There is a term, “ease of access,” that many people mistakenly interpret as an opportunity for breaking rules or already-set norms. In any place of business, the processes that involve transactions have evolved to become systematic, with the intent to create for clients the least inconvenient time possible.
This is why, for example, in most establishments, designated lanes have been set up for PWDs, seniors, pregnant women, etc. However, there will always be someone who will come along to disregard these procedures or any long line, just to get served first.
Meanwhile, in a checkpoint at the entrance of the city, the standard norm to alight from the buses had always been in effect for all incoming passengers, except for pregnant women, with babies and seniors. However, during rainy days, the passengers are advised to stay in their seats, while the guards themselves enter and check inside the buses. A much more time-consuming task perhaps, going row by row, but reasonable and equally-effective. This adjustment to the existing strict policy requiring everyone to alight for inspection, is a flexibility in action, as dictated by force majeure.
Regulations need not be dogmatic, just as in the case of the latter. The end result at achieving a goal (i.e, security inspection), plus the idea of less inconvenience for everyone, are both attained at the same time, without skipping a beat.
Those who break the norms, as in a queue, be it in a mall or in traffic, actually half-wish they could get away with it and be ahead of everyone. This line of thinking smacks of nothing but a lack of self-discipline and a deep-seated sense of entitlement. It is an indirect and silent proclamation that they are better than the rest, and that their time is more important than that of others’.
No exception, i have likewise witnessed seniors demanding first-service inside priority lanes, ahead of pregnant women and other seniors. While it is sad to admit, this has become quite common at pre-departure areas and banking institutions. So, on top of it all, the reasons lie not so much in justifications behind such behavior, but more importantly so in the attitude of the individual.
Even though we refuse to deny it, we are such a feudal minded people; hopelessly discriminatory but mentally subservient to those who are above us in rank and social status. This makes it easy for others to take advantage and presume that because we are willing to give an inch, they can plant both feet and believe they are then way much better.
While we appreciate the alternatives and changes made available for us ordinary citizens, let us also be more decisive within our ranks, and do away with this servant and feudal mentality. Let us bravely expose those who act as if they are above us. And while most of us remain at the mumbling stage when voicing our complaints, let us be vocal and loud so we can finally be heard.
In “The Masque of Anarchy” by PB Shelley, he says… “We are many, and they are few.”
