A gentler version to this post is: Street Ethics in New York City
When going around New York City- Keep right at all times for your own safety;
Try not to stare at people;
Avoid looking at someone as though “dressing him/her down”before something unexpectedly bad might happen to you;
Cooperate like the other customers in any deli or restaurant by cleaning your own mess and throwing your own garbage;
Queue as others do in any establishment you go into; do not by-pass others who have lined up ahead of you;
Wait for the train riders to come out of the train before you board;
When inside the train, look for a seat; if not available, hold on to the pole or corner of the bench. Be mindful of the announcements especially the reminders on Sexual Harassment or Unattended big bags or containers. One such reminder that is consistently drilled to your memory: STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS.
Plan your carry bags such that you do not burden yourself;
If at all possible try not to make it a habit to carry plastic bags all the time before you join the rank of the “bag lady”;
As you keep roaming around or going around New York City, you observe some people who talk to themselves or seem to act not to your usual liking, do not attempt to comment or volunteer to do something, it might do you more harm than good;
Be dressed appropriately such that since it is Winter, bundle up for your protection from chill and rain;
Have a Map of New York City uploaded in your cell phone or ask for a free Map from personnel in the Subway Station;
Use the Metro Card properly as you enter the subway station. Make sure the “black” line with the arrows under it are pointed forward; and
Hello, Welcome, Thank You as “second nature” greetings. It does not hurt to smile when saying it. The bus driver or cashier or anyone who helps you smiles when you do this.
Like any SURVIVAL KIT, it is open to changes as the need arises. So make your own TIPS and share it. We can compare experiences someday. What is essential is that we become safe because we try to prevent it. As they say: “Prevention is better than Cure”.
