There are some place you just DON'T listen to your iPod!

Recently, I read a blog post on Runner's World called It's Not About the iPod. It talked about a woman who got a DQ at the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon because she was listening to her iPod, even though she was aware of it being against the official rules. This piqued my interest not because I like my iPod, but because much of the conversation centered around following rules...or not. Mark Remy, the author, asks

I mean, is it just me, guys? Am I the only one who finds this creeping disrespect for rules, this sort of "Up Yours, I'll Do What I Want," "Me First" attitude just a little alarming?

Or should I crank up some Jay Z and just... tune it all out?

Now yesterday, I mentioned I've been told I'm like Angela from the Office. I have to admit that its not only because I like cats. I too like to follow the rules. I grew up in Japan. Enough said.
And when I moved to America a few years ago, I too, like Mark Remy, found the disrespecting of rules here quite... different. Let's just say it was a pretty huge culture shock. I mean.... people wanted to fight the rules about everything... even small petty things like the color of the T-shirt they were assigned to in a group activity. (really? Is your free t-shirt so important to you that you need to go complain to the supervisor about it...?)

I'm digressing a little here, but you get my drift. Last night, I mentioned that I was going to the ballet. The ballet was amazing, and I truly enjoyed the show. But I wouldn't be writing this post had a not seen this one particular thing.

A guy (most likely a college student) wearing his headphones and listening to his iPod/iPhone through the performance.

WTF...??? Seriously? Seriously? You go all the way to see a ballet, and you listen to your iPod? While these people on stage have worked thier butts off to perfect the art to deliver a feeling of magic, a feeling of spectacle? The precise dance, the impecable Tchaikovsky music, the dedication to the art.... it all meant nothing compared to the Jay-Z or Linkin Park or Miley Cyrus or whoever it was he was listening to.

I just think it was so disrespectful and distasteful. I don't have anything against iPods. Like the Runner's World article said, the issue at hand isn't even about the iPod. It's about having respect for the organization that's making the event possible and trying to provide everyone a great experience. I don't know... it just makes me feel sad to think about how some people believe their own immediate pleasure/gratification is MUCH more important than anyone else's, and disregards the fact that thier actions are offensive/disrespectful to others. Yes I know I am a little naive. But still....it makes me sad.

I know this has nothing to do with running, but I just really wanted to talk about it and throw it out there. I think having respect is a really important topic for running though, and especially racing. And I also know that runners tend to be very introspective, reflective, observant, and intelligent people, so maybe you can share your wisdom with me. But you can totally feel free to disagree with me too, and tell me I'm wrong. Maybe I'm not seeing the whole picture. Please do enlighten me. Oh and yes, you can call Angela.