Why it does not pay to be kind in Singapore my
I am starting to understand that despite all the kindness movements and campaigning, it still does not pay to be kind in Singapore because a major thing is lacking: legal protection for the kind Samaritans. Let me make my point and give my story a chance before deciding to dismiss it.
Recently, I have rented a car from one of the major car sharing companies. Before anyone jumps to conclusion, this post is not a rant about said company. When returning the car, I noticed a sling bag left behind by a previous user on the floor of the car seat. I was on the verge of reporting this lost and found when I realised that:
1. I cannot assume that the bag belongs to the immediate previous car user.
2. Based on above, I cannot assume that all the items in the bag are intact.
Typically, it can be stated that people will rent cars from the location/station nearest to their house. That the cars from this particular company does not have to be returned to its original location only further complicates the possibilities as to where could the owner be staying.
I was spooked at the thought of being accused of taking things from the bag myself, and eventually decided that the “safer” option was to just leave the bag there as it is. I therefore did not report this lost and found in the end.
Although I feel bad for the poor guy’s who lost his bag, but why should I risk possible legal trouble for someone whom I have never met?
Here are what netizens think:
- I dont know the behind story but why are you thinking someone will accuse you about missing items. Overthinking is kind of mental disease. You may check?
- Your story is not about “why it does not pay to be kind” but “assuming the worst of people while imagining yourself to be a kind soul”.
- You should have kept quiet and not say anything or claim any knowledge. Now the entire Internet knows and you are incriminated. You’d better hope the bag does not contain any illegal stuff.
- It would be a genuine case of “does not pay to be kind” if the OP reported the lost item out of kindness and had to go through some adverse consequences because of this kindness. Even if something bad happened as a result of the OP trying to be kind, it also seems like he does not have faith in SG’s legal system and/or fairness in the society.