12 - planes, trains and buses
If self-knowledge is to be found high on a Tibetan mountain or deep in a
South American rainforest then where are we to learn about others? Simple,
catch the Number 20 to the local shops.
This theory is not going to sit well with anthropologists who envisage
their international all expenses paid field trip being replaced by a bus pass,
but it is true. The only way to really get to know a society is through their
public transport system. For example, come to London, take the Northern Line
at rush hour and you will find out a lot about British people - more than you
may wish to know.
Although not anthropologists Emma and I did choose to shun private transport
on various occasions during our 13 weeks in the states and it did bring us
closer to American culture. In particular, we got a close up view of the arse-
end of this society - once quite literally.
Picture the scene if you dare. San Francisco, rainy day, crowded bus.
Emma and I were on our way to the Californian Academy of Science. This
involved a serious fix of public transport, as we needed to get 3 buses. On the
last of these we were sitting quite happily, keeping quiet and avoiding eye
contact with our fellow passengers, as you do if you want to steer clear of
provoking homicidal rants from anyone, including the driver. Suddenly a
young man (or 'youth') got on and struck up conversation with another young
lad and obvious friend. They were having an increasingly animated
discussion, though completely friendly. It was impossible not to eve's drop and