THE increasing incidence of abuse on our public transport is worrying ("More people molested on public transport"; Jan 30).
This abuse takes several forms, including molestation, rude and unruly behaviour, and violence.
Such incidents are symptomatic of a problem that has reared its ugly head in recent times.
Why has there been an increase in uncouth behaviour on our public transport? Is it due to overcrowding? Is there a local versus foreigner divide? Are passengers feeling the strain of having to eke out an existence in the midst of rising cost-of-living pressures?
Much of this state of affairs can be boiled down to a lack of compassion, graciousness, patience, tolerance and understanding. A culture of self-centredness and mollycoddling has led to increasing cracks in our behavioural matrix.
It is time we reminded ourselves that, as a nation of so many races, cultures and creeds, we are all in this together.
Graciousness, compassion and courtesy are not qualities that simply happen. We must understand that it happens right here, among the individual, his family, friends and neighbours in society.
There are many ways to plant and cultivate the seeds of community in our personal lives, which can open us to new understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
It is important that we deal with others in trusting and trustworthy ways.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our independence, we should reinforce efforts at cohesion among the various communities that have made Singapore their home, and take pride in fostering a truly cohesive and harmonious nation.
V. Subramaniam (Dr)
This abuse takes several forms, including molestation, rude and unruly behaviour, and violence.
Such incidents are symptomatic of a problem that has reared its ugly head in recent times.
Why has there been an increase in uncouth behaviour on our public transport? Is it due to overcrowding? Is there a local versus foreigner divide? Are passengers feeling the strain of having to eke out an existence in the midst of rising cost-of-living pressures?
Much of this state of affairs can be boiled down to a lack of compassion, graciousness, patience, tolerance and understanding. A culture of self-centredness and mollycoddling has led to increasing cracks in our behavioural matrix.
It is time we reminded ourselves that, as a nation of so many races, cultures and creeds, we are all in this together.
Graciousness, compassion and courtesy are not qualities that simply happen. We must understand that it happens right here, among the individual, his family, friends and neighbours in society.
There are many ways to plant and cultivate the seeds of community in our personal lives, which can open us to new understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
It is important that we deal with others in trusting and trustworthy ways.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our independence, we should reinforce efforts at cohesion among the various communities that have made Singapore their home, and take pride in fostering a truly cohesive and harmonious nation.
V. Subramaniam (Dr)
