Courtesy at all times
EVERYONE deserves courtesy and respect, and if all of us practise it, our society would be a much better place.
In tomorrow’s issue of stuff@ school, find out what teens say about bad social behaviour.
As a preview, read the following piece by Samantha Goh Min Syuen, a participant of our year-long Starstruck! Young Writers Programme.
Published on Mondays, stuff@ school is written by teens for teens, and is dedicated to current affairs, pop culture and short stories. It is available only through school subscriptions of The Star.
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“NOTHING is ever lost by courtesy. It is the cheapest of pleasures, costs nothing, and conveys much. It pleases him who gives and receives and thus, like mercy, is twice blessed.” – Erastus Wiman
These were the words written on a large plaque hanging on my school wall.
I can’t say the same about my friends or the other students, but the words struck a deep chord within me about the meaning of manners and social courtesy.
Since childhood, I’ve been taught to follow the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
I don’t really believe in karma, but I do believe that actions and words shape your personality and image.
In terms of physically-seen bad social behaviour, one of my pet peeves is vandalism.
The facilities provided by restaurants, schools and public transportation are meant to be used for the convenience and comfort of all.
I feel annoyed when some inconsiderate individuals deem it fun and enjoyable to scribble or spoil facilities such as public payphones and restrooms.
Bus stops, shophouses and even bridge walls have been defaced with paint and ink, rendering them an eyesore, especially since Malaysia is a renowned spot for tourism.
To me, good social etiquette isn’t only about physical actions like not littering or spitting in public, but encompasses the courtesy of language as well.
I don’t agree with crudity and profanity, even though it is not a very popular opinion due to its widespread influence in media such as books, movies and songs.
Take what happened to me recently, for example. Being engrossed in revising for my trial examinations, I unwittingly stretched my legs out from a bench.
Almost immediately, I felt a strong impact and looked up to see a small 15-year-old boy recovering from his almost-trip.
I apologised profusely and tried to help him up, but was given a rather colourful reply which made my ears burn.
I concede that it was my fault that the near-accident occurred, but I do not believe it was purely my own.
Musing to myself, my thoughts were abruptly cut off when I turned a sharp corner and bumped headlong into another student.
She quickly muttered an apology and scampered off, but it was my own reaction that shocked me.
At the point of impact, my first reaction was to let loose a word that uh, shall we say, would not be uncommon for a seasoned sailor.
Just before doing so, I caught myself in the act. I had nearly done the exact thing I had just condemned others for doing. How was that right? From that incident, I learnt to assess myself and make necessary changes to my own behaviour before condemning others.
Just like what Michael Jackson wanted to convey, I learnt that we need to look at the man (in this case, woman) in the mirror in order to overcome personal misconduct.
Nobody can change my habits or beliefs, only I can. I reasoned I wasn’t above making mistakes, and that double standards should never apply.
And since then, I’m known among my peers and friends as one who watches her tongue.
Courtesy should be observed and respect should be given to others, for only then will the same respect be accorded to us.
After all, what goes around, comes around.