When Incivility and Insensitivity is a Norm...

Lack of civility and sensitivity towards fellow human beings has reached appalling levels. We see that almost everywhere around us - on roads, in malls, in public institutions... Hence news like few Indian members of Parliament force feeding a cafeteria manager to register their protest for poor quality of food should not come as a surprise.

After all our MPs have thrown mikes, slipper and other unimaginable missiles at each other inside the 'house' in the past. Many members of the state legislatures have followed the suit. There have been incidents where a public servant has been slapped or abused by such elected representatives of the democracy for just doing his duty.

Despite this they are called 'leaders' and enjoy special privileges everywhere that common citizens never have access to. Wonder, if this is rewarding incivility and insensitivity? Worst they are said to be example-setters for the society. In fact some school children may put to shame some of our so called 'leaders'. They show much greater levels of empathy, sensitivity and civil behaviour. Wonder again, who should really be learning from the other!

A year back when we went to Bangkok, one incident really affected me deeply, although it could be brushed aside or ignored by many as insignificant. I along with my wife and kid were to cross a 'Soi' or a lane. When we were about half way on the lane, we saw a cab coming from one of the sides of the road. Going by our Indian experience we thought it is better to wait and not take chance with a cab and let it pass-by. To our utter surprise the cab stopped and politely waited for us to cross the road. The incident however insignificant it may appear really touched me. I had never experienced anything similar in my country. And this could not be passed over as one random gesture,. While travelling through the city, I observed most Thai cab drivers ( and there are plenty, considering that Bangkok is hot tourist destination) were much more disciplined and sensitive towards other motorists and pedestrians.

Now when I drive, sometimes I stop for people crossing the road, especially women and children. And I must tell you, every time I have pleasantly surprised many. School-going children have glanced back and thanked me or just smiled, ditto many other grown-up people have done too. I know they did not expect this and believe me such gestures have never delayed me for my destination. I am more happy driving. I hope each one of them now are more sensitive on the road. Civility and Sensitivity starts from us and our behaviour, after all!

Engagement, be it at a cognitive or emotional level, has sensitivity & empathy built-in the core. Incivility and insensitivity can never be engaging.

Are'leaders' listening...

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