ENDANGERED VIRTUES

I was at an event over the weekend and observed with dismay how even the most minimal success goes to the head.

A popular figure in the local literary scene pranced in about two hours late for the event that was already in full swing.

He trotted in, neighing like a horse, and baring his teeth in jollity. He came with a "handbag" in tow. Rather than walk in quietly, they distracted everyone with their grand and eloquent entrance.

 

I had little respect for this person before this event but even that little was washed away after his bizarre behaviour on this occasion.

 

As he walked in, he began shouting, shaking hands and exchanging banters all around. I couldn't follow what the guest speaker was saying anymore.

Not done, he refused to sit quietly but strutted around the hall in comical strides, grinning foolishly. Then he began taking pictures, almost planting the camera in the face of the guest speaker and turning himself into the centre of attraction and attention.

 

That done, he walked with arrogant strides out of the venue leaving his “handbag” behind. About thirty minutes later, her phone started ringing. This disrupted proceedings as we were distracted by the loud ring tone. Apparently our "star" on his way remembered he had come with her. She leapt unapologetically to her feet and cat walked out of the hall.

I wasn’t amused.

Just like the Siberian Tiger – an endangered specie, humility and respect for others are obviously endangered virtues.