Monday, August 25, 2008

MRT Moral Dilemma resolved! (~Modified~)

As promised, my solution to the problem (as in yesterday's "MRT Moral Dilemma") was simply to remain seated.

Application of King Solomon's Law - King Solomon threatened to cleave a baby being contested by 2 ladies claiming to be the child's mother into half. In doing so, he managed to identify the real mother (who showed greater love for the child).

By staying seated, everyone didn't have to fight over the seat, as a fare-paying passenger,I didn't need to feel choked by guilt whatsoever and everyone was happy...

Or rather, I hope they were...

Anyway, I ended up vacating my seat for this mother/child duo later on in the journey so yeah,so much for the mental stress...

Moral Dilemma #3

Building on the earlier question as to whether the Old Man, Pregnant Lady or Parent with Toddler should be given priority over the very same seat has led to yet another dilemma...

Within each of these subgroups, how do we prioritise the Right To Seat??? Have you ever wondered what are the criterias one must satisfy in order to fit into the above categories?

Take for instance, the following questions:

How old must you be to be considered an "Old Man"? Someone who looks frail and weak but is actually 60 years old? Or someone who appears physically hale and strong but is 80 years old?

Should a pregnant lady into her 6th month give up her seat to another lady who is 7 months into her pregnancy?

What requirements must a child+parent combo meet before they qualify under the Priority List? Must the child be a baby less than 1 year old? Or conversely, what is the age limit of a "toddler" as we define it in the picture? One who is in kindergarten? Or maybe even lower primary school?

I realised that pitting the 3 groups of needy people would merely result in everyone siding with the Old Man and pregnant lady against the "Parent with Child" would would probably bring to mind the image of a healthy young/mid-aged parent...so I've decided to take things even further by replacing that icon with one depicting a Grandparent with Grandchild/Baby.

Now then, if all 3 groups of "needy" individuals were to contest for the seat (acts of graciousness aside), who is entitled to the seat at the end of the day???

Think about it and feel free to comment (If any)

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