This is getting frustrating. I am required to take the train five times a week (guess which days!) in order to go to school. Every day, it is 1hr trip each way, so 2hrs each day. I usually "prefer not to" listen to music on the train, since I don't really pay attention to it, and I don't notice all of the idiosyncrasies of the music. I simply don't enjoy it as much as I'd like to. Besides, I'd much rather spend the time reading a magazine or a book. But unfortunately, the train is so crowded that there is only a place to stand, and none to sit. I find myself doing nothing other than stare out the window, quite often actually.
However, one thing that is tantalizing to me is how people love to turn up their music all the way. I mean, I understand that some people love to listen to music on the train, and that is all fine and good. Yet, I don't need to hear it. Why is it that although I am 5 feet away, I can STILL hear the person's music. Usually, it is some rap/hiphop or latina music. And out of very poor quality earbuds. (I am not going to generalize on race, since I've seen people of all ethnicities do this). I imagine that this is not very good to the ears, and even MY ears start to hurt, even though I am standing so far away. I get especially frustrated when I am reading something or studying for a test on those rare occasions where I am able to get a seat, yet someone who is playing loud music decides to sit next to me, getting me distracted.
In case you wanted to skip all of that, here is the general version:
Why do people insist on listening to loud music on the train, especially a crowded one where they know that it will disturb other people? Does this not hurt their ears, or do they want to let everyone know what kind of music they are playing? Have you experienced anything like this?
