The sidewalk dance is a subject yielding much truth.
Groups have their own internal social dynamic. You don’t want to step back when you are the person closest to the oncoming pedestrian because that would make you the weakest member of the group.
People on their phones are another matter entirely. I say “Watch where you’re going, please” about five times a day. Walking toward a subway stop during rush hour is like facing a horde of buffalo who haven’t been fed for days.
I have to say “Don’t back up any more, please” about three times a day. This is more common with tourists, who haven’t yet learned that there is always someone behind you.
I dislike it when people cut me off, from front, left, or right. Sometimes it is a near miss, or startles me. Also, fast-walking couples who are chatting have a tendency to split up in order to walk around someone but keep yelling at each other as if the person were an object.
Yet in 99.99 percent of cases, the sidewalk dance is an exercise in courtesy and interaction. It’s graceful and sensitive. Those are the ones this guy should notice. We have to ignore the clods in all walks of life. Most of the time we are awake and aware humans. It’s a beautiful thing. No words are necessary, no “excuse me” or “thank you.” We silently know the rules.