As an expatriate who has been living in Singapore for more than two years, there seems to be a recurring question of why the local birth rate is so low.
I am more than seven months pregnant, and have come up with the answer after catching the bus home with my seven-year-old son: People have no respect for a pregnant woman.
No one gives up their seat on public transport. No one pays attention in the street as they hurtle into you, or they force you to walk on the road as they walk two or three abreast on the pavement.
Bus Service No 36 was crowded as we boarded at Dhoby Ghaut, with all of the "priority" seats taken. Three were occupied by those with legitimate needs but the remaining four were taken up by young people. I understand that the priority seats are not a right for those more in need but I am shocked by the refusal to lean towards a more courteous way of thinking.
That the public transport operators should have to spend on advertising every year to encourage Singaporeans to be more courteous should shame the average man and woman. Apart from anything else, it is dangerous for a pregnant woman to have to stand, in case of an accident.
I love Singapore, and I enjoy living here, but the constant battle with a total self absorbency from people is shocking. Maybe if more people respected pregnant women in day-to-day life, Singaporean women would be more inclined to consider starting a family.
We respect our elders; maybe we should start respecting those who are carrying a new life too.
ORIGINAL SOURCE
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