Personal Space Bubble on Alert Level Orange
Excuse me, sorry, passing on the left. Oh, no problem, sure go ahead. One tall caramel latte with whipped cream and low fat milk for Rob!! Excuse me, go right ahead. Dana, hold on, let me pick up my latte, I'll be right back. Move to the right of the lane, have your boarding pass ready. Hey, keep moving! Next.
Personal space is valued dearly by Americans, more importantly, it's the delivery in communication and distance kept between each other. Ever been at Lidl's checkout counter, a popular grocery destination in Germany. First of all communication is kept at 23 words per hour and don't expect much love in any of the letters. And occasional bumps are met with non-verbal “you were in my way anyway” cues. Yet do San Franciscan baristas really care? Some do, others know how to make customers feel "right" and get the extra buck.
Even most cars assembled in the New World in recent years are among those active communicaters. Anytime you're heading into strip mall America and you're shopping at Target, be aware of honk bonanza when you park the car. Everytime anyone locks their Ford Expedition remotely, you'll be sorrounded by a honk concert accompanied with front and tail lights flashing! See any connections with the personal space bubble?
My rental was even equipped with an automatic "brake-and-go" car lock system. It basically locks the doors once you stop and accelerate after you start the engine. I wonder whether such a revolutionary idea is patented. According to recent studies, locked doors make vehicles safer upon impact. Safety in public space is big. It's gotten bigger since 9/11, whereas the collective physical sphere got smaller, minus the shopping experience and five credit cards. I am seeing an increase of leg extension utility and "comfort" - the car - at least for those who can afford it.
Don't get me wrong, I dig riding fact cars and nothing can replace great friends and tasty dinners with long connections about recognition of the world beyond. After two weeks "west side is the best side," I'm ready for my Kiez in Berlin, my local hood where I can bike and walk without being overexposed to supersized leg extensions.