A matter of politeness

A matter of politeness

From Kompas

I am studying in Germany. I am spending my summer holiday in
Indonesia together with my German boyfriend and his mother. The
first day I was at home I already had an unpleasant and annoying
experience. We drove our car and when we stopped at the traffic
lights at Grogol crossroads, two young girls pointed their
fingers at my German friend and laughed wildly.

On another occasion when we ate at KFC Citraland Mall, four
youngsters (three girls and one boy), sat next to our table. Out
of his curiosity my friend turned his head and had a glance at
the youngsters. One of the girls stared at him making a funny
gesture with her lips apparently meant to make a fool of him,
while the other members of the group laughed heartily.

Then I was wondering whether the Indonesian people's attitude
had changed. What a shame! I was writing this letter not to
defend my boyfriend. But I myself was a foreigner in Germany.
Never ever a single person did such a shameful thing to me. My
boyfriend always protects me and his mother often helps me. I
could not help wondering how the people's friendliness and
politeness had eroded.

Name and address

withheld