After spending so many years in Australia, I realized that the culture of "just being nice" to people is starting to fade in this country and evidently, the government recognizes this problem by promoting the "Budi Bahasa Budaya Kita" campaign. Yet until today we are still facing the same old problem that many of us think that we are too good to just be nice to people.
Is this really true?
Fact of the matter is that many of us don't realize that many of us fail so badly in maintaining common courtesy in public, due to so many reasons. Could it be that its because thats the attitude that most population of large cities are? Could it be that we just don't bother?
Many have asked whether we are losing our culture of being simply polite to others, because sometimes we are too busy to catch up with the hustle and bustle of others that the older culture would be the first victim to accomplish this.
So why am I saying all this? Try out this test and tell me whats the result in 10 attempts:
1. When arriving to a door, hold the door open
2. Check out how many, among 10 or even 20 people, would actually say "Thank You"?
3. Even when the person is far away, hold the door. See whats the response.
More often that not, when I tried this, not even half would bother saying "thank you" and the response to me holding the door open for someone who is coming in would be a suspicious look, wondering why am I being so polite?
Are we even listening?
For one, I am not blaming the government for trying. Campaign such as this is good, no matter what the reason behind it is. Maybe sometimes we need to get off our high horse and take some time off to just be nice. It doesn't even cost a thing.
One thing I would want to argue in comparison, that we in Kuala Lumpur should be compared to the standards of people in similar size towns. If I was to compare our country to the people in Sydney and London, two major towns I live in before, they can get much worse in comparison to us. So maybe, there is a saving grace among us after all...
Try out the test, and tell me whats the result. Would love to share some stories to improve the situation. After all, Aren't We Courteous?
Nang for support guys! Thanks!
not many will even hold the lift when they see someone is coming.
ReplyDeleteYes, we need more courteous people!
totally agree on this issue.
ReplyDeleteSee. Our society is sick when compared to the Australians. And thinking about that, 1Malaysia should be like them - having courtesy. Even the way they drive is far more better than us - patient and polite, though they do drive fast.
ReplyDeleteLooking at it, I was flabbergasted. As what I'd said in my blog, Australia has a more loving society, which I once thought was only a myth. Once I experienced it, I really feel that our society should be more matured like them.
So, Malaysians. You are the change. Do you like being treated rudely when you don't wish to be treated sarcastically? Do what you want others to do unto you.
You just imagine if Malaysians greet each other, including strangers, with a "How are you" and being courteous together. And yes, this is what 1Malaysia should be - Courtesy without racism.
well said vincent!
ReplyDeletethanks so much guys for your support on this post! hopefully i can reply everyone...
ReplyDelete@Karen ah yes the lift issue, should have also included that to the suggested test method. Thanks!
@Isabellmiao Thanks!
@Victor Well, as I mentioned earlier that yes, we as a nation may have forgotten the basic core of our culture, regardless of what reason should we want to blame it on to. However, a person once told me that the Australians took almost 100 years before getting to where they are right now and in between, they survived the White Australian Policy, racial disunity and even an attempt to whip out a race entirely. To expect us to do the same in 50 years is a daunting job indeed
Then again, there is no excuse for our tardiness in the society and there is still much hope for us to fix this. Especially our generation...
The issue nowadays is not about how many people say thank you when you hold the door for them but how many people from the other side will walk in first when you open the door WITHOUT EVEN LOOK AT YOU. I feel like smashing their heads unto the door. Baru padan muka.
ReplyDelete@syaz ah yes it happened to me and suwen the other day. Opened the movie door and this couple came barging in from the side. wanted to pull that mo-fo's collar and redecorate the walls with his brain...
ReplyDelete