Okay okay, I know i've not been posting long, sentimental posts like before -_- For these few months only what! :D
So Ms Ng was talking about Singapore's future as a gracious society in the future. Of course, that'll happen :D ONLY, if we are ready to for the change. Actually, i think i am! :D
So, what does it take to be a gracious Singaporean? We have to understand the basis of grace, apply it into our daily life, and of course be able to influence others to be the same too. I've seen dozens of ungraceful actions that were taken by Singaporeans very commonly, and yet they took pride and relish in such repulsive behaviors >=(
1) Not clearing trays in Fast Food Restaurants, and some food courts where there are tray-return corners.
This is one of the top ungraceful actions observed in many Singaporeans. Prolly it's due to the domestic helpers at home, and the cleaners/service staff that are there to clear the uncleared trays. Then again, it doesn't serve as a good reason for us to leave our trays there. We must rid ourselves of the "I pay for GST and TAX, so the service staff should come and clear them" mindset of most Singaporeans.
There are a few exceptions though, but the numbers that doesn't do so are depressing. We must change our mindset, because we have a part to play as a Singaporean to love and own Singapore by keeping which ever areas we used neat and clean. If it's spillage, you could also ask for serviettes or tissues to clean up the mess instead of leaving the place wet and dirty, giving other customers a hard time waiting for the cleaners to clean it up, or to clean it themselves.
2) Littering/Spitting in public places.
One of the more commonly seen actions though. Good news is, the numbers are decreasing. A good job on that. Still, spitting in public places leaves others in disgust. You don't want to see yellowish phlegms drowning Singapore, don't you? Furthermore, if tourists were to see that, it leaves a deep impression on them - ew.
Littering is still found in minority, but littering from tall buildings is very common. If you happen to kill someone with that litter, how are you going to be responsible for the action? Imagine this: The air-conditioner thingy outside your house is shaking already, you threw a litter, it landed on the air-conditioner thingy, it increases its weight, the thingy falls, kill someone. SEE!! HOWHOWHOW!! think before you act.
3) Table manners
Table manners is lacking in the majority of the Singaporeans. Ask yourself this questions:
-Do you speak with your mouth full/with food in your mouth, or do you swallow before talking, even if it takes a long time to swallow-and-reply?
-Do you drink your drinks with the straw in loud slurping sounds, or do you drink it with almost no noise at all?
-Do you talk loudly when dining, or do you speak softly when dining?
-Do you close your lips when chewing, or do you leave them open?
These are the more basics one. I think the government should have schools to have table manners lesson for primary and secondary school students. It is necessary, since table etiquette is very important in the working society. However, many young children are not equipped with these skills, thus they do not know the importance of it.
I have seen very funny things happening to restaurants before. Some service staff don't know what a serviette is. Some don't know how to differentiate a pasta spoon from a soup spoon, a butter knife from a cutting knife, a fruit fork from a pasta fork. A teaspoon from a table spoon, a mug from a cup, a wine glass from a whiskey glass or cocktail glass or a vodka glass or a brandy glass or a goblet. A desert plate from a coffee plate, a soup bowl from a sauce bowl, and utensils from crockeries.
As I type this, I feel as though I'm mocking them. Thing is, this is the truth. It shows how surface our knowledge on the table is! There are many other things, like basic courtesy, manners, attitudes, etc. Hahaha, nevertheless, I do look forward for the day that Singapore is finally able to be known as the "Gracious Garden City" ((: