I was present for the Phish 2 day run at Jones Beach over the 4th of
July this past week. There's something bothering me that I just have to
vent about. We're all together in this thing called life. There's
this thing called a society, and being part of one includes you in a
certain code of ethics that need to be followed. Having said that, one
of those things applies to concerts:
Wear your shirt!
We are all pressed together in fairly close quarters, and it is a
violation of basic decorum to go shirtless during a concert. I'm not
talking about an outdoor GA lawn venue, where your are free to hang out
in the back away from the masses and generally subscribe to a looser
code. I'm addressing a venue with seats, where bodies are basically
cramped in tight side by side, front and back. There is a certain
social credence, by which we have consideration for our fellow persons.
This pertains to wearing your shirt at a concert. I don't strictly
direct this to the fat, hairy, sweaty men. This is directed to all
people--even you, Mr. "I spend 20 hours a week at the gym." This also
includes women, of all ilk. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of the female
form. However, there is a time and place for everything, and a concert
is a time and place for the shirted.
The shirt is the basic fiber that allows for the separation of your
sweaty body from other persons who don't want anything to do with your
excretion of bodily fluids. Violating this social contract is simply
poor form. I understand that is unconscionably hot outside. I
understand the desire to get cool by the simple removal of one's shirt.
I also understand that this is not a beach or a swimming pool, and that
there must be a consideration for others.
Just think about it. You're at a concert, your dancing, or listening,
or just doing your thing. The music is flowing. You're finding your
groove. Just then, a sweaty, hairy shoulder blade slides across your
forearm. That's it. Just like that the groove is shaken. Sure it's
only a temporary moment, and you're sure to shake it off. But that
moment did not have to happen if the guy next to you would simply leave
his shirt on!
End rant...
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