CIVIC sense or rather the lack of it is a topic that has been widely discussed and argued in our society. Somehow, most of the people do not care much for civic sense.

This attitude is prevalent across all sections of our society. People today are so driven towards their personal goals that civic sense as an ethic has become a low priority, almost a nuisance.

Civic sense is nothing but social ethics. It is consideration by the people for the unspoken norms of society. A lot of people assume that civic sense is just about keeping the roads, streets and public property clean. But civic sense is more than that. It has to do with law-abiding, respect for fellow men and maintaining decorum in public places.

Separatism, vandalism, intolerance, racism, road rage, etc., are all examples of lack of civic sense. People are becoming less and less tolerant of each other, of other’s cultures, backgrounds, and other similar traits. Civic sense is the need of the hour.

There are spit marks, urine, vulgar graffiti, random garbage and overflowing sewers at every nook and corner of the city. No area in this city has managed to fight the menace. It is easy to pin everything on the government, but people must first question themselves and their own civic sense.

Roads are not dirty because nobody cleaned it, but because somebody dirtied it in the first place. Using ‘everybody does it’ is an excuse and only an excuse. In Pakistan, even prominent personalities indulge in proud displays of lack of civic sense. For example, ministers who delay planes with complete disregard for other passengers or companies that freely pollute rivers and lakes.

If we want a change, we must change ourselves. Civic sense is a school of thought in itself. It is a belief in hygiene, respect for other members of society, and humane behaviour.

With such small steps you can teach your child about civic sense and the importance of it in his life. And by teaching your child about civic sense, you are not only making him a better human being but also doing your bit for the future of the country.

SARFARAZ SAMAD Karachi