Outlasting Seats of Decency

Dec 23 , 2023
By Carolyn Kissane

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A recent encounter shed light on the unravelling threads of common decency, where entitlement clashed with empathy in the quest for a simple seat. It all began in the confined space of a taxi, where a group of passengers waited to board, including a pregnant woman.

I was already inside. We attempted to rearrange ourselves to accommodate the expecting mother comfortably, as a commendable reflex. But one man out of nowhere claimed the last available seat as his own. He automatically made himself a guardian of the coveted spot for allegedly hailing the taxi.

While murmurs circulated among the passengers, the man remained unyielding. To add insult to injury, he flaunted his disregard, uttering a callous remark while earning an approving high five from the taxi assistant. I was in disbelief. The incident not only showcased a lack of empathy but also hinted at a concerning shift in societal values.

The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the strength of mothers and the evolving landscape of societal courtesy. The resilience and fortitude displayed by pregnant women to fulfil daily responsibilities serve as a testament to their indomitable spirit. Perhaps the man, in his misguided entitlement, assumes that mothers do not need special treatment. But in their silent strength, mothers continue to move mountains, whether recognised or not.

In the bustling streets of life, small acts of kindness often define our characters. This incident not only exposed the complexities of societal behaviour but also raised questions about the erosion of age-old traditions of respect and courtesy.

As we navigate the intricacies of modern life, it becomes imperative to reflect on the values we uphold and the impact our actions have on others.

I believe it was a microcosm of a larger societal shift, an erosion of traditional courtesy. I observe a decline in the practice of giving up seats for the elderly and pregnant women, once an unspoken social contract woven into the fabric of Ethiopian culture.

While acknowledging that societal behaviours evolve, I am concerned about the fading gestures of respect. Younger generations seem less inclined to offer seats, whether on public transportation or in private spaces. The once common act of standing when elders entered a room or appeared on television has given way to a more self-centred culture, where individual priorities often overshadow communal courtesies.

Witnessing this display of arrogance and insensitivity, I was in a dilemma of speaking up and risking confrontation or remaining silent to avoid potential danger. The man's appearance, clad in torn coveralls and carrying a sickle, triggered a sense of wariness. Meanwhile, the fear of escalating a situation that could turn hostile prevailed, prompting me to choose silence.

In a world where silence masquerades as self-preservation, the call for empathy and consideration remains vital. The act of offering a seat is more than a physical convenience; it is a bridge to respect, kindness and compassion amidst the chaos of daily life. I hope threads of common decency will endure for generations to come.

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PUBLISHED ON Dec 23,2023 [ VOL 24 , NO 1234]

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