I am eight months pregnant and commute to work daily on the MTR. I have been keeping track of how often a kind person will offer their seat to me. The answer is about 20 per cent of the time.
To my surprise, I have noticed that more than 55 per cent of the time I am offered a seat, it is from a middle-aged man. Unfortunately, it seems my fellow women usually couldn't care less about other women in their vicinity. They are too absorbed in crushing candy on their mobile phones.
Teens are the worst, both boys and girls. Forget about the elite school uniforms because they don't mean anything when it comes to offering MTR seats to the needy.
Although we cannot draw any definitive conclusions, I think this gives us a glimpse of our future in Hong Kong and how well we have taught them to lead the way. It looks as if we can do better.
I don't expect to be offered a seat simply because I am a woman, and I don't want to be given special treatment for no reason. I do, however, have a bulging stomach and am carrying 11kg on top of my normal weight. My calves cramp on a regular basis, and my feet are in a constant state of fatigue.
I occasionally lose balance in the most undesirable of situations. As much as I hate surrendering to my physical "weaknesses" due to my pregnant state, it is a fact. So, on your next MTR ride, if you happen to have a seat, I would appreciate it if you spared a moment from staring at your mobile phone at regular stop intervals and see if there is anyone in need of a seat.