third world mentality

This is the catchphrase of the season:

First World Facilities, Third World Mentality

Marina Mahathir, daughter of former PM, writes in her weekly column in The Star regarding the subject. She cites inconsiderate driving, late RSVPs and chattering in public performances and speeches as 3 examples of highly irritating societal behaviour.

Perhaps this is a good proof of the 3rd grouse. The writer of this letter encountered inconsiderate and rude people during The Sound of Music performance in Istana Budaya. Well, I have something to add on to that, as I too had the pleasure of attending this performance. My intial impression was excellent: the seating was comfortable, the stage sets were astounding, and the sound system was flawless. However, moments into the performance, my enjoyment was interrupted by a rhythmic knocking sound. Turning to my right I saw 2 kids (not more than 6 years of age) jumping around, fidgeting restlessly while kicking the wooden partition in front of them. Of course, this caused much displeasure to the rest of the patrons, who were there to listen to "My Favourite Things", "Do Re Mi", and "Sixteen Going On Seventeen", not "duk-duk-duk-duk-duk".

The kicker

The parents couldn't be bothered by this disturbance. Perhaps they were used to it. Or maybe it's just the tidak apa attitude in full swing. It was obvious that many patrons were upset. I'm sure I wasn't the only one feeling a little let down by the time the curtain call was over.

Whatever happened to social consideration? It looks like a "free for all" situation now.

What else?

Telekom Malaysia recently unveiled large billboard advertisements which I guess clearly illustrates the Third World Mentality. A designer sports car fills the foreground while in the backdrop towering office buildings could be seen. Then to the left, a telephone booth is defaced and destroyed by a young bloke holding a large wrench. The catchphrase is emblazened on the poster. I wonder if these soft approaches will work for the generally apathetic Malaysian crowd ala the Tak Nak anti-smoking campaign.

Many times we could also witness drivers of Mercedes Benz, Volvo's, BMW's with one hand holding a cigarette hanging out of the window. Moments later, the door opens and out pops the driver's head, and not too long after that, the driver spits on the ground, and nonchalantly closes the door. Third World Mentality galore. In fact, this culture (predominant in China) is quickly ganiing popularity in this country. It's far more convenient to expel disgusting phlegm onto streets and pavements rather than looking for a toilet or a sink.

Seriously

Perhaps the culmination of this Third World Mentality syndrome is in the mindless eradication of our wildlife. Our country prides itself as a haven for forests, greenery and wildlife. But when an innocent creature is put to painful death, one begins to wonder if there is any humanity left in the Malaysian People.

Don't even bother talking about unity. Solve the society's mental problem first.