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just a few thoughts
Yesterday was Tuesday. Tuesday = cheap movies at my local plaza, so I figured I'd go and see a late session of Narnia by myself.
I arrived half an hour early thinking there'd be a queue, but not a long one; whooee. LONG. I managed to just join it before it went out the door.
And...well. Nobody goes to the movies by themselves. NOBODY. Judging by the stares I got. Why? I mean, I was there to see the film because I'd heard it was good, not to talk or to make out with anyone. So I stood in the queue and read Wicked. By myself. And I was absolutely surrounded by people - my age - who all looked the same. Lots of eyeliner, the same pink singlet tops, the same ultra-straight layered hair. Laughing in big groups and talking about nothing at all.
I was just in front of a large mixed group who talked constantly in loud voices, but I cannot remember a single word of it. When my friends and I are in queues for movies or whatever, we talk, but there's substance to it. I can't put it any better than that. And I suppose I've considered that the norm for so long that being exposed to a good half hour of mindless macho intolerance and girlish, high-pitched bitching was like being slapped in the face. How do people live like that?
They stared. A lot. One guy came and stood RIGHT next to me and pointedly read over my shoulder for a full minute. I ignored him - I ignored everyone, because the crush of people was enough to put me severely on edge anyway. My personal space constricted down to just me and my bag and the few inches in front of me which the book filled. (Just keep breathing and focus on the words.)
It was alright in the actual theatre. I moved seats to the end of a row so that a couple could sit together ("You're here on your own?" *incredulous/sympathetic look*) and sat back and just tuned. it. all. out.
(The movie, by the way, was lovely - I am getting my hands on the soundtrack ASAP, the children did a fine job, I think most of the women in the place felt vague cradle-snatchy urges at the sight of Peter being golden and noble, and Liam Neeson was inspired casting for the voice of Aslan. Visually it was stunning. I doubt I have anything original to say about it, so I'll let it go at that.)
Sometimes I worry about spending so much time online. But then I remember that I talk to and RP with and exchange creativity with intelligent, thinking, open-minded people. And I forget that the world isn't all like that, but I'd rather have it this way than have to adapt to what I experienced last night.
I'm not going to be judged because - at age just-nineteen - I've never dated and have no plans to any time soon and would prefer to see a movie on my own. I've met many people online who would consider reading in public to be an everyday and laudable action.
Consider this a nod of heartfelt gratitude.
I just needed to get that off my chest, I think.
I arrived half an hour early thinking there'd be a queue, but not a long one; whooee. LONG. I managed to just join it before it went out the door.
And...well. Nobody goes to the movies by themselves. NOBODY. Judging by the stares I got. Why? I mean, I was there to see the film because I'd heard it was good, not to talk or to make out with anyone. So I stood in the queue and read Wicked. By myself. And I was absolutely surrounded by people - my age - who all looked the same. Lots of eyeliner, the same pink singlet tops, the same ultra-straight layered hair. Laughing in big groups and talking about nothing at all.
I was just in front of a large mixed group who talked constantly in loud voices, but I cannot remember a single word of it. When my friends and I are in queues for movies or whatever, we talk, but there's substance to it. I can't put it any better than that. And I suppose I've considered that the norm for so long that being exposed to a good half hour of mindless macho intolerance and girlish, high-pitched bitching was like being slapped in the face. How do people live like that?
They stared. A lot. One guy came and stood RIGHT next to me and pointedly read over my shoulder for a full minute. I ignored him - I ignored everyone, because the crush of people was enough to put me severely on edge anyway. My personal space constricted down to just me and my bag and the few inches in front of me which the book filled. (Just keep breathing and focus on the words.)
It was alright in the actual theatre. I moved seats to the end of a row so that a couple could sit together ("You're here on your own?" *incredulous/sympathetic look*) and sat back and just tuned. it. all. out.
(The movie, by the way, was lovely - I am getting my hands on the soundtrack ASAP, the children did a fine job, I think most of the women in the place felt vague cradle-snatchy urges at the sight of Peter being golden and noble, and Liam Neeson was inspired casting for the voice of Aslan. Visually it was stunning. I doubt I have anything original to say about it, so I'll let it go at that.)
Sometimes I worry about spending so much time online. But then I remember that I talk to and RP with and exchange creativity with intelligent, thinking, open-minded people. And I forget that the world isn't all like that, but I'd rather have it this way than have to adapt to what I experienced last night.
I'm not going to be judged because - at age just-nineteen - I've never dated and have no plans to any time soon and would prefer to see a movie on my own. I've met many people online who would consider reading in public to be an everyday and laudable action.
Consider this a nod of heartfelt gratitude.
I just needed to get that off my chest, I think.