Write a letter to the Editor telling what is learnt from the earthquake in Japan and suggest what we can do to emulate such good behaviour. Sign your letter ‘Chris Wong’.
Dear Sir/Madam,
The recent earthquake in Japan was a disaster, yet we can learn a lot from it.
It was indeed a surprise for many people when they saw the calm and orderly behaviour of the Japanese on television. It is hard to imagine they are the people who have suffered. On the contrary, Hong Kong and China plunged into chaos due to the rumours of salt shortage. Some profiteers sold their salt at exorbitant prices while many people fought for it. And when they were later told that there would not be a lack of salt, many of them aired their so-called grievances through some impolite and improper ways.
Unlike people in Hong Kong, China, or other countries, the Japanese responded towards accidents with traditional courtesy. In supermarkets with dwindling supplies, for example, Japanese people queue patiently as they always do. Many such incidents have shown us that national education is really important and it cannot be acquired through wealth. The government cannot only assume that the citizens will know what to do during the accidents, but only through repeated training and emergency rehearsals can we know what should be done when disaster strikes or how to raise our own standards. As a Hong Kong citizen, I think China should follow the example of Japan to train its people proper behaviour. Schools and parents also play important roles to teach our next generations, so that many years later, when foreigners think of China, the first term that springs to mind may not be "the country in total disorder".
Second, this incident has also reminded us of the importance of extending a helping hand. It is unforgettable that an elderly woman apologized to rescuers for causing them inconvenience and wondered whether others with more serious ailments should first be attended to. Moreover, emergency centres opened promptly, and supermarkets gave out all food without requesting money. Even Afghanistan has offered support to Japan. These things showed us that not all people are selfish. There are many people with a caring heart, a giving heart instead. And that is what our society needs.
Self-preservation is not wrong; however, we should think for others at the same time. Extending a helping hand is not a difficult task when we set rivalry aside and put ourselves into others' shoes. To achieve this, education is important. Students should be taught to share their things with others from a young age. They should also be encouraged to do voluntary work and help the disadvantaged. Maybe only by doing voluntary work can they learn the art of giving.
To conclude, national education and cultivating caring citizens are not only urgent, but also vital issues. The government should spare no effort to foster such values.
Yours faithfully,
Chris Wong
Chris Wong