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I may actually focus on the supposedly good-natured benefactor - which, as almost always is pointed out in every comment that is aired, blogged, or printed, that we are lacking that spirit of good-naturedness - we are unwilling to part with our seat and offer it to somebody who needs it more than we do, either by virtue of age, incapacity, maternity situation or disability. In short, there are not so many citizens (note, citizens in the general sense, not only locals) who are into that act of good heart and soul. And we tend to blame that by not having a good education on good manners and right conduct - if we are referring to schoolchildren, young or old.
But how about old, or older people, who are still strong on their bones, and you that they are fit, and perhaps, they carry themselves even more fit than somebody younger of age but falls within the other category of our supposedly recipients of good acts - and the former don't show any sign of offering their seat to the needy?
Or think about the case when a younger man or woman, offering their seat to an older lady - refuses to accept that offer?
Or, can you imagine an old lady, who stands grabbing on to the stanchion, having two people infront of her get up to alight, and she doesn't sit down, so that other younger people - obviously who wanted to sit down themselves, take the opportunity she passes - and sit down themselves, leaving the old lady standing up? I observed carefully, and lo and behold, the old lady was choosy on where she sits! I was surprised. I was wondering why she didn't sit down when there were more than one seat available for her taking, then later on, a few more commuters stood up upon reaching their destination, which she noticed, and that was the time she picked the place she wanted, and sat down - not after a few more stations to pass - and some more time for her to continue standing.
If you happen to see only the first half of this event, surely you would hit hard on the gentlemen. However, if you saw the second half, may I ask, what are you thinking now?
I still can't help but be reminded of the equivalent account of how a mendicant, who was chanced upon on the street by a commoner, and had pity on him, who was almost stripped naked, having nothing anymore decent to wear, and was immediately handed some decent clothes so he can get warm in the cold weather, to simply refuse the offer - because they are not new or extravagant dresses from some dignitaries?
To really appreciate the courtesy, we really have to be in need. To really account for people's graciousness, we should be thankful people. We don't want to be ingrates in the midst of the blessings that we bask and live in everyday. But it seems that we have come to the point of being unmindful of how other people in other countries live, and that we have become less concerned on how others give up their privilege so you can enjoy them - all because they were gracious enough to do so.
Have you done your part by showing gratitude, never mind that you as the recipient aren't getting it exactly the way you wanted it? Some day's you have to give in, to give way.
And if you insist on your way at the expense of the other person's kindness, who has already relegated his right to the seat (he is a paying passenger, just like you) and you refuse, I am very sorry, but I only have one word to describe you: INGRATE.
May you not have another chance to be offered a seat for the rest of your commuter life.
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