Was I rude or even foolish for saying this tonight?

Question

I was on the subway (NY) coming home for work and these two twenty-something business guys were yapping non-stop about stupid stuff, really loudly next to me and an older woman. One of the men kept saying the "F" word really loud many times and this old lady was obviously offended. She was like 60. So I looked at the guy and simply said, "Will you stop it?" He looked back at me like he couldn't believe I said anything. Then he just kept talking and talking but he didn't say the "F" word again, but he didn't acknowledge that I had said anything to him either.

When I told my friend what happened he thought I was stupid for speaking to someone on the subway and that I should have kept my mouth shut. What do you think?

Answer 1

Just for the fact that you said something made a big impression on him. You have to understand that people don't get much of people caring about what they do. Just the fact that you noticed and said something probably meant a lot to him.

My grandmother once told this boy to knock it off, sit up straight or she would kick him out of her restaurant. He called her ma'am from that day on.

After he left my grandmothers friend came up to her and told her that she couldn't believe that she spoke to him that way. Why? Grandma asked. The lady's eyes got big and she said didn't you know? He is the leader of the ---- gang. But that boy had respect for my grandma after that. Was very polite every time he came into her restaurant and so was all of the other boys. In fact they came more often.

Answer 2

I know it's late back there and your probably sleeping cause you have work early....I say Yay for you...My hats off, you know in your gut you did the right thing...You are a real man for doing what you felt you needed not only for your peace of mind but for those around you as well...As far as the kid....Disrespectful...So many are raised today, it's sad...But with enough people like yourself out there that have the balls to stand up and say what's on your mind perhaps, these loud inconsiderate it's all about me people, cause you know, guys aren't the only ones that do this....I applaud you for having enough respect for this woman you didn't know...I'm sure if she has the opportunity to thank you if you run into her again...she will If not verbally than with a smile...but I'm sure she was greatful...Have an excellent day at work...and enjoy your weekend... :) .... your friend needs to think if that was his mom sitting there on the subway and these kids were cussing and talking like the loud family...would he stand up and say something out of respect for his mom...sis, wife girl....Or is he gonna cower insteead of being a man like you...you don't have to say anything to him...^5...Take Care...

Answer 3

No, its not stupid at all! I hate when people constantly use the F word. It means that the have no command of the English language, so they are using curse words as filler!!
It is a type of noise polution. I agree with you .
I also hate when I hear a women say that word...I know it sound sexist...but it is a real turnoff to hear that word coming from a young women. I hardly ever see the need to use a curse word, other than if you bang you toe and it slips out!
Thank you for stopping those two!
I wish more people would follow your example!!!!

Answer 4

You were lucky it was business guys and not someone that might have beat you senseless! Even though I don't know you I don't want to read in tomorrows newspaper that someone with a good heart and good intentions got shot on the subway on the way home! You were o.k. tonight but next time you might not be so lucky. Next time when the car pulls into a station just change cars.

Answer 5

GO you...i was in theatre for A LONG TIME....like a year...or les...and these two guys OLDER THAN I WAS actualy cussed one of the directors out RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME....i was SO offended...i had no clue what to do or say...the fact is i didn't do anything cause i learned to tone it out but it bothered me a lot...one of 'em said the "S" word in front of me and was like sorry i know i say it alot (btw he was 18 and i was 13.....and he was fat and gay.....and knew the main director A WHOLE lot better then i did) and i was like yeah...i don't say that cuz i don't really like that word...i had to put up with that for 7 months straight....YOU DID A GREAT THING....but believe me....if he used Gods name in vain in ANY WAY i would have benn like "okay this aint workin for me so you need to shut yo mouth" and i would have taken it to the director.............

all that to say You were brave for doing that and i really like what you did....GO YOU

ery humble to stick up for the old woman:) I would have one it too.......although i never really had the courage....way to go...i mean if every ody who gets offended would stand up and say something....then i hope all the potty moths would stop:) again...very good job very good

Answer 6

If enough people spoke up to those using offensive language in public maybe all the "Potty Mouths' would clean up their act........
.....if they had an unsavory appearance then I would have not spoken...yes I know all about judging books by covers but quite often the way someone conducts themselves along with how they dress is very telling......two young businessmen using foul language should be ashamed of themselves.....especially infront of an older lady...you did right. Kuddos to you, Toots!

Answer 7

No you were not rude at all! You did the right thing and that was very considerate of you. Very few people have morals in this world anymore and people like you should stick around...Just be careful because sometimes there are psychos on the subway.

Answer 8

I'm not sure if you did the right thing. You could've gotten a slug in the face for it. Next time, if you say something, try being a bit more tactful. like a polite "please do stop swearing, this kind lady is not enjoying the conversation" at least you will have said something, and would be less likely to get your @rse kicked.

Answer 9

It's a tough call now days and how sad it is. I would have wanted to do the same, though it really depends on the person speaking to whom I'm offended by maybe. And it sounds cliche' but.....I likely would have gestured to the lady that I was in fact anoyed as well by it, however I would have REALLY wanted to do just what you did today......Thats the world today ya know.....people are very disapointing......Best wishes...

Answer 10

Good for you! I wish more people would speak up like that! Today, at school dismissal, a teenager came to pick up her younger sibs. She was on her cell phone and every other word was the "f" word. She seemed totally oblivious to the fact that small children were around her. I tried to get her attention, but she was too wrapped up in her conversation ... either that or she was deliberately ignoring my efforts.