Fancy a chat? Londoners appalled by Tube badges

London

WHEN American Jonathan Dunne began handing out badges encouraging travellers on the London Underground to talk to each other, he had no idea how controversial challenging the unwritten "no conversation" rule would be.

Just as in many big cities, refusing to make eye contact, let alone exchange chit-chat with fellow travellers, is considered sacrosanct, the result largely of a desire to avoid potential weirdos.

Wry glances are exchanged at delays or outlandish behaviour, but for many in the Briti…