The Maintenance of Social Harmony
A Notice Regarding Language, Behaviour, and Inclusive Conduct
Should empathy be mandatory?
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Since you don't seem to use these loudspeakers as they should be used, I will do it for you.Ā
This is a Public Service Announcement on behalf of the Social Services Ministry, for the fostering of healthy relationships.
A warning against biased, ignorant speech or behaviour:
Do not use derogatory terms like "savant", "disabled", "fat" orĀ "thin" to avoid offending. Doing so creates the risk of a $500 fine.
Avoid dismissive actions or speech, such as eye-rolling, smirking,Ā or face anĀ imprisonment term. Let us use the phrase "vertically challenged" instead of "short".
Give up seats on public transport to those who need it, or riskĀ being fined.Ā
Do not look the other way when there are physically challengedĀ individuals on the street, or face fines.Ā
Do not block the paths of the physically challenged, or riskĀ incarceration.Ā
If you are a service personnel, do not sigh when you have to assistĀ a challenged person, or social services will impose aĀ monetary penalty.
These regulations are necessary to maintain social order and harmony. We must cater to the diversity of society. We have a responsibility for our challenged members. We must ensure inclusivity. We must ensure their acceptance into the mainstream.Ā
As we include them, we must also ensure our own presence.Ā
If you observe individuals breaking the rules listed, do not hesitate to contact social services at 66775443.
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Original Public Announcement Poem by Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin
For Vocal's Public Announcement Challenge
About the Creator
Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin
Hi, i am an English Language teacher cum freelance writer with a taste for pets, prose and poetry. When I'm not writing my heart out, I'm playing with my three dogs, Zorra, Cloudy and Snowball.
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Comments (3)
Great take on this challenge, Michelle. I think in many ways, culture is trying to mandate empathy, which is an impossible task. The human heart is deceitful and only God can soften it.
I love how horribly twisted this is! When we do good things because we will be punished otherwise, we are deprived of the opportunity to be good people... This would be a society full of Good Things but empty of good people and I LOVE THIS CONCEPT š
We all should be mindful of the feelings of others, but still not forget that humans err, being caught up in life's stresses. Great reminder of mindfulness.