I have earlier written about the benefits of travelling and have argued it is one of the most beautiful experiences. This is because while doing so, one comes across some of the most beautiful things that can be used to enhance one’s knowledge as well as experiencing something new all the time, besides, of course, being ambassadors of one’s own countries.
I once again write about travelling after a recent week-long trip to London with my spouse. Like on earlier occasions, this time, too, we came across several tourists, men and women, from Gulf countries. But, this time round I noticed their behaviour was far from civilised.
They were brash, loud and arrogant, and tried to make their presence felt at all times with an uncouth display of branded and expensive jewellery, clothing and footwear procured from some of Britain’s best-known and prestigious stores.
While I do not envy them and the clothes etc. they were wearing, I felt all that should’ve been accompanied by proper and dignified behaviour, a cultured way of talking and proper etiquette in expensive restaurants. The so-called
“art of the intellect” was certainly missing from what I saw.
It is sad we in the Gulf have grown up without having been made aware of and taught the simplest etiquette but, in this day and age, this ignorance is no longer acceptable and when we are looked down upon as an “uncivilised” community.
I have seen this bad behaviour happen everywhere but am of the opinion if it had been avoided, we would have been in a much better position and earned the respect of others so much more. We are a great nation and we should
remain as such not only by preserving our values and principles but also with our good behaviour.
One of these arrogant and brash young men scribbled the name of his country in bold letters on a wall in London’s Hyde Park and he was immediately reprimanded by shocked local officials who chided him for his behaviour.
One might pass this off as something personal but the reality is that if this person had been raised in a proper manner and taught how to behave in public and respect others’ space, it would have been so much better. The problem, however, is in the education, both at home and at school.
We should recognise that we do not pay any attention to imparting such education in our schools in spite of the availability of experts and several publications related to this fine art. We must first train our teachers on this very important aspect and, soon, the effects will filter down to the students. This will, in turn, have a positive effect on society as a whole.
It is ethics, style and behaviour that elevate an individual’s worth, not his clothing, his purchase of jewellery and his dining in fine restaurants.
I urge officials from the Education Ministry, civil society organisations and the legislative and executive branches to seriously consider including this in our school curricula.
The rest we leave to the will of God.
The rest we leave to the will of God.