SMU Professor of Sociology (Practice) and Dean of Students Paulin Straughan shared her views on the new signs in public transportation aimed at promoting gracious behaviour. She highlighted that people sometimes forget how to share public spaces and need clear reminders about acceptable and unacceptable behaviours. The signs, she noted, outline societal expectations and leave no room for passengers to claim ignorance. However, Prof Straughan emphasised that signs alone are insufficient. Authorities should complement them with targeted education, such as reminding students about social norms in schools where sitting on the floor may be common. She also clarified that the behaviours highlighted in the signs should not be equated with recent public urination incidents at MRT stations, as these involve more serious concerns like hygiene and indecent exposure, requiring strict enforcement.
