What's In A Name?

 

 

I think many of us have noted the erosion of respect in the US since the election.  Yes it started before Trump (somewhere back in 2008), but it has definitely gotten worse since 2016. 

Singapore is different.  As I mentioned in a post before, there is a constitutional requirement to respect on another's religion.  But Singaporean’s and others that live here REALLY want to respect one another.

Let me explain.  Having hired help in a home is very common here, especially those with children.  It is a regulated practice here; most that are hired are from Indonesia, Philippines, or India.  They come to be able to send money home to their families.  Regulations require that their employers provide them with health insurance and other benefits. 

That said, they have a tough life; they work 6 days a week, typically live in very small rooms with no air conditioning, they work long hours.  Yes, it may be better than their conditions at home, but it is a hard life.

These people are not referred to as maids, servants, cleaners, or cooks—they are called “helpers”.  I like that term.  It implies that they are there to “help” the household.  A little thing, but a thing that shows respect for what they do.

I noticed a similar thing on the bus yesterday.  In most of the world we call them “bus drivers”.  Bus in Singapore they are “Bus Captains”.  Love it!  Again, it shows respect for what they do. 

And neither one of these terms is regulated.  You don’t have to use those respectful terms, you just do.  My Mom used to always say “It’s the little things that count”.  And this shows how true that is.