Today I worked audio-guida, which mean audio-guide - yes, I sat at the front desk and rented audioguides... all day. Might not sound like fun, but actually it's basically just 9 hours to hang with friends who are selling tickets and checking coats, and talk to visitors from near and far. Oh and make art, which I did a bunch of today! Anyway, the question of the day, as posed by Tuey and me is, "Why do 80% of people pay for their tickets and walk away before actually taking them?"
Thoughts?
I love Sociology related questions!!!! I wonder if Tuey's observation is universally true or more of an European phenomenon. For example, on Germany's metro system there isn't someone checking your ticket everytime, but if they catch you without one, you have to pay a steep fine. In contrast, as you well know, it's nearly impossible to board the NYC Subway without a ticket. Perhaps this is a telling example of the difference between European and American culture. Perhaps Europeans are more trusting of one another and the act of purchasing your ticket one place and having someone collect it in another isn't required as there is a group mentality that says, "we won't try to take advantage of each other." Compared to America, where it's definitely a more "every man for himself" type of attitude. Still, I wouldn't claim one way is better than the other because both mentalities have good and bad repercussions. Or perhaps I've interpreted this all incorrectly and Italians just don't like holding paper...
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