In America, it seems there are lines for everywhere for everything. In Algeria, you will never see a line. Not because there are less people waiting for things, but because Algerians don't wait in lines... they "bunch."
I can't take credit for the incredibly accurate term-- the credit belongs to my hubby, who is much more clever with words than I am.
I saw the clearest example of bunching at the airport. While lines suck, sometimes they are needed, like when trying to go through security. While Sean and I attempted to wait in line, Algerians gathered around us, trying to get as close to the front as possible. (And it's not like we can say anything to them- they wouldn't understand what we were saying anyway). And again when it was time to board the plane, all the Algerians tried to get as close to the check in counter as fast as possible. I understand wanting to get to the front in many cases, but to board a plane?? The first person on the plane really just sits in their cramped seat the longest. And clearly personal space is not a concern, because bunching involves no personal space for anyone. As someone who feels personal space is important, I see myself getting no where fast. Bunching gives a new meaning to someone "breathing down the back of your neck." I will gladly move to the back of the bunch if it means I won't feel some strangers gross hot breath.
As a 1st grade teacher, one of the things you teach first in the beginning of the year is "single file, second tile." Not only is walking and staying in a line important, it even matters where the line is located in the hallway. Since no one forms any sort of line here, I can't imagine what chaos may be going on in primary classrooms in Algeria. Bunching in the hallway? (ok that's basically dismissal at BES) Bunching in the lunch line? Bunching coming in the classroom door? I can just imagine the arguments and pushing that would occur. While I sometimes feel like a stickler constantly harping on students to stay in line, seeing the other way things could be makes me think of lining up in a whole new way.
The next time I'm in America, and waiting in one of the many sucky lines, I will be thankful for my personal bubble, and remember it could be worse.
I can't take credit for the incredibly accurate term-- the credit belongs to my hubby, who is much more clever with words than I am.
I saw the clearest example of bunching at the airport. While lines suck, sometimes they are needed, like when trying to go through security. While Sean and I attempted to wait in line, Algerians gathered around us, trying to get as close to the front as possible. (And it's not like we can say anything to them- they wouldn't understand what we were saying anyway). And again when it was time to board the plane, all the Algerians tried to get as close to the check in counter as fast as possible. I understand wanting to get to the front in many cases, but to board a plane?? The first person on the plane really just sits in their cramped seat the longest. And clearly personal space is not a concern, because bunching involves no personal space for anyone. As someone who feels personal space is important, I see myself getting no where fast. Bunching gives a new meaning to someone "breathing down the back of your neck." I will gladly move to the back of the bunch if it means I won't feel some strangers gross hot breath.
As a 1st grade teacher, one of the things you teach first in the beginning of the year is "single file, second tile." Not only is walking and staying in a line important, it even matters where the line is located in the hallway. Since no one forms any sort of line here, I can't imagine what chaos may be going on in primary classrooms in Algeria. Bunching in the hallway? (ok that's basically dismissal at BES) Bunching in the lunch line? Bunching coming in the classroom door? I can just imagine the arguments and pushing that would occur. While I sometimes feel like a stickler constantly harping on students to stay in line, seeing the other way things could be makes me think of lining up in a whole new way.
The next time I'm in America, and waiting in one of the many sucky lines, I will be thankful for my personal bubble, and remember it could be worse.
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