S1E92: New signs on MRT trains spark debate on how to behave on public transport in Singapore
About this episode
The episode discusses public transport etiquette in Singapore, focusing on personal grooming and societal behavior.
An ongoing SMRT campaign, meant to inspire a gracious commute culture, has laid down the law on what’s acceptable, or not, on the train. Two bubble-like characters – named “Dotties” by SMRT – are accompanied by the caption, “Don’t groom in public”. One is shown clipping their toenails and the other, applying make-up. It got the internet talking about the boundaries of personal grooming in public. But after decades of public etiquette and courtesy campaigns across Singapore, why is there still a need for this conversation? And if Singapore is a first-world city, why don’t we have a handle on what’s acceptable and what isn’t in public? In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Elysia Tan, a clinical psychologist, and Shila Naidu, a trauma therapist, to work through how to behave on public transport? Highlights (click/tap above): 4:08 Why have we not learnt from decades of courtesy campaigns? 9:54 Why don’t people realise they are irritating others? 14:29 Are these behaviours a reflection of a stressed society? 18:08 How did we become a “shame-based” society? 21:59 Commuters with mental health…
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