Goodness but not Gracious! What are we up to, or more specifically, what have we come to? After more than 20 years of our 'Uniquely Singapore' Courtesy Campaign, we have been found wanting in a large swathe of incompetencies in our Ps and Qs. But why?
Many blame our competitive society and the stress-driven life we're leading - but, we do have a choice, don't we? Others are quick to point their finger at the fact that both parents are working; so, they claim, parents have no time to teach their children well - absurd, I must say.
The Straits Times is the protaganist behind this latest campaign to get our people - and that includes foreigners, as well - to return their utensils and other paraphernalia after their meals at fast-food outlets, food courts and even the ubiquitous hawker centres dotting our little island. I read a comment by a Caucasian, a foreigner, I believe, that everywhere else in the world, except Singapore, in Macdonald's outlets, customers return their trays after dining. He added that perhaps it isn't our culture in Singapore to do this! Goodness, gracious how audacious, Singapore!
Many of us have also seen, and been partisan to the mess that's left behind on the table by diners. We have no qualms about this but more importantly, we don't seem to understand that we are being rude and discourteous to the next diner. I'm sure we have found ourselves in situations where we had to occupy a messy and filthy table, and must have cursed either our bad luck and timing or the previous diners for leaving behind the filth and grime. So why do we need to perpetrate this perpetual cycle? There is a need to break this cycle.
But, of course, there are many who believe we are doing the cleaners a great favour: Their belief systems is so ingrained with the wrong notion that if they don't leave their mess, crockery or utensils around, the cleaners will end up unemployed. So, what's wrong with helping them out with a steady job, right? Wrong! Cleaners will still have a job; it's just that they will now have a lighter load, less stress, more time to do their job better - and it's all for a cleaner and healthier dining environment; that's exactly what we're seeking, a more pleasant and conducive dining experience, aren't we?
Let's do our part, even if there are no stations for us to return our dining paraphernalia, the least we can do is to keep our tables clean - I hope we're doing this at home?
Many blame our competitive society and the stress-driven life we're leading - but, we do have a choice, don't we? Others are quick to point their finger at the fact that both parents are working; so, they claim, parents have no time to teach their children well - absurd, I must say.
The Straits Times is the protaganist behind this latest campaign to get our people - and that includes foreigners, as well - to return their utensils and other paraphernalia after their meals at fast-food outlets, food courts and even the ubiquitous hawker centres dotting our little island. I read a comment by a Caucasian, a foreigner, I believe, that everywhere else in the world, except Singapore, in Macdonald's outlets, customers return their trays after dining. He added that perhaps it isn't our culture in Singapore to do this! Goodness, gracious how audacious, Singapore!
Many of us have also seen, and been partisan to the mess that's left behind on the table by diners. We have no qualms about this but more importantly, we don't seem to understand that we are being rude and discourteous to the next diner. I'm sure we have found ourselves in situations where we had to occupy a messy and filthy table, and must have cursed either our bad luck and timing or the previous diners for leaving behind the filth and grime. So why do we need to perpetrate this perpetual cycle? There is a need to break this cycle.
But, of course, there are many who believe we are doing the cleaners a great favour: Their belief systems is so ingrained with the wrong notion that if they don't leave their mess, crockery or utensils around, the cleaners will end up unemployed. So, what's wrong with helping them out with a steady job, right? Wrong! Cleaners will still have a job; it's just that they will now have a lighter load, less stress, more time to do their job better - and it's all for a cleaner and healthier dining environment; that's exactly what we're seeking, a more pleasant and conducive dining experience, aren't we?
Let's do our part, even if there are no stations for us to return our dining paraphernalia, the least we can do is to keep our tables clean - I hope we're doing this at home?
9 comments:
Yes Sir, I do this at home & even do the dishes too. Not because my mother is watching hahaha.
I also do this hawker cte or any canteen BUT! Not in fast-food joints.
Simply for a reason, senior staffs there may not be required anymore.
Can I also say that I don't feel bad at all cos I'm not leaving behind heavy stuff or mess for them to carry.
Haha. This doesn't surprise me at all. My friends told me that it's NOT necessary to return the trays because the staffs will do it for us customers. It just so happened a couple of weeks ago. I WAS surprised by that. I guess helping the cleaners is also a sign of respect rather than a favour.
Hi Francis & Cesium.
I learned a long time ago that a good habit can be developed if we persist in it for 21 days :-D So you see, Christmas this year is an ideal date for all Singaporeans to achieve this target of clearing our tables for the benefit of the next diner. It's not a problem for me, though. Goodness, Gracious Me!
I admit I haven't cultivated such a good habit yet, maybe it's not part of my upbringing?
Jane, in cultivating socially acceptable habits, A conscious effort is needed to make it happen. If one is consistent, it soon switches from the conscious-mode to the auto-pilot mode. I guess we're all learning all the time and there's no better time than NOW. Go for it :-D
yeah i agree that singaporean does not return clean up their 'mess' after eating!
I think it should start with schools and the govt shld emphasis on it! Secondary and primary school students are trained to clean up their 'mess' but back in my poly, we dont practice that. There are 6 foodcourts in my poly and every foodcourt there are people cleaning up out 'mess' thus we don't see the point of cleaning it up ourself eventhough they have this corner that indicate "return tray here" ahaha
Hi Ressal,
Students do return their utensils but when they are in the poly they don't. In NS they have to but once they start work, they don't! Phew, this is confusing :-)
We will need to do our part, no matter how minor, and be part of the solution but not the problem.
Let's Go Gracious! - not just in returning our utensils but in all areas in our everyday life where courtesy, good manners and etiquette will make someone's day.
I absolutely agree as well.
Maybe because people always see cleaners around and leave it there, expecting the cleaners to clear everything.
Anyway, Mr low do visit my blog when you're free @
www.travel-with-passion.blogspot.com
Although I've not been posting lately.
Hi Yean Jean,
Thanks for the invite.
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