Jul 30, 2010
Let's be courtesy role models
I REFER to the letters on Tuesday by Madam Ng Bee Lay and Dr Lee Siew Peng ("The P's and Q's of S'porean courtesy") and Mr Christopher Chok ("Foreign custom worth trying").
Like Mr Chok, I make it a point to thank service personnel, especially bus drivers and other staff such as dish collectors at food centres, cashiers at supermarkets and courteous store assistants.
The sometimes surprised reactions I get belie what must be a dire lack of simple courtesy in our midst.
It is time we make a stand on what society we want for Singapore. Acts of kindness and courteous behaviour know no bounds and are universal, although they may be expressed differently.
While we need to reflect on our social behaviour, we also need to define what is desirable or acceptable in our society - more so as we welcome new citizens and foreigners in our midst. We need to encourage a gentler and kinder society as this affects our quality of life.
We set the tone by our own behaviour through the proverbial "do unto others" saying. We can make living in our overcrowded environment more pleasant through simple acts of kindness such as holding the lift for others, saying "thanks" and even giving way to others.
I disagree with Dr Lee that we have lost a generation who were raised by maids and are impolite, as being courteous was not required of them. The onus of how our future generation behaves rests squarely on us as parents or elders in the family.
I insisted that my nephews and nieces say "thanks" to our maid for preparing food for them and washing their dishes. This was also expected of them when they encountered service staff whenever we went out. I see the positive results of this early socialisation now that they are well brought up adults.
For those who are inclined to reciprocate poor behaviour with rude responses, I say "two wrongs do not make a right". As "owners" of our own society, it is time we define how we want to be treated ourselves and act accordingly.
Bernard Law
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