I know that societal courtesy in general has greatly diminished in the past few decades, so maybe this is a silly question. Here goes.

At certain outdoor events, there are sections of upgraded tickets where seating is provided. My recent example is an airshow, but it could be an outdoor concert, etc.

In theory, if the audience in that section remains seated, everyone maintains their view of the show that is elevated above them. Of course, that rarely happens. Some YouTube cell phone videographer feels the need to stand up to get the "perfect" shot of the Blue Angels with their tiny little camera and then stays there. That starts the problem and most of the rest of the crowd is soon also standing. At that point, kids and old people are screwed unless they are 7 feet tall.

Perhaps this is normal and my behavioral expectations are pure fantasy. I can stand or sit, so it's not that big of a deal, but just wondering what the unofficial "rules" are.

Question:
When attending an outdoor performance where seating is provided, is it acceptable to stand even if it blocks others' view?

Choices:
Absolutely. Everyone does it and that's just the way it is.
It's not good to be the first, but feel free to stand once the wave starts.
It's never acceptable and standing just makes you part of the problem.

 

My thought, it depends.

Flat seating, ie chairs on pavement, stay seated.
Tiered seating like a baseball field, standing a bit more ok, as long you're not impeding those behind you.

When we did Wings Over Houston, we had VIP seating, some covered.

I spent most of it on foot with my Nikon. Those seated, tended to remain that way.

22lr, silenced, to the back of the head of the first person to stand.

Were you in Duluth today?

I have no answer to the poll, but only wish to note the self-centered, inconsiderate behavior by far too many is why I no longer even consider going to public events of any kind--be they air shows, concerts, or movie theaters.

quote:

Originally posted by bcereuss:
Were you in Duluth today?

Yesterday.

I've been to dozens of airshows over the past 30 years and the behavior seems to get worse all the time.

quote:

Originally posted by MNSIG:

quote:

Originally posted by bcereuss:
Were you in Duluth today?

Yesterday.

I've been to dozens of airshows over the past 30 years and the behavior seems to get worse all the time.

It's not limited to airshows. Manners and consideration for others have all but disappeared in the modern America.

flashguy

I grew up under cultural norms where consideration of others was a cultural priority. That one of the duties of a gentleman was the comfort of others around him.

It’s still ingrained in me, sometimes for the worse. But I often find myself asking why I still do it. Gentlemen and ladies are a rarity these days. Perhaps even anachronistic and obsolete even.

If you're paying, especially for a better seat, then its everyones responsibility to be considerate, which includes not standing and blocking others views; certain football stadiums notwithstanding. It's also the responsibility of the event organizer, principally ushers, security, courtesy official, whatever... to get out there and make sure everyone is enjoying the event, which includes spotting 'those guys' who are blocking the views of paying customers.

I’m 5’2”. I refuse to attend football games. If it turns into a good game, even with tiered seating, if most of the crowd stands I can’t see a damn thing.

I've noticed the attitude for a while - even before social media and smartphones - that people think their right to record an event supersedes your right to view it.

quote:

Originally posted by corsair:
If you're paying, especially for a better seat, then its everyones responsibility to be considerate, which includes not standing and blocking others views; certain football stadiums notwithstanding. It's also the responsibility of the event organizer, principally ushers, security, courtesy official, whatever... to get out there and make sure everyone is enjoying the event, which includes spotting 'those guys' who are blocking the views of paying customers.

You'd think so, but none of that was taking place. There are no posted "rules" and no intervention by staff. I got there early with my family and had seats in the front row, so was only minimally affected by people to the sides. I'd say 90% were standing within 2 minutes of the BA starting their show. I held position, but don't think my example did anything to educate the masses. I'd imagine it's a matter of time before some guy with young kids who paid $150 each for a better view gets into a physical confrontation.

Consider sending an email to the event sponsors about that. A few years ago at hockey games I attended I noticed that the gentlemen were no longer removing their caps when the anthem was sung.
I was surprised (regardless of whether or not I’m a woman). I remember turning to my husband (military) and asking him if this was normal, and he said typically removing the hat was more respectful. I spoke to somebody who was involved with the event, and sent an email. I got a response “that this is how they had always done it (no)”, not necessarily that I was being a picky bitch, but you get the point....however, the following season they added it the announcement they make (for everyone to “please rise for the singing of the national anthem, and gentlemen, please remove your hats”..). So, it worked.

It’s rude that people would stand up when they know there are people behind trying to view an event. A rock concert where you’re on the floor or in the pits- different. Maybe these folks just got so lost in the excitement they forgot themselves.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: irreverent,

It is polite NOT to interfere with someone else's enjoyment of an event. I'm 6'3 and do my best to not impede others' view of shared events.

A few weeks ago, I went to my first Astros game since 2019. I love baseball in person and was really looking forward to it. Therefore, I splurged and bought some pretty expensive seats.

I'm not much on crowds and was hoping one of the few benefits was COVID would make them space people out. Nope, they seemingly only sold the expensive seats (i.e. nobody in entire sections of less expensive seats) and we were packed together like sardines.

The problem was the drunk 20-something birthday gal in front of us. She stood for at least half the game, even when seated seemingly was ready to spring up and block others' view, and on top of it shouted quite a bit. Fortunately, the people next to us were germophobes (i.e. N95 mask wearers who left the crowded section in 2nd inning and never came back) so the gf and I moved into their seats so she wouldn't block our view. Unfortunately, when we took a trip to the concession stand someone else moved into those unobstructed seats. Drunken birthday girl was oblivious to comments/shouts of "we can't see", "sit down", etc. Her friends seemed embarrassed but not enough to try to reign her rudeness in.

Right is right, even if no one is doing it. Wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it..

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
Drunken birthday girl was oblivious to comments/shouts of "we can't see", "sit down", etc. Her friends seemed embarrassed but not enough to try to reign her rudeness in.

Rather than stew for the rest of the game, inn-between innings, I'd have grabbed one of the ushers and made them take note of the situation and asked if they could 'do something to help my fan experience'. Put it on them to fix the situation. They'd probably give you the 'ok' to relocate but, make them fix-it, you paid for some nice seats. Then afterwards, write a note to their customer relations dept...complementary or otherwise.

it is rude, but what are you going to do when everyone stands? Scream and yell? Knock everyone down?