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If you have ever been in the cafeteria when a food tray has been dropped, you are aware of the loud eruption of clapping and cheering that may ensue.

While this tradition might be hilarious to some, it is also really annoying to others. Knowing that this practice can be irritating, we set out to find how people feel. Results were mixed, but most seemed to find clapping obnoxious, along with a few other irritating things people do in the cafeteria.

"I've dropped a tray and the fact that people noticed and were clapping made it worse," Aubree Worrell said. From 90 participants surveyed, 67 percent said that they don't clap and do not want to be clapped at. "I would look over at them, but not clap. They weren't doing it for attention and they are embarrassed enough," Ethan Park said. Some people just find the clapping immature and uncalled for. "It's immature to clap. It's really not a big deal," Jonathan Peaslee said. One participant found the clapping to be outright cruel. "I think it's especially mean if they are freshman and probably already scared out of their minds," Julia Brinkley said.

From the ladies surveyed, it seems like most girls do not like to have their mistakes noticed and acknowledged with applause. Of the 52 girls surveyed, 78 per- cent said they do not clap and would prefer not to be clapped at. While a majority of the guys surveyed said they clap, most said that it depends on the situ- ation. "It's annoying. We are ma- ture adults. What's the point of clapping? It doesn't take away the embarrassment, it adds to it. It's terrible," Eric Corso said.

Those who do clap seem to see it as humorous or sarcastic. "It's like saying, 'It happens,'" Lauren Sims said. "It's like an achievement. I actually feel like dropping my tray right now," Cody Bollinger said.

To others, the decision to clap depends on the circumstances. "It depends on the severity. If it's really bad, then I'll clap," Sarah Cates said. "I'm sure what goes around comes around. I'd only laugh on the inside," Andrew Nicely said.

"If you're there and it's a big mess you really should try to help them," Nayeli Gonzales said.
In addition to clapping, students expressed annoyance regarding an array of cafeteria crimes. The most common pet peeves are easily avoidable if we take the time to consider those dining around us.

If you have ever exited through the entrance of the tray return, you have committed one of the most complained about offenses. Sliding your tray into the closest slot, rather than moving forward to make room for others, is a big mistake as well. Keep the line moving, walk all the way through the tray return aisle and completely push your tray into the slot in order to avoid a clap-worthy crash.

Many students expressed their frustration at students who talk, laugh and holler with their friends so loudly that others cannot hear their own thoughts. They also expressed disdain at students who push their chairs so far back that those behind them cannot escape from their seats.

Other pet peeves include shifting items used to save seats, cutting lines and people who move at a snail's pace at self- serve stations.