The intelligence of the Singaporean People in general is very high. They do well in terms of exam results, and Singapore is rated as one of the most literate countries in the world. I would be proud to belong here, if not for one fact. The people would make a Great White Shark look genteel. They will not open the door for you at shopping centers, but will rush to go in right before you did, just so that they will not have to open the door for other people. I swear, Singaporeans could be world class athletes if they wanted to. They behave as if opening the door was a great physical feat, and perhaps, if you were to get in first, there would be a grand prize. When you want to get into the lift, they will not wait. They will, instead, repeatedly hammer against the “Door Close” button. What good does that do, I wonder? It’s not like the door closes faster. I like watching these people do their best to attack the button. I just calmly press the button on the outside, and the door opens right back. After thanking them for opening the door, I walk into the lift with that dumb look of pure satisfaction on my face. I can’t help it. They look so dumb when they do that.
In the trains in Singapore, there are seats that say, “Please give this seat up to the needy.” Now, I’m not going to say that I am saintly and have never sat on these seats, but if you want to sit on it, and I don’t give it to you, you could ask. You don’t need to stare at me, and you sure as hell don’t need to scold me. What I see as “needy” is that you have a walking stick, and can’t stand straight. I do not see pregnant women, who can really move fast and with great agility in grocery stores, as needy, and I do not see children, who run around wherever they can just to irritate people, as needy. If I see an old person with a walking stick and a limp, I will give up the seat. There are times, however, when I am asleep, or when I am simply not paying attention. There is no need to glare at me. You could just ask. Ask, and you will receive. Yell, stare or glare, and you shall NOT receive. I have a right to sit on these chairs as much as anyone, and if I give it up, I give it up of my own free will. I’m not being an ass, I am just asking that you request for things civilly, and without thinking that I owe anyone this seat.
There, I’ve let it out. I feel much better. I hope people reading my blog will take note of this, and we can, a small part at a time, make Singapore that much nicer to live in. As a gesture of kindness, I shall share some nice pictures I found in my random searches.
