The »Don't Be A Spreader« project now counters the phenomenon of »manspreading«, a term that has been used since 2014 to describe this very male attitude in public spaces.
The stickers were designed in the typical corporate design of BVG and are intended to create awareness for personal space in public transport and to have a lasting effect on detrimental behavior.
Public transportation brings us close to our destinations, and it also brings us closer to other people — closer than we would like.
Many of those who use buses and trains experience clear violations of the boundaries between people.
Inappropriate remarks, intrusive glances, too close a proximity and last but not least, the sight of men’s legs spread wide trigger discomfort and even a feeling of harassment.
