Observations on SMRT 960

Now that I have become a parent, I have started thinking about imparting values to my daughter. These include the simplest of things such as etiquette to intrinsic things such as being a good person. Good being relative of course.

I've even wondered whether she'll pick up the habit of picking her nose in public! This springing largely from my hubby and my obsession as new parents to pick the 'booger' out of her nostrils. We can see that the little gal, at two months and two weeks is probably thinking that her parents are a bunch of nutters! Such satisfaction derived from a big nugget from her delicate nostrils!

I got to thinking on the bus yesterday as I was on SMRT 960, on my way to work. Two boys, brothers perhaps, from an elite school along service 960's route got on at last stop in Bukit Panjang. Instead of moving to the rear, the two of them sat on the steps of the bendy bus, oblivious to the stares from fellow commuters. The younger boy whipped out his HP and began his game. The elder boy closed his eyes and dozed off. The former teacher in me had the great urge to tap them on their shoulders to get them to stand at the rear like everyone else. I was concerned about their safety too, it is kind of dangerous sitting on the door steps. I was also ready to say I knew some teachers at their school, which I did. Decided to mind my own business in the end. Probably afraid of the other passengers' reactions to my actions.

It's kind of sad to see how graciousness is slowly slipping out of our culture. Little things seem to have faded away. I can count the number of times other passengers gave up their seats when I was pregnant. Or how about the young couple who was oblivious to an elderly man standing right in front of them on the MRT? They were glued to their I-Phone as they watched a movie! It's also the society that I have brought my daughter into. I do hope that she'll grow up being caring and gracious and not oblivious. It's a journey that any new parent must surely worry and ponder about.