Singaporeans asked to chew on their manners

I agree that certain Singaporeans have rude behaviour and attitude. However, it is unfair to depict that “Singaporeans are rude” just because of certain encounters the interviewed the Australian has experienced. There are different definitions of being rude, especially for greetings. Here in Singapore we just greet each other with a simple ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello’ whereas in other countries they greet each other by “How’s your day?” It is due to the different culture in each country. Not responding well to greetings may be a turn off to foreigners and they may think that we are rude. Of course, there are Singaporeans who do not even respond to greetings, that I will agree that is rude of them to ignore.

"They are the rudest f---ing people I have ever seen; they need some basic training in civic awareness," said Paul Stapleton, an IT manager from Sydney.’ As quoted from the article, the man does not even have courtesy in criticising people from another country. Using a general point of view, He used vulgarity in an interview and he does not even have the basic courtesy to leave some respect for Singaporeans. What is courtesy to him? "They don't feel that anyone else exists outside this tiny island." I can’t help but feel a little offended by the way he describes Singapore. I do not think it is right for him to judge every single individual in Singapore just by the rude encounters he experienced.

I have to agree that some Singaporeans are rude and obnoxious. However, does that mean other countries; including Australia does not have rude people? I have travelled to different countries and have experienced encounters with rude people.

No doubt that there are Singaporeans who are kind and courteous, I have seen young people giving up seats to the needy on the MRT and buses. It is a matter of bringing the bad acts good acts of people. I always find articles of people posting how rude people are, why aren’t there videos or pictures of people showing their kindness act? One example showing the kindness of Singaporeans; television programs like the ‘President Star Charity’, if Singaporeans are just rude and demanding people, there would have been no donations contributed at all. Yes, we display rude acts but we have compassion and sympathy in us. It is plain simple, being rude is part of human nature and also the upbringing of the person.

There are all kinds of people out there, the kind, the rude, the good and bad people, etc. Singapore still has a long way to go to become a city of courteous people.

Reference: http://www.moxon.net/australia/australian_greetings.html

Done by: Edena Tay

Admission no.:101867P