2nd Reflection (Essay Intro)

Singapore today is well known for her wonderful achievements and the uniqueness of our multi-ethnic society. However, as we embark on a journey to success, the ungraciousness of Singaporeans just keeps getting in the way of becoming a wonderful country. Ungraciousness acts such as spitting on the ground in public, cutting queues and talking loudly in quiet places are just one of the few many daily occurrences that turns off tourists, leaving a bad impression behind. Therefore, for the sake of oneself and for the country, there is a need to teach Singaporeans how to be gracious. What is the use of living in a beautiful country when the characters of the people living in the country are not beautiful? Thus, in my essay, I will be stating the reasons with detailed explanations on why there is a need to teach Singaporeans how to be gracious, followed by my conclusion with my standpoint.

by: Szeyin

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What is the meaning of being gracious? To me, it is an act of showing kindness and courtesy to the people around you. Graciousness also encompasses warm, friendly, generous and elegant kindness. In the rush to get ahead in the competitive economy, we may have unwittingly relegated the importance of being gracious. Singaporeans have acquired a reputation for being business-like, impatient and self-centered. There are many observations made about Singaporeans who rushed into trains without giving way, about Singaporeans who did not give up their seats to a mother caring a child, about Singaporeans rushing to take lifts, about Singaporeans rushing for table space during lunch and about the litter left on the table by Singaporeans. We need to look at ourselves and ask what positive traits must be encouraged and ingrained. Thus, i feel that there is a need to teach Singaporeans to be gracious. In the next three paragraphs, i will elaborate more on why is there a need to teach them to be gracious and why is there a need not to. Lastly, i would sum it up with a conclusion.

by: Gabrielle

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It has been long known that Singaporeans do not express graciousness towards people. This essay will firstly define the meaning of gracious. Secondly it will show some example of the ungracious behavior that singaporeans showed. Finally i will judge my stand if I am agree to the statement.

by: Stanly

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Most singaporeans know that being gracious is being pleasently courteous and polite to the public. However, they do not act that way. Why is that so? To me, I think that it is not because they do not know how, but is that they do not want to. Singaporeans are selfish and they put often put themselves before others which is the main reason why graciousness is not shown much. A good example would be people who sit in the prority seats in the MRT, they would always pretend to be asleep once they see someone in need of that seat, example an old lady or a pregnant lady. They would not bother to offer them a seat. This is clearly ungracious and selfish behavior. I personally think that Singaporeans do not need to be taught how to be gracious, they just need to be encouraged to be more gracious as they already know how to. Thus, in my essay I will elaborate how it will be done in a proper and engaging manner.

by: Tiffanie

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To be gracious, is what Singaporeans need to be educated on. Many people know that the concept of being gracious is to show kindness, be benevolent and courteous. However, despite this knowledge, not many Singaporeans demonstrate such manners. This is why I feel that Singaporeans need to be taught how to inculcate such behaviour in their daily lives. As such, I agree with the above statement. From the rides on public transport to the hawker centres in the heartlands, ungracious actions can be seen at almost every nook and cranny in Singapore. For example, putting on a façade and pretending to be asleep on the bus or Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), just so that you will not have to give up your seat for someone else who needs it more. In hawker centres, most patrons do not clear their tables after their meals, leaving behind an unsightly mess and making it unpleasant for the next person. Therefore, in my essay, I will further elaborate on why there is a need to educate Singaporeans on being gracious.

by: Bertrand