Empty Seat Syndrome

Citizens recite 'The Pledge of Allegiance' at the start of a town hall meeting in my town last week.

     Why do people avoid front row seats?
     I attended a Town Hall meeting. The moderator announced, “There’s always empty seats up front.” He directed his remark to citizens standing in the back. A few individuals moved up but most of them remained in place.
     People anticipate boredom from lectures and civic meetings. If monotony kicks in, they want to close their eyes. But they can’t nod off from row one. That location is conspicuous.
     Front row sleepyheads risk embarrassment. Other row sleepyheads risk nothing.
     Attitudes are different at entertainment venues. Close up seats are coveted. There’s no boredom.
     The litmus test of a speaker’s reputation is whether or not front row seats are occupied.