When People can be Assholes

This scene was from a movie titled "I don't Feel at Home in this World Anymore"

Ruth's house got robbed and she found the father of the perpetrator, who's a loaded lawyer.

Father: How much do you want (for what you have lost)?

Ruth: I'm not looking for a payout

Father: Then what the hell do you want?

Ruth: For people to not be assholes!!

Today this appeared in my newsfeed Popular US$1.40 (10 yuan) buffet in China may close after nearly 10 years as new diners lured by viral videos steal and waste food

Excerpt (emphasis is mine):

"To accommodate the number of diners, they introduced a voluntary honesty payment system since collecting individual payments became impractical.

The couple has consistently prioritised quality and affordability without raising prices for nine years, firmly believing that a business should operate with “a sincere heart in exchange for a sincere heart”.

However, the sudden surge in popularity since August brought unforeseen challenges to its existing honesty-based payment model."

Assholes, apparently, are very much alive and well. They are inconsiderate and does not feel a shred of empathy for this woman and her husband who are trying to run a respectable business. Their business started 9 years ago with the honourable object of wanting to help migrant workers by providing affordable meals. Due to their internet fame however, they literally got robbed in broad daylight by folks taking a lot of food, and/or wasting them, and/or paying very little or none at all. On top of that, some keyboard warriors have accused her of taking advantage of migrant workers, somewhat resonant with the story of a Malaysian food seller who experienced online bullying. 

What have we become?

In contrast, a restaurant in Brickfields have a similar style. Only that they do not impose any minimum amount. Diners pay any amount they consider reasonable for what they've eaten. Workers consist of volunteers, keeping costs down. They have survived for more than 30 years. 

Perhaps both businesses can compare notes. And I sincerely hope that the 10 yuan meal lady & husband continue their business despite this challenge. Perhaps close their business for a few weeks & just do deliveries for migrant workers. The opportunists will eventually stop coming seeing that her restaurant is closed & lose interest [We don't want you anyway!!!!].

Like Ruth, I probably want the same thing 🙏