A "me first" attitude

What I've begun to notice here is the difference in the people's attitude. As a Canadian, I'm use to people holding the door open for you. If they get to the door first and you are following closely behind, the proper and polite response in Canada would be to say: “Thank you.” Here in Taiwan, there is no such custom. In fact, people don't even hold the door open for you. Here, the attitude is: “Me first.” And I thought the attitude of people in New York City was bad. When you enter an elevator and it's already full, there is always someone who tries to sneak in the last second. The elevator, which feels like a sardine can, becomes even more packed. Here, drivers will steal your parking spot even if you were there first or had your signal lights flashing to indicate your claim. I actually saw one driver drive right into an unoccupied parking space with his car facing the other way. He wanted to stake his claim on the space even though the other car got there first.

Sometimes I wonder how people here have developed such an aggressive attitude. My theory is that they must fight to survive. When I walked by a market stand, they tried to sell to me. Even though I didn't understand what they are saying, I knew they are trying to sell me their products. They are likely commission-driven sales and are motivated by the extra commission they make. Life here seems very competitive. It makes life in Canada seem very relaxed. Everyday I'm here, I feel like I'm in a rat-race.