Streetcar Musicians: Art or just begging and noise pollution?

Is it normal to feel agressed and that a piece of your liberty and personal space is being invaded when you are subjected to music in a tram or subway?

Yes, you can always decide to get out at the next stop and wait for the next tram to come along but then you are late and inconvenienced further.

This morning I was in the tram and there was a guy playing Gypsy King Bomboleo. He was not half bad and it would have been the kind of thing that would be cool to chill and listen to if you were at a beach campfire with friends. However, I was not at a beach campfire with friends, I was in a tram at 9:45am and late for a meeting. I felt as if I was a prisoner and every chord and half missed note sung by the guy was excruciatingly painful on the ears and soul. And then of course when he is done playing music that you have not asked for, that you have not entered the tram to hear, of course they come around with a big f...g smile and say "Good morning. Please a little contribution for the music." It is all I can do to keep from punching the guy in the face.

I reflected on whether or not I would have the same reaction if it was someone famous busking in the streetcar ... and I will never really know until that happens but I think I would.

I do enjoy talented street musicians and have often stopped in the street to listen and drop money in their hats .... but in the street you are not a prisoner and can decide whether you want to stop or listen. In a tram, you are a prisoner.