote

I think you should ride the train with headphones. It makes the ride immensely more enjoyable. And if I didn't have them, I would have moved. You can't expect others to have spoken up, without even knowing if they were bothered. Why would they engage in a fight with someone because you don't like the sound of their game?

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Dominicmeoward t1_iv83qtq wrote

The people who do that probably won’t listen to reason or in good faith if you asked them to use headphones. It’s annoying as hell but I usually mind my business and hope somebody else will say something, like a conductor or a PA cop or something. As annoying as it is, it’s so benign compared to other things that happen on trains that I don’t bother.

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lizarny t1_iv8id8t wrote

Last time this shit happened , I turned around and farted a SBD in the face of the offender .

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BrysonGreenville t1_iva09pb wrote

This is a normal part of African American culture

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Glad_ds t1_ivdh3in wrote

hood rats will be hood rats.

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Public_Minute_805 t1_ivf1u3m wrote

Common on NYC subways too. Degradation of manners in public space continues.

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superpuzzlekiller t1_iv5h0et wrote

Does it really bother you that much? Personally, i have more important things to worry about than getting strangers i dont even know to do something they clearly dont want to do. Best to just learn to tune it out.

Edit: downvoted by Karens

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Ok_Concentrate_75 t1_iv64i91 wrote

It's a city, you learn to put yourself in a vacuum. You will tell him he is annoying and the next stop a whole band will come on and play a whole set

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Mongodbsasto t1_iv54rfw wrote

I will get downvoted I guess but what color was that person?

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half_cold t1_iv57egn wrote

Uhh??? All the racists upvoting you, whaa???

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mr_abiLLity t1_iv568gv wrote

I believe in self. You want change? Gotta do it yourself. Should have moved. Telling someone else to accommodate for your own discomfort is the opposite of self.

It’s understandable of course. But our feelings are our responsibility.

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frankenberrysgrrl t1_iv588z0 wrote

PATH rules: “No person shall play or operate any musical instrument or device, tape or disc player, radio or television anywhere on PATH property except with the use of personal headphones or earphones producing sounds audible only to the user thereof.”

OP wasn’t asking the person to accommodate them. OP was asking the person to follow the rules. That’s not asking others to accommodate OP. That’s asking others to not be rude.

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mr_abiLLity t1_iv5b8cn wrote

Rules once said blacks was 3/5th a person too

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WorldsColliding123 t1_iv5cc0m wrote

This is poor logic. Sure there have been bad rules in the past. Sure there are still some bad rules now. That doesn’t mean that all rules should be disregarded or all rules are meaningless. The rule in question is a good one that’s intended to promote basic courtesies between people.

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mr_abiLLity t1_iv5comm wrote

My point is relying on regulations for what’s best for yourself is dumb. It’s putting your personal power in the hands of a sign. Only one person is gonna stand up for self. And that’s self.

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frankenberrysgrrl t1_iv6jess wrote

That wasn’t a rule, that was systemic racism specifically built to keep ex-slaves in a box. How the fuck does that even compare to wearing headphones in a public place and showing consideration for others?

You know what? I’m out because you took an unnecessary hard left turn here.

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