Priority Seating

was the latest "branding" given to promote people to give up their seats to those who needed it more.

New stickers were added to the train seats. New iconic pictures were given - the old man, the preggy, the one with young children.

I took Maoster on the train today to dowager's place as we sort of decided to oversleep and let Aung go to work first.

The train is not crowded but all the seats were taken. I carried Maoster into the cabin and viola, soon that i entered, i felt a tug at my sleeves. A good Samaritan offered a seat. There is hope for Singapore! I turned around and smiled at the good samaritan.

Its okay lah uncle, you can have the seat, I will be dropping at AMK.

He is like 85 years old lor! I mean, he looks like he needed the seat more than me.

A look at my environment, I realised - the rest of the seats were taken by able young men and women aged between 25 years old to 45 years old. Most of them saw us but none gave up their seats, even if seats were available other passengers will quickly grab the seats.

I remember my days in primary school - a time dedicated for "好公民" lessons. Circling pictures that showed the right actions to be taken. Giving up your seats, do not litter, do not jump queue, do not hurt the animals etc... Where are those days where not doing the right things means bringing shame to your integrity and stares and humiliation by the human peers.

I remember reading article about how pregnant woman and mothers with young kids should take taxi instead of taking the public transport during peak hours. I read about how people complained that the pram is taking up too much space in the train and on the buses. I hear arguments about moms paying one price but taking up seats for herself and her toddler and then space for the pram and that each fare paying passenger should have the right to their seats.

Where is the human kindness?

Where is the empathy?

I feel sad for our nation and fear for the generations to come.

With more emphasis on the materialistic pursuits and the academic establishments - are there more ways than one to justify the goodness of a person.

How about generousity? How about kindness? How about understanding? How about giving even if it means you are on the losing end.

I think we need to brand the whole courtesy act again.

Maybe we should quit being nice and drop the subtle hints.

We should just have stickers just stating-

1. STOP BEING AN ASS, AND GIVE UP YOUR SEATS!

or have a CCTV and have the DRIVER who is asleep most of the time anyway to spot for people and say:

HEY CABIN NO 3. YOU THERE WITH THE YELLOW TOP AND WHITE SKIRT, YES YOU. PLEASE HOR, GIVE UP YOUR SEATS. AND THE ONE NEXT TO HER, DON'T LAUGH, YOU ARE EQUALLY TERRIBLE. CANNOT SEE THE WOMAN THERE PREGNANT MEH, HUH HUH HUH, COME TO THE STATION CONTROL LATER AH, I NEED TO CHECK YOU COS I SUSPECT YOU GOT SUSPICIOUS ARTICLE IN YOUR BAG. YES I DON'T CARE IF YOU DON'T CARRY A BAG TODAY.... BWAAA HA HA HHAA...

I will apply for the job as the TRAIN DRIVER... heee....

Moody Maoster probably thinking how come its the 85 year old uncle who gave up his seat?