Apr 13 2009
Monday Rant - Basic Courtesy Gone MIA?
What happen to basic courtesy among us?
I was queuing patiently to weigh some fruits and letting a lady in front of me check the prices on her vegetables first and not wanting to push her out just so I can complete my transaction.
Then came a lady bustling over and immediately put her stuff on the weighing machine. Of course, the staff (like most Malaysian supermarket staff I met) didn’t ask the lady to queue but just proceeded to weigh her vegetables much to my annoyance. I for one am not a pushover and I told the lady off.
Her answer was an unbelievable “Nobody put anything on the weighing machine so I put mine”. Excuse me, didn’t you see me standing in front of you. I told her so and her answer was an unbelievable “Keep your mouth shut”. How polite of her. Her children must be so proud of her. (And that’s what exactly I told her too in front of about 6-7 Jusco staff).
What was so earth shatteringly important that one can’t wait an extra two seconds to finish one’s transaction?
Of course, today wasn’t the only time someone cut my queue. I don’t know, maybe I look too damn meek that people think I won’t say anything when they did that.
There was one time during the Ramadhan month, and a lady had the gall to say to me that she cut my queue because she was fasting. Eh? So was everyone who is a Muslim during Ramadhan month. I was fasting too! What makes you so special that you can cut my queue?
It is always “interesting” that I usually end up looking like the bad guy (or gal) for standing my ground. It is always “What’s the big deal?” or “Aiyoh, get over it already” or “Macam Mak Datin (translates as: like a diva) or like today’ very nice “Keep your mouth shut” retort.
What happen to a simple “Oh! I’m sorry”?
Am I teaching my son the wrong values by being polite in today’s seemingly selfish society?
Sometimes, standing up for what you believe is right worth all the look and buzz..
That lady was just rude, and had no manner!
I guess most of the courtesy words are gone now. I don’t know why others find it hard to say the simple words “thank you” or “I’m sorry”. Good thing you still keep your cool when you heard “keep your mouth shut” I dont know what to react if that happen to me.
@icybc,
I will stand up for my rights but sometimes I just wish someone will back me up too.
@dubster,
I was too stunned when she said that to me. If she had said Sorry, I would let it pass.
@dawtch,
it is sad that the more we seem to progress the more we forget about behaving nicely to each other. It’s all about me, me, me now.
Actually, I secretly wanted to puch her face or do something similar but I knwo how to behave better. LOL
Thanks for all your kind words and support. You made me feel better.
@Jason,
I feel your pain. I used to commute by bus when I was younger. Somehow some people didn’t think that they were doing anything wrong by blatantly cutting in front of others. Yes, if they are old/disabled/pregnant, like you said, I wouldn’t have minded.
@lilrascal,
and yet, we Malaysians are supposed to be the Berbudi Bahasa society. Sad and scary…
Thanks for commenting.