Avoiding the C word

 -
-

Recently I parked next to ‘the wheelchair spot’ (as I call it) at Pennysavers. The car being driven behind mine then parked at my right in that very area reserved for the disabled. Being accustomed to seeing ‘ineligible’ people doing just that almost every time I visit the supermarket, I waited to see who would step out of the vehicle so I could converse with them about their faux pas.

The driver was taking too long to emerge, so I went inside to get my item.

When I came out later the driver was about to get back into his vehicle.

I said “Good evening. Do you know you’re parked in the wheelchair spot?”

“Yes,” he responded. “My mother uses a wheelchair.”

“But your mother isn’t here with you now.”

The man looked away.

“Once I saw a woman who really needed this spot,” I said.

“However, she had to park a few spots down because the vehicle of someone who wasn’t supposed to park there was occupying it.”

“Oh. Ok,” the man said. “Thank you for telling me.”

I was not telling him anything new. He knew what that wheelchair symbol means and chose to disregard its function. His actions showed complete disregard for the needs of those who are disabled. It showed the selfishness and laziness of many people among us who prefer to use the ‘easier way’ even if it means inconveniencing others or putting them in danger as a result of careless actions.

Symptoms of this widespread social malaise include rudeness, laziness, avoidance of eye contact when spoken to about it and unwillingness to admit to or correct one’s actions.

Once when I pointed out to a male driver that he was parking in the wrong spot, he rudely informed me: “Well, it closer to de door.” Yes. It is closer to the door so that those who have difficulty walking or are using a wheelchair have only a short distance to travel.

Why do so many avoid the C word – consideration?

I like to look up the etymology of words, to understand the deeper meaning behind them.

Derived from Latin (considerare/consideration) and via Old French (consideracion), the late the mid 14th century ‘consideracioun’ meant ‘a beholding, a looking at, a keeping in mind’.

Inspired by the etymological description above (behold, look at, keep in mind), I have developed a basic protocol to help the TT public prevent the spread of inconsiderate parking in spots meant for the disabled:

1. Behold the wheelchair symbol and remind yourself what it is for.

2. Look at your own mobility level and honestly ask yourself if that symbol applies to you.

3. Keep in mind that (if #2 does not apply to you) there are people who will benefit from use of that spot, which has been reserved specifically for them.

4. Park elsewhere to avoid contamination of the spot with an invasive vehicular host.

Quickly entering the exit despite the fact that other vehicles are exiting at the same time is also widespread. On a few occasions I have had to brake suddenly to avoid a very undesirable C word – collision.

Meanwhile, the errant drivers are avoiding another C word – ‘care’.

Do they care that others are doing the right thing while they are not and can cause accidents?

We are at the start of World War III. Far from involving countries fighting against each other with nuclear weapons, this World War calls for us to unite as a globe to conquer a microscopic unit that has quickly shown its ability to kill thousands, crash economies, destabilise super powers, bring us all to our knees.

Self-isolating, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, washing our hands as often as possible and not touching facial areas is not enough to curb the spread of this contagion.

At this time in our global history, regardless of who we are or our social status, we all without exception must practice and truly implement some basic ‘C’ words that many have avoided for far too long:

Consideration, compassion, care – for self and for others. If you cannot be sufficiently considerate to park in the right space, enter via the entrance and leave via the exit, and follow other basic rules laid down for efficient functioning of our society, can you be trusted to follow the basic protocol that can save lives – yours and others?

-

Comments

"Avoiding the C word"

More in this section