Self
Tan Deyong
Criticisms/Compliments
Accomplices
Remember
December 2006
January 2007
February 2007
March 2007
April 2007
May 2007
June 2007
July 2007
August 2007
September 2007
October 2007
November 2007
December 2007
January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
July 2008
August 2008
October 2008
Credits
YFriday, December 15, 2006
Land Of Four Million Smiles? (Part Two) Labels: Musings
I have a theory. A radical new theory that arose out of weeks of sleepless nights and pot after pot of coffee. I believe this theory is essential if we are to discover why Singaporeans aren't as courteous as we could be. The reason is that the majority of Singaporeans are Chinese.
Yes. Chinese people aren't really recognized for their compassion. We are known to be a hardy, crafy, hardworking people. That is the reason why Chinese people can be found everywhere. Singapore, Australia, USA, Canada, England. We're EVERYWHERE. You see, we realized that in order to survive, we had to get out of that massive communist country, and that was why we all ran away. This would explain out rude manner perfectly. Our lack of manners simply rose out of our lack of compassion. You see, to us, our personal wellbeing is of utmost importance. We don't really give a damn about you. Though now we are not quite as ruthless, this mindset has been passed on from generation to generation, which now becomes something like this. "So what if it makes it more convenient for you? I don't care. I'm not gonna waste my effort, and move 50 cm! Get out of my elite uncaring face."
Some of you may think I'm completely wrong, that I observed Chinese people are less courteous because the Chinese are the majority in Singapore, so that greatly increases the chance of meeting one that is inconsiderate. HAH! WOOHOO! Maybe that's true, but I doubt so. Maybe its because all of us are descendants of peasants and laborers. Or perhaps it could be due to the fact I see Chinese people can be at times rather disgusting. Just recently, I saw this elderly Chinese lady, who was dressed well enough, on the bus. Halfway on the journey, I saw her take out a pair of nail clippers... and cut her fingernails. Honestly. I had to dodge the flying shrapnel of sharp old lady splinters. I was lucky to escape unharmed. Recently as well, I saw a white collared worker, who was wearing a blue collared shirt, sitting on the bus, contentedly picking his nose. The fact that I was staring (which was rude, I'm sorry) didn't seem to bother him in the slightest bit.
So just how do we begin to transform our society? I think we all have a part to play. We can't rely on some stupid mascot, neither can we depend on any catchy slogan or inane commercials to do it. It's easy. I think it all begins with the "aura" and mood people perceive around them. Whenever I'm on a bus or train, except for the group of annoying teenagers chatting too loudy, all I see are sad sad faces. Why the hell does everyone look so damn sad? SMILE! I don't mean those forced grimaces that you show to your distant relatives whom you see once a year, while you endure their unwanted comments about your looks and intelligence. It doesn't have to be a wide toothy smile that blinds everyone in a 4 foot radius as well. It doesn't even really have to be a smile. Just don't look sad. Don't look as if you want to fight with anyone. Show a little bit of teeth. Look upbeat.
You know sometimes when you are on a bus, and there's no TVMobile to entertain you, you start to look around, and accidentally catch someone's eye? Then both of you will look away immediately, and keep your eyes on the floor awkwardly. You know what I'm gonna do the next time that happens? I'm gonna blow peoples' minds. I'm gonna smile at the other person. Perhaps I'll get beaten up, accused of being a pervert or a homosexual, even shunned and pointed at like some freak. I don't care. I honestly believe that if everyone just a little more positive, it will change the mood of your dreary commute, and everyone will have a better day. That's the complexity of the human mind. Even the smallest actions will have the greatest effects.
Another thing that is essential in a courteous society is, well, having people being courteous. Say "excuse me" instead of "SIAM". Resist the urge to give "the glare" or do "the tsk". You know what it means to be courteous. I don't have to tell you. Now all that remains is to actually do it. Don't be afraid to act first. And if you see, on a train or a bus, a fat chinese boy smiling at you look some deranged mutant, smile back and return a cheery wave.