2007-09-27 12:30:37 · 2 answers · asked by greenpower22 3 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
We are genetically and socially conditioned to not make eye contact with strangers. Prolonged eye contact is considered an aggressive behaviour; I was actually attacked by a gorilla at the London Zoo when I tried to test this theory out. Luckily, I was protected by a strong plexiglass wall. That is why everybody faces the same way in an elevator. I don't know that it is a value that is being broken, but it is certainly considered to be discourteous and an act of aggression. This is one of the reasons that one person eventually breaks down and laughs or looks away when in a staring contest.
2007-09-27 12:45:03 · answer #1 · answered by sheltie 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No values being broken, just cultural norms. And you will get odd looks. But there is no value system that says that one should face the door. Some sociology teachers make their students do stuff like that to see the results. It can be interesting. Also depends on the elevator. In a bank building it would be different from in a large art gallery, or a snooty high rise.
Interesting idea.
2007-09-27 13:18:25 · answer #2 · answered by thisbrit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋