This isn't a manner issue. Men, and in particular white men are socialized to just move in the world. They don't give any thought to the space they take up. Women have to think about this constantly, for safety, manners, being "nice," etc. I even find that on running trails I will be expected to move over so a man can run the full trail, when I am perfectly willing to share the trail.

It took me real concentration to first notice this, and then act on it. But now I play "walk like a white man" especially in airports or on running trails. I can take up space too.

This is what the phrase "Excuse me" is for. That's why manners used to be a thing.

Anonymous wrote:I see this all the time at the grocery store I go to, which has somewhat narrow aisles. If there is someone who is absently and unnecessarily blocking the aisle with their cart splayed across the middle of the aisle so no one else can pass, 95% of the time it's a man (even though well less than half of the shoppers there are men).

OMG yes!!! Infuriating.

Anonymous wrote:I'm female and walk a lot. It's not men who are the issue, it's other women who walk in groups, chatting, who refuse to move or refuse to acknowledge anyone else's presence. I get pushed onto the street more often than not. Lately I've been holding my position playing a game of chicken with the oncoming group of streethog chatterboxes and I end up with bruised shoulders and dirty stares.

Word! Women are the worst with this and also cutting in line.