I am writing in response to Niru Vishwanath’s letter (“What’s behind poor service in Hong Kong?”, July 23) concerning Hongkongers’ poor attitude towards some foreigners. I agree that, as a metropolis, Hong Kong is gradually losing its competitive edge when it comes to courtesy.

Ms Vishwanath wrote about her experience at the sport facilities near the Peak Tram station, where she encountered impolite treatment, and wondered whether it had something to do with her race or the language barrier. Of course, Hongkongers can seem stand-offish because of their discomfort with speaking English, despite good education levels overall. We try to shy away from English and refuse to speak it, even being ill-mannered to scare away visitors. However, such behaviour can also be a matter of cultural difference, real or perceived.

Very often, we read of so-called mainlanders violating the rules or social norms in Hong Kong, and of conflicts with locals over this. These reports have led to many people being dismissive of mainland visitors, who have to collectively bear the stigma of being rude and of lacking respect for rules. Local service staff may look down on them thinking Hongkongers are superior.