15062005 - The ungracious commuters in the train
I just heard a complain from my wife today. She was in the MRT going back to AMK from Town after some shopping. Normally, she brings along my 8 year old son since he's having a holiday. Upon boarding the train, no one gave up their seat to my son or my wife (who is pregnant). She was also carrying a hell lot of things with her. Everyone just simply chose not to see her or sleep or read something.
My son began to tell my wife that his legs are tired and needed a seat. Still, no one stood up. My wife was furious and said these word "Son, remember the society you grew up in. Because you will grow up to be like one of them". As she said that, 2 person stood up and happen to alight at the next station. My son took up one of the seat and guess what? Someone took the seat beside him instead of giving it to my wife.
I remember my time in Hong Kong, Japan, U.K or even Australia. People would never hesitate to give up their seats to kids or pregnant women. It is common courtesy.
I look at this incident and sigh at the kind of society we're breeding here. We're becoming like Chinese (from China) and they are becoming like us. It's like a switch of identity between them and us. Soon, 10 years down the road, they would have overtaken us economically. And that's just a conservative estimate of timing.
Most importantly, being kiasu will ultimately get us nowhere. It just makes more jerks and spoils more days. Kiasu does not help in any ways at all, whether economically, mentally, physically, spiritually or any way that is positive.
posted by locks @ 12:30:00 PM
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