Reading the letter of M. Dutard, 'Many examples of kindness' (South China Morning Post, October 6), leads me to share my experience on this matter.
Like M. Dutard I have always offered my seat when I see frail passengers standing in any public transport, except for one time when I was seven months pregnant.
I noticed an old woman who could not reach the handrail because the tram we were on was packed. I called the attention of the young man sitting beside me so he could offer his seat, but he said firmly in Cantonese: 'No! No! No!' Then he stared at me and asked if I was a Filipina. When I did not answer, he started shouting at me in Cantonese (some of the more popular curses). And, to make sure I understood, he kept repeating 'go back to Philippines' in English.
He looked like he wanted to hit me. The passengers around me did and said nothing, not even the old woman. I was unable to walk away because the tram was full. I had to suffer this all the while I sat beside him.
I was completely taken aback. My sister had to pull me out of my chair and we got off, even though we had not yet reached our destination.
You could imagine how badly shaken I was and also my faith was in the general good will of Hong Kong people.
VIOLI BOLOS Staunton Street M. Dutard claims to be 'shocked to learn' that I did not help the disabled woman I referred to in my letter (South China Morning Post, September 23). The point was not what I did but what others did not do.