Man in the mirror…Taking on our top 8 sins
The latest campaign for a more gracious society triggered an interest among my friends on our recent hang out. If u recall, the commercial was about a couple caught littering by 2 under cover officials (that’s how I interpreted the roles of the 2 actors)
This is not the first time campaigns of such nature hit the screen, but how far have we progressed since the courtesy campaign?
Habits are hard to kick. The daily, busy routinely lifestyle of the average Singaporean makes it hard to think about the little details which if we changed, could make life a whole lot nicer for the rest of us.
My friends and I explore the areas of our daily lives, which we vowed to make a change to create more positive and friendlier living conditions.
We call it … “Our top 8 Sins”
Sin #1: Why can’t we clear our trays ?
We were all trained in school to clear up after dining. But somehow we lost touch with it after we step into the “real world” Why oh why? I, myself was a victim. It took a foreign friend to point out to me how inconsiderate the behavior is. It is especially true when we are at a busy fastfood restaurant and clearing the table ourselves would allow others to save time waiting for a table to be cleared.
The theory about job creation is debatable. The job of clearing up after inconsiderate behavior, which indirectly promotes it, is not something that should be encouraged, isn’t it?
Sin #2 : Let others get out first!!
PCK n Rosie said it best. Whether it is waiting for the train or the elevator, it does make more sense to enter when the passageway is cleared of exiting passengers. We are used to the “natural flow” of how things work that we are blinded by how inefficient the system is.
Sin #3: Please hold the door for the person behind you and be grateful if you have received such kindness
Most of us are so concerned about moving on that we don’t make an effort to look back. Doors get slammed into the face of the person behind whose hands are tied up with shopping bags or a crying baby.
And please return the gratitude by a simple thank you. I did an experiment where 7 out of 10 walked through the door while I held the door wide open as if I am a door-opening sensor.
Sin #4: Come on , face it. You don’t need so many plastic bags.
We don’t. Really.Yeah, we need a few at home for our rubbish bins, and …. But let’s try maximizing the space in each plastic bag so that we can reduce the number we take home, and eventually get thrown out because we have too much.
Bottles, snacks can be stuffed into your packs, so return the plastic bag.
Sin #5:The number of cars running the red light n basic car courtesy..
I don’t drive so I won’t know. But friends have commented that Singaporeans seemed to have a Schumacher alter ego. The destination is the finishing line. We all rush to beat the lights, deny others overtaking, cutting lanes.
Sin #6: I love movies, please don’t ruin it for me
I’m sure we have experienced that in the cinema where people discuss the movie in the middle of it, talk on the phone, talk about where their next hang out place would be….. This is pretty direct. It’s plain rude.
Sin #7: Hop into the next cab in the line.
I was badly embarrassed a few years ago when a passenger next to me chided me publicly for delaying the queue by lazily waiting for the cab to arrive at my footsteps. I was clearly unhappy but once I simmer and thought through my actions, I realized the person was right.
Yup, I am proud to say I have become a better commuter now.
Sin #8: Le’t try to live as a community. Clear up the public space as you would at home
I am working on this as well. We are not used to clearing up public spaces besides when we are in a community project, or hmm…. corrective service. But I think it’s a good habit to start cultivating to be more aware of litter in the public space.
We are a young nation but we can’t keep using that as our excuse. We are responsible for our own quality of life. Take responsibility for our own actions. As individuals, or as a society, we are ready for the next step.
Be aware…for the greater good.
