Why Have People Completely Forgotten How To Behave In Public?
What’s going on, people? Do we not know how to behave in public anymore? Why are we forgetting basic manners when we leave the house? Can we not even go to concerts anymore without acting like under-evolved versions of our species? Unfortunately, given some recent incidents, that does appear to be the case.
Duck And Cover
Adele recently called on fans to refrain from throwing objects at performers on stage. The British singer’s comments follow instances of Bebe Rexha and Kelsea Ballerini being hit in the face during their shows. The 27-year-old man who threw a cellphone at Rexha said he thought it would be funny. How so? And he’s 27! Another concertgoer threw ashes on stage at a Pink concert, and someone literally slapped slapped Ava Max while she was performing.
CNN reports that Adele shared a few choice (and salty) words during her residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas about concertgoers throwing things at musicians. A couple of videos have been shared on social media of Adele ironically launching souvenir t-shirts into the audience as she said:
“Have you noticed how people are, like, forgetting f**king show etiquette at the moment, throwing s**t onstage? Have you seen that? I f**king dare you, dare you to throw something at me. Stop throwing things at the artist!”
Charlie Puth tweeted a similar plea. It seems like such a reasonable request. The fact that it even needed to be made is embarrassing for all of us.
Let’s Do Better
So why is this sort of stuff happening? Were we all cooped up for too long during the pandemic that we forget how to behave in places like concert venues? The same sorts of antics have been taking place in restaurants, stores, and on airplanes. The pandemic sucked but it’s over. We can’t keep using it as a crutch. It’s high time we got back to being our best selves.
A better America doesn’t start with political agendas. It begins with the fundamentals of decency, respect, and kindness toward one another. You know, the stuff we were taught before we were even old enough to go to concerts. Does learning how to behave in public need to be a formal part of the school curriculum? It seems like parents and guardians should still be able to handle that.
For the record, I wouldn’t take Adele up on that dare to throw something at her while she’s on stage. Never mind the perfectly-coiffed hair and ball-length gown. She looks and sounds like she means business.
Adele talks about concertgoers throwing things at artists:
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 4, 2023
“I fucking dare you. Dare you to throw something at me and I'll fucking kill you.” pic.twitter.com/vy680y8ekm
Concert Companions: 10 Types Of People You'll Meet At Live Shows
The Die-Hard Fan
From the minute the concert begins, the die-hard fan’s energy level is at an entirely different level. They are the first to rise to their feet, pumping their fists in the air They know all the lyrics, and dance moves. And they are fully immersed in the music. They are often seen front and center, singing and dancing with a lot of energy.
Wavebreakmedia/ Getty images
The Social Butterfly
Concerts are seen to the social butterfly as an opportunity to socialize and make new friends. From the moment they arrive at the concert venue, the social butterfly exudes a warm and approachable aura. They strike up conversations with those around them, sharing their excitement and genuine enthusiasm for the music and the event.
Maksym Belchenko/ Getty Images
The Casual Observer
These concertgoers are there to enjoy the music but prefer a more laid-back approach. They may not know every song, but they appreciate the experience and are content to relax and take it all in. You might see them nod along or tap their foot to the music, occasionally joining in during well-known choruses or catchy hooks.
The Selfie-Addict
For this person, attending a concert is all about capturing the perfect selfie or video to share on social media. They spend a significant amount of time taking photos, recording snippets of songs. From the moment they arrive at the concert venue, the selfie addict is armed with their smartphone or camera, ready to capture every moment. They meticulously plan their shots, searching for the best angles, lighting, and backgrounds to enhance their photos. They may even experiment with different poses, expressions, and even selfie sticks or tripods (if they can sneak them in) to ensure they get the perfect shot. They might need to be reminded that concerts are best experienced without a phone between their eyes and the stage. On the other hand, let them have their fun.
bernardbodo/ Getty Images
The Mosh Pitter
You know that person at a concert who just throws themselves into the craziness of the mosh pit? That’s the mosh pitter. They’re all about the energy, the excitement, and the physicality of the music. When the heavy tunes start blasting, you can find them right in the middle of the action. They’ll push, shove, jump, and even try their hand at crowd surfing. It’s like they’re tapping into some primal energy, just letting loose and going wild.
Paul Bradbury/ Getty Images
The Dancer
This person has an irresistible urge to dance to the music, regardless of their skill level. If you’re a “people-watcher,” the worse their dancing skills, the more fun you’ll have watching them. They can be seen moving to the beat with enthusiasm and encouraging others around them to join in the dance. An even if they’re terrible, it’s the thought that counts.
Two young women dancing and having fun at a music festival
The Super Fan
They’re the ones who take fandom to a whole new level. The kind of person who lives and breathes for the artist or band performing. They’re like walking encyclopedias of everything related to their favorite musician. They might dress up like the artist, have handmade signs, or bring special props to show their unwavering support. You can see that they’ve been rehearsing for this show for weeks. Or months. Or years.
ajr_images/ Getty Images
The Critic
This individual analyzes every aspect of the performance, from the artist’s stage presence to the sound quality. The concert critic isn’t afraid to point out areas where the performance fell short or could have been better. But they also make sure to highlight the artist’s strengths and any standout moments that deserve recognition. They might even engage in discussions with fellow concertgoers, debating the artist’s performance or comparing it to previous shows. (They might forget that they’re there to have a good time.)
daniilphotos/ Getty Images
The Wallflower
These individuals prefer to observe from a distance rather than actively participate. They may be shy or simply enjoy the music in a calmer manner, quietly enjoying the concert experience. While the more energetic concertgoers are dancing, jumping, and singing along, the wallflower tends to sway to the music in their own subtle rhythm. They’re not the type to scream or shout, but you can see the appreciation on their face as they close their eyes and get lost in the melodies.
ArtMassa/ Getty Images
The Party Animal
The party animal is an expert at making the most of every moment. Concerts are seen as an opportunity to let loose and have a wild time for them. They often arrive in groups, bring their own party supplies, and are usually the life of the after-party. They’re not afraid to sing at the top of their lungs, even if they don’t know all the lyrics perfectly. They’re there to have a good time, and they make sure everyone around them is having a blast too. You might want to avoid them, especially during ballads. Unless you’re into hearing loud off-key vocals (that may not even get the lyrics right).
Mina3686/ Getty Images
