Chide a litterbug? Better to keep quiet, say most
'Be prepared to be a busybody to keep environment clean'
ST, Oct 7
MIND your own business and keep the peace — that is how many Singaporeans feel about ticking off others who litter or commit other social offences.
A total of 50 people were asked by The Straits Times for their views on a call by Mr S. Dhanabalan, the National Development Minister, to the majority who care for the environment to check the minority who do not.
Speaking at the opening of the Kim Keat East residents’ committee centre last Sunday, he said that Singaporeans should adopt a Western approach and be willing to say things that may even be unpleasant to others who were doing wrong.
But 46 of the 50 Singaporeans surveyed preferred to turn a blind eye and avoid an unpleasant situation rather than chide others who did not keep the environment clean.
Most of them felt that the Housing Board or police were in a better position to deal with irresponsible people who litter, dump unwanted furniture in corridors and void decks, or urinate in lifts.
Many said that it was simply not feasible to take on such duties themselves, because most people are not open to criticism or advice, especially from a stranger.
They traced this response to a basic precept of Asian culture, which is that one does not tell others what to do, as they will regard it as an intrusion of their privacy.
Some said they might tell a child not to do something wrong, but if the offender were an adult, it would be safer to look the other way.
"At most, I would stare or give disgusted looks," said Miss Cecilia Chooi, 20, an accounts assistant. "But It’s not a good idea to say anything directly, especially if we’re living in the same block, or the person might turn nasty and seek revenge later on."
A few considered littering a small problem that could be handled by cleaners and preferred to stay neutral.
The four who would tell others not to behave irresponsibly said they were prepared to risk ruining a relationship with a neighbour in order to make sure the surroundings were kept clean.
Said Mr Paramjit Singh, 46, a supervisor: "I don’t understand why people get angry if they are wrong.
"If my neighbour is so unreasonable and wants to bear a grudge, the relationship is no loss to me."
Source : The Straits Times, October 14, 1991
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