I’ve lived in four different countries and often find myself comparing the characteristics of their people in my head. As in, what would a Swede do in this situation as opposed to a Spaniard? Anyway, last Sunday at church we sectioned off the back rows with tape so as to force people to fill the sanctuary from the front (Swedes don’t much like sitting in the front rows of any room). I half expected complaints, but none arose and people obediently did as they were ”told.” So I started this mental comparison and it became kind of a comical short film in my head:
As mentioned, the average Swede would, when encountering a blocked row or a reserved seat, continue on, after a split second of looking dazed and confused, to another row without verbalizing any question or disagreement. They may not understand the reason, but unless asked, they won’t bring it up.
A Spaniard would stop, survey the situation, then subsequently start complaining to their companions, under their breath at first; then, as in ripple effect, the noise level would grow as the entire group gets disgruntled and starts questioning the unfairness and unreasonableness of it all, all the while blocking the aisle for anyone else trying to get by. Note that they would not go up to an usher and ask the reason for this measure and if an exception could be made for them. They would simply create an epic drama, then sit where they were directed. The whole thing would probably be rehashed over dinner afterwards. And again the next day at their mothers’.
An American would probably just remove the barrier and sit wherever the hell he/she wanted. After all, they’ve got rights. Then again, the American probably wouldn’t even notice the back rows, as sitting in the closest available row to the front is standard procedure.
P.S. I may have exaggerated. This is not meant to offend anyone; it’s just some good-natured satire from a person who identifies with all three behaviors.
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