{
  "id": 5884923,
  "title": "We are like this only",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/we-are-like-this-only",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-06T01:37:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/we-are-like-this-only-4-10864984/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A video filmed aboard an Indigo flight captures 15 individuals partaking in a home-cooked feast served on disposable plates, transforming the aisle into a personal domain. The food - plas and dhoklas - is passed around as row after row of passengers busily mingle, oblivious to the inconvenience caused to those not partaking in the impromptu party. Naturally, the online community reacts with outrage, primarily expressing disappointment in a prevalent Indian issue - blatant disregard for cabin etiquette and general manners.\n\nQuestions have been raised before about the root cause of this behavior: why is basic self-awareness among Indians seemingly absent? How can we be so unconcerned about the potential discomfort we cause others? One enterprising young girl has attempted to address this problem by initiating \"etiquette\" classes for children aged 4 to 10. These lessons focus on understanding the differences between \"Can I\" and \"May I\" and teaching the importance of not interrupting speakers or queuing up. Unfortunately, such teachings are often lacking in our cutthroat society, where education is seen as a race to excel in subjects like Math and Physics rather than developing integrity or empathy for others.\n\nA sense of insecurity, possibly stemming from a legacy of scarcity, drives individuals to seize benefits meant for everyone before someone else does. This mentality permeates various aspects of our lives, with the pursuit of success often justifying rule-breaking. As a result, many people have resigned themselves to the belief that the advantages gained through aggressive actions outweigh the potential costs.\n\nPeople's actions, especially when faced with challenging situations, seem to mirror this self-centered mindset. Studies reveal that doping prevalence is higher in the Olympics than at the Commonwealth Games. In the age of AI, it seems the bar for unethical practices has been lowered significantly. Students now view using ChatGPT to submit assignments as acceptable behavior, perpetuated by the assumption that everyone else is doing it, so there's no choice but to comply.\n\nWhile it's true that circumstances can influence behavior, it's crucial to acknowledge their role and develop a moral compass from an early age. Moral Science was a daily subject in the convent the writer attended until the age of 10, where stories from religious texts and ancient Indian epics taught valuable lessons about perseverance, bravery, and perspective. These narratives instilled a set of values and respect for rules in young minds, helping them develop a sense of empathy for others.\n\nIn a world where personal glories and mistakes of historical figures are shared, it becomes evident that we are all interconnected, and we don't necessarily need to trample on one another to succeed. The writer, a director at Hutkay Films, believes that nurturing moral values in schools could be the key to fostering a more considerate and ethical society, where the pursuit of success doesn't come at the expense of others' well-being.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}