Cross the street because we're not in the US!
@katcarneo (1433)
Philippines
October 27, 2011 11:10pm CST
As a general rule, I wait for the "green man" or the WALK sign to flash before crossing the street---always. I do this even when the street is clear.
Many times, I have experienced that another person was going to cross the street but when he or she noticed that I was staying put and waiting for the proper time, this person would walk back a bit and stay on the side with me. Then, we'd wait for the proper signal and cross together.
One day, I was waiting at one side of the street with a group of 6 people. The other five crossed when it was not yet the right time while I and one of their companions stayed put. They laughed at their friend and one of them said "Come on, cross the street, we're not in the US!"
It's very sad that some people think it's okay to break the rules because we're "just in the Philippines" anyway, but if we were in some other country we should strictly follow all of the rules.
Waiting fifteen seconds for the sign to flash is really not so hard.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
28 Oct 11
Hi there... This is one of the reasons why I admire USA, its govt, its system and its people.. They are law abiding, they respect each other and their govt. If they disagree with the rulers, they're not afraid of speaking it out. They are the first to admit it, if they make a mistake.. And they strive not to make mistakes... They understand and recognize the importance of organization and system...
Here in Asia, it is so different. They take pride in breaking rules. Sometimes I feel I'm stuck...
1 person likes this
@katcarneo (1433)
• Philippines
29 Oct 11
It's good then that you admire law-abiding people and we should all do the same--follow the rules wherever we are. Some people here think it's perfectly fine to break rules but think that when in the US or any other more progressive country then one should abide by all rules. The attitude is wrong and is one of the reasons why our country remains not so progressive.
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@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
3 Nov 11
Hi Kat... Yes, some of them think it perfectly fine to break laws.. I have seen a few who actually take pleasure in breaking rules.. It is, yes, harmful to the progress of a country, as it remains idle at where it is...
Sunny, it is really good that you don't break rules and don't let anyone do that.. It is hard to convince some of them to follow rules, as a few of them take pleasure in it.. Your idea of beginning it with yourself is really good... :)
1 person likes this
@katcarneo (1433)
• Philippines
4 Nov 11
And people break the ones that are so easy to follow, like waiting for the right sign to cross the street. I have one such friend who takes pride in calling herself a non-conformist and she says she doesn't want to be put in the box by rules. An example is the company dress code, which is not really very strict because people can go to our office wearing whatever they want as long as they are not short skirts or sleeveless blouses with plunging necklines. But those are the kinds of things she wears.
It's so hard to convince people to follow rules especially if they are your friends.
1 person likes this
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
28 Oct 11
Oh yes here in the US they do call it Jay walking but many do cross/dash across the street and directly through traffic sometimes. Some are way too inpatient and will not cross in the proper walking lanes. There are numerous injuries and deaths as a result of it.
1 person likes this
@ramonah (211)
• Romania
28 Oct 11
You're right, and it's the same for many countries. I'm from Romania but I've been allover Europe and it's the same. It's just about the people, some cross, some don't. I like the fact you've tried to keep it together and stayed put and switched at least one person to do the same with you. If more would act like that from more points of view, it would be a better world, but as Ghandi says: "Be the change you want to see in the world." I try to do that every day and I've seen some changes, very slight but keeps my hopes up. :)
1 person likes this
@katcarneo (1433)
• Philippines
29 Oct 11
I'm glad to know you do the same, it's a very simple rule that shouldn't be hard to follow. When I have children I'm going to teach them to cross at the right time, and not throw litter, and other small things that are often taken for granted. Let us be the change we want to see the world.
1 person likes this
@PageTurner (2825)
• United States
26 Jun 12
Hello katcarneo
As a citizen of the USA, I am sorry to hear that some of my country-people said something that could be construed as insulting to your country. Not only is their behavior dangerous to themselves and others (if a car came and swerved to avoid them) but they are insensitive and rude to the country that was hosting them. How sad.
I live in a small town. We don't have any crossing signs. Often, when I am in the city, I will wait for the "green person" to flash, and I will be the only one who does so because the city folk just ignore these signs and walk whenever they feel like it. Sometimes they will look at me like I am really stupid for waiting, but I do not let their pressures on my change me. I will wait for the "green person."
Peace
I love the world!! 
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