I've met with so many inconsiderate people everywhere that it really makes me feel like I don't see any silver lining in the horizon. I feel sickened. Few weeks ago, rain pelted heavily after office hours. Like others, I waited for a bus instead of walking home. I boarded a bus. It was crowded, I was standing. An Indian man who looked in his 30s boarded the bus limping. Would you give up your seat to someone who walks with a limp but doesn't hold a walking stick? Obviously, no one would. This is NOT a long haul bus. It's a short distance looping bus ride. He eyes the last seat which is available but sadly inaccessible to him as the woman was seated on the aisle seat. She must have had some eye temporary blindness going on as she was unaware of his entire situation. He is swerving around unsteadily as the bus revs and performs quick sharp turns maneuvering out of the bus interchange. After a few bus stops, he finally couldn't take it and he squeezed himself into that seat. I witnessed the look of relief on his face once he was seated.
Just when I started to feel that humanity is lost, a bright line shone through once more. I just witnessed a kind man giving up his seat to a small kid on MRT today. Just 2 weeks ago, I gave my seat to an old man. I could see in his eyes that he was very happy and thankful. As I stood in front of him playing my cell phone games, I sense his eyes. When I looked up around 2 stops later, a man in his 30s seated 2 spaces away from the old man waved at me and offered his seat. Of which, I rejected. For a split moment there, I admit that I sneaked a quick peek at my stomach and dress just to check if I looked pregnant. Nah, it wasn’t my dress. He’s a gentleman indeed. This is the first time I experience it first hand from a stranger. It makes me feel like there is some small hope, no matter how small, that there still are many considerate people after all. (Hopefully I’m right about this).
As I prepared to exit the MRT, I felt the old man’s eyes following me. He said goodbye and also thanked me twice. I think this feeling of him appreciating the seat is none comparable. It’s not that I want anything in return but I feel that even a “Thank you” or “Gam Siah” would make me or the giver feel damn happy. Some people say that others were rude after receiving the seat or some even reject the seats when asked why they do not give up theirs. I’ve my share of such experiences too. However, I am more than happy to give up my seat to people in need, even if I get rudeness in return. You know why? Because why should we punish the kind and courteous recipients by denying these people of seats just because of some bad sheeps.
From Priority to Reserved Seats. Although the aisle seats are best for needy as they are nearest to the door but does it really matter who ought to give up the seats? Shouldn't it be instinctive? Like if all others are asleep, you give up yours? The reserved tag irks people and triggered alot of people to spat over it.
Perhaps it's high time to introduce Courtesy Seats instead.
You see, life is not fair. No one ever said it was, so we should stop thinking that it would or could be. We should start changing to make life better and Singapore a better place to live in. Even if I had a million dollars, I don't think I would be truly happy here if our culture does not change. I think I would ideally use all that money to migrate to a happier place. We have much to learn from other countries. Courtesy and consideration begins with us. No amount of courtesy campaigns will help. God save us. We need to start from babies for crying out loud.
P.S: Watch The Joy Truck on Channel 8 every Tuesday at 8pm. It's a wonderful show.
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