You were waiting at the MRT platform, when the train arrived. As it slowed down to a stop, your eyes caught sight of an empty seat. A quick check around helped you confirmed that there’re no pregnant lady or old folks around. Still thinking of rushing forward to ‘chope’ that seat? You might want to think again.
A woman recently took a photo of a man in SAF uniform, and posted it on Facebook with the caption “Wear SAF uniform can sit down in crowded train?”. Within hours, it was circulated on various social media platforms, garnering more comments than any photos of MRT commuters would.
There are debates about whether is it an official rule that military men are allowed to occupy seats on train; and I’m not sure about it either. What I’m sure about, though, is that this woman needs to get her character in check. Of course she wasn’t directing the attacks personally, and she probably was just expressing her thoughts; but the condescending tone in the title has managed to reveal her narrow and self-centred view.
Wearing the uniform may endorse their obligation to behave in a way that displays certain values and maintains the reputation of the organization. But those are the expectations of the organization and themselves; it does not necessary give one the right to expect them to behave in ways deemed acceptable by your own standards. It’s like exposing millionaires’ bank account record because they are supposed to be spending instead of saving; or chiding a student who is out partying because he or she is supposed to be studying.
Military men are civilians too, you know. Just because they serve the country, doesn’t mean they are not supposed to be entitled to the same benefits and treatment any other civilian gets. In any case, the argument could swing towards their side too – that since they are the protectors of the country, shouldn’t they be the ones getting the seats as a form of ‘give back’ from the society? With the civil service being taken for granted and uncherished, it is no wonder there lies resentment towards governmental jobs or industry.
Taking this whole MRT incident out of the context, it’s not about whether there should be rules or not governing the expectations one has of others. It’s about how people should govern themselves first, before wanting to even correct others. If there is something you yourself wouldn’t do, don’t expect others to do it. If there is something you expect others to do, ensure that your expectations are justified before blurting it out. If all else fails, it’s best to keep your own opinions private, unless you are looking forward to becoming infamous.
So, to sit or not to sit? Well, it’s your call.
Image credits: Fifteen Hours Ahead
