19 Ridiculous Rules Society Still Hasn’t Abandoned

Some rules simply don’t make sense. But even though they’re illogical, people still abide by them. Which rules are we talking about? You’ll find 19 examples of them in this article.

Eating On Public Transportation

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Eating on public transportation is something that is banned in some places and extremely frowned upon in others. Because of how negatively it’s viewed, most people refrain from eating food while using the subway or traveling on a bus. They do this even when it greatly inconveniences them.

Daylight Saving Time

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According to a University of Chicago poll, says Psychology Today, 75 percent of Americans would prefer to end the practice of switching the clocks twice a year. Although most people agree that changing the clocks disrupts sleep and throws us off schedule, we still have to do it.

Movie Theater Popcorn

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Most people know that you can’t bring your own popcorn to a movie theater, even though movie theater popcorn is way overpriced. WiseGEEK says the markup on movie theater popcorn can be as much as 1,300%—it’s where cinemas make most of their profits.

Cell Phones At Work

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Business News Daily says that employees waste, on average, more than two hours per day using their phones. Because of this, many workplaces have established a strict, no cell phone policy. However, banning cell phone usage entirely can make people delay when tending to important family emergencies.

Tattoos to Work

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Statistics from the Pew Research Center say that 32% of Americans have a tattoo, and 22% of those have more than one. But although tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, many work establishments require their workers to cover up all visible tattoos while they’re on the premises.

Piercings to Work

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Another law that suppresses people’s freedom to do what they want with their bodies is the one that limits how many piercings you can have at the workplace. Business says that body modifications are becoming more mainstream. But only time will tell if companies will ever get to speed with our ever-changing world.

Open-Toed Work Shoes

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Sandals, flip-flops, and open-toed work shoes are normally frowned upon in business settings. Open-toed shoes are deemed too casual and inappropriate for the setting. But some medical professionals find their way around this law by wearing all-white or black Crocs, which are very breathable without socks.

Elevator Conversations

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When you get in an elevator with a stranger, most people agree that you must keep silent. The Seattle Times has the figures and says that seven billion elevator trips happen every day, and two-thirds of the people riding do so in complete silence. But this unwritten law is nonsensical, to say the least.

Photography

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Because of copyright issues, some establishments won’t allow you to take photos with your cell phone while you visit them. The laws banning flash photography in some places are understandable, as they help to protect the safety of those who are epileptic. But banning photography altogether seems overly harsh.

Hair Length

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Some companies have rules about hair length that restrict how long a person can grow their hair. These laws are often even stricter for men. Although we abide by these laws, many would agree that telling someone how long they can grow their hair puts a damper on their freedom of expression.

Sneakers to Work

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Although some jobs require you to be on your feet all day, many companies will not allow their employees to wear sneakers. Instead, they’re forced to wear uncomfortable office shoes. Some companies stick with the no-sneakers rule even though their employees don’t work in the public eye.

Outside Drinks

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When going to a restaurant for a sit-down meal, most establishments won’t allow you to bring your own drinks. Most places won’t even allow you to bring bottled water into an establishment. When eating out, you must be prepared to pay for expensive drinks.

Customer-Only Restrooms

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Many restrooms inside commercial establishments have a customer-only policy, which means you can only use the restroom if you’re going to buy something. We all obey these laws when we have to, but we know that restricting when and where someone can use the toilet is invasive and unnecessary.

Restroom Sign-In

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Some work establishments have restroom sign-in and sign-out sheets for employers who wish to use the toilet facilities. They put these in check to prevent time from being wasted in big businesses. Those who are employed at these establishments must obey these rules, although they know that putting time pressure on bathroom use is simply wrong.

5 Day Work Week

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Working five days a week from Monday to Friday has become the unwritten rule in many work establishments around the globe. But working this schedule doesn’t suit everyone. Although this schedule makes it hard for parents to look after their kids, they still stick to the routine.

Video Recordings

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Some public places, like museums, will not allow you to take video recordings. This is true at airports, where you must not use your cell phone while talking with border control. The restrictions on video recordings often spoil occasions for those who want to record the event.

Pets

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Some public outdoor spaces have restrictions on pets. They say that dogs aren’t allowed or that they must be kept on a leash. But these rules can often be overly restrictive and prevent animal lovers from being able to enjoy themselves fully while out and about.

Library Soft Drinks

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Many libraries have strict rules against eating and drinking, even soft drinks, on the premises. While this does help to cut down on mess, the rules make it difficult for people to enjoy a relaxing and comfortable time while reading. Especially when the weather is hot, not being able to drink at the library is a challenge.

Cycling

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Prohibitions on where you can ride a bicycle in cities around the world can put a damper on freedom and limit recreational opportunities. While bike lanes keep things organized, they also take some of the fun out of riding a bike. Bike lanes in parks in quiet towns might even seem completely unnecessary.

Read More: 17 Things Society Can No Longer Do Because Gen Z Said So

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Gen Z, our digital-native, trendsetting generation, is making waves in the cultural sea, steering the ship of societal norms in fresh and unexpected directions. As they charter new territories, there are certain practices they’d rather we say goodbye to. Curious? Let’s take a look at 17 things the rest of us can no longer do because Gen Z said so.

17 Things Society Can No Longer Do Because Gen Z Said So

18 Common Traits Found in Adults Who Had Unhappy Childhoods

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Being a parent is a hard job, so even those who are truly trying their best will often miss the mark on creating the best environment for their children. Unfortunately, this means that many of us grow up with far-from-perfect childhoods that affect us into adulthood. Here are 18 common traits found in adults who had unhappy childhoods.

18 Common Traits Found in Adults Who Had Unhappy Childhoods

18 Things Old People Just Can’t Get On Board with Today

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Over the past few decades, society has evolved, and with it, so have a few things that older generations find it uncomfortable to get the hang of. While younger generations are easily able to adapt to these changes, some of which are drastic, others may be struggling slightly. Here are 18 things the elderly may have difficulty learning.

18 Things Old People Just Can’t Get On Board with Today