Manners: Educate, not fine
I refer to the commentary “A ‘fine’ idea for keeping left” (my paper, Aug 4).
Some time ago, readers suggested imposing fines on those who fail to give up their seats on public transport. Now, we want to fine those who do not keep left on escalators.
As it is, Singapore is known as a “fine” city. Though we may laugh it off a joke, it has negative implications when viewed by the rest of the world.
We are fined for stepping on the grass, for littering and for speaking in public without a permit. You can even find the full list of fines in Singapore on a souvenir T-shirt.
As a result, we could boast that our grass grows healthily and that our streets are clean. But that doesn’t make us a more gracious, considerate society – it only makes us one that is fearful of being fined.
Imposing fines as a deterrent may work for a while, but in the long run, it does nothing to change attitudes and the motivation behind the act.
Public education is more important to ensure that we apply the same consideration towards others in all social situations.
Otherwise, we will need to impose fines on those who squeeze onto MRT trains before anyone can alight.
Or on those who refuse to move to the back of the bus.
Or on those who hog a seat on public transport.
I believe that education doesn’t have to be a top-down approach. As citizens and members of the community, we have the responsibility of educating one another.
So if you see someone being inconsiderate, find the courage to inform him about his behaviour. Should you receive such advice, accept it with humility and apologise respectfully, for you have just learnt a valuable life lesson.
Each of us has a part to play in moulding our society to become a more gracious one.
We certainly don’t want the government to rule with an iron fist and punish inconsiderate people with fines all the time.
I hope that Singapore will one day be known as a truly fine city because of its people’s good manners and courtesy – something that Singa The Courtesy Lion would be proud of.
Why on earth is it so difficult. Surely people everywhere have a sense of what is right and what is wrong; what is socially acceptable and what is not? If you are healthy and strong give up your seat for the old, infirm or preganant. Do not throw rubbish, etc, etc. Why do we need laws? Why do we need education?
You might enjoy this:
http://caughtinthemiddleman.wordpress.com/2007/07/20/the-times-they-are-a-changin-part-4/