Today I watched as kind people gave up their seats to those who need them more on board Bus service 36. I didn’t give a seat but choose not to take t to let an old man sit.
Well at least the old man was grateful and thank me, so did his wife. Midway when there were more seats, his wife even motioned me to take a seat. However sadly I don’t always see such gratitude. Half the time they take it for granted and as their right. Well even if it is, they did give up their seat to you. A simple thanks is enough. This reminded me of an incident(I think was last year or the year before) with an old man on the NEL. He demanded for his seat(how rude).
Well one more thing on ageism. If you don’t want old to be associate with negativity, don’t use age to push people around. The statement I’veeaten more salt than you have rice should be used apringly and as a last resort to shut those utterly disrespectful youngsters. And not something as you use to demand your way. The ‘usual’ style might not always be the best. Don’t stubbornly refuse change just to block it for it breaks some unspoken rule or ritual.
I for one think that more people will willingly give up seats if they recieve some form of acknowledgement and gratitude. For me it was enough to warm my heart.
On the last note on public transport, the invisible passengers on the trains have spread to buses. I took 2 photos(to be attached) to show how peopl crowd at the front and resist moving back as if there were hoardes of people at the back.
-wonght
Public transport can certainly be more enjoyable. It is up to you and me!
I think that for the elderly to “want” seats, then it shouldn’t be an immediate prerogative simply because they’re old/elderly.
We have so many groups of needy, it’s really quite defeating to allow the so-called “needy” a seat just on that. In fact, anyone can be a needy person. He/she could have a sudden “cramp” on the train/bus. That should classify as a need for a seat.
But seriously, it’s really off when people “expects” seats the moment they get onboard simply because of their age.
Because whoever says that if you don’t give up your seat to an elderly, then you’re disrespectful..? Last time I checked, respect wasn’t dependent on age. And on that flawed technicality, shouldn’t the aged be among the most “polite and courteous”…? Not so.
By: kieranwar on March 24, 2009
at 1:42 pm
I so totally agree. By doing so they make people upset and less willing to volunteer their seats up to them. Sadly some of them still persist
By: wonght12 on March 30, 2009
at 5:20 am