PASSING SCENES

For daring to tell him the uncomfortable truth, he got angry.

For daring to suggest to him that he was wrong, he got mad.

Yes, he called me names, as if to tell me I should mind my business, but that gave me more energy to punch holes in his lame defence.

But did he say I was a wizard?

Did he really say I was sent to disturb him?

I told him point blank that I had no such ill intent to do such thing.

I told him it is because he was too proud to accept his fault that was why he was saying what he said.

So this spare-driver got behind the steering wheel of this Sprinter Mercedes bus at Adentan barrier at around 7:48am. He was about joining the main road when he's conductor (mate) asked him to stop. So he couldn't pack well, and I commented.

We got to Madina at 8:02 am and after struggling to get some passengers on-board, we set off amidst the intermittent delays, so some passengers voiced their concern.

Then when the vehicle started off from Atomic Junction, this driver spat on the main road, and I complained gently. He shook his head several times as if to say, ‘who are you at all to even correct me’.

So when I was about getting to my destination, I informed the driver sitting right in front of me, but he said he hasn't heard me and sent me to the next bus stop before stopping. It was as if he was punishing me for trying to suggest the right things he ought to do on the road. And when I registered my displeasure, he called me a wizard with an angry face.

Some passengers who did not start the journey at the time the driver took over, vigorously supported him. It was an interesting exchange though and I realised how his ego won't allow him to accept his shortcomings. Or maybe I was too quick to point to him the wrong things he was doing. But I felt I was a passenger who paid for the services he was rendering and I deserved to be served as better.

However, when I spoke of the reckless way he was driving, he called me names with a degree in wizardry. May be I should have praised him to see what he might call me instead.

LESSON:

People are unhappy when they are being criticized or critiqued. People are uncomfortable when their ills are being exposed. But are quick to jump to praises or acknowledge those who cheer them. We may not like the naked truth when it is being rendered raw but let’s not relent in saying it as it is. Because if we fail to do this, then let us be ready to enjoy the fun of the ever cheerful sycophants, ‘yeye men’, bootlickers and the unending list of the cheerleaders will spun on us. 

We are drivers one way or the other so let us watch our temperance and our reaction to those who critique us. I think it is about time we thank those who critique us and put us on our toes.