societies behave differently based on their diverse perspectives, whether it involves disregarding rules, regulations, or fundamental standards of decency and safety.
in some societies, failing to adhere to appointments has long been a well-established custom. in addition, behaviors in public spaces like restaurants and theaters such as holding the door for others or thanking those who provide services have become defining traits of our societies. however, these behaviors can change in individuals within hours, often the time it takes to travel from one country to another or even from one area to another within the same country.
for example, shoppers in one mall may behave more politely than those in another, which is a common occurrence. also, some people suddenly begin using more polite or refined language, especially with those who serve them, frequently saying phrases like “thank you,” “please,” and “may i.”
there is a concept known as the “shopping cart theory”, which refers to how people handle the cart after using it. the percentage of people who return the shopping cart to its designated location varies from one society to another. this percentage tends to increase when the cart requires a coin deposit that can be refunded upon its return.
it has also been observed that the more backward a society is, the higher the average of those who neglect to return the shopping cart to its designated spot.
many countries impose fines for actions like spitting in the street, littering, or disturbing others, but no country fines individuals for failing to return a shopping cart. as a result, adherence to this simple act has become an indicator of a society’s level of sophistication or backwardness. in many ways, a person’s character can be better understood by how they handle the shopping cart than through any scientific or religious test.
in addition to the lack of a law requiring carts to be returned, this action often demands extra effort from the shopper, who must search for the designated cart return area and take the cart back, despite the fact that he usually feels tired after shopping.
psychologist and consultant tati silva explains that the way an individual handles the shopping cart often reflects their personality, which is shaped by both genetics and the environment in which they were born, raised, and educated. it also relates to their belief in virtues such as honesty, kindness, and a sense of responsibility. these virtues are revealed over time through various situations. people are greatly influenced by the situations they encounter. if someone chooses not to return the shopping cart, it reflects their character. they might justify their actions because there is no law to prevent them or to indicate that they are wrong for not returning the cart to its designated spot. this behavior persists because it falls on the individual to decide what is right, wrong, good, or bad, as there are no clear social norms or rules to define whether this behavior is acceptable.
silva also believes the shopping cart theory can be applied to other behaviors, such as littering, tossing cigarette butts, chewing gum, or discarding used masks and gloves on the ground. even actions like laughing at someone who has fallen or failing to hold the door for others reflect an individual’s character. these behaviors may occur out of habit or without awareness, rather than for any specific reason.
however, this can be changed by expanding self-awareness and teaching morals, manners, and proper education, which falls under the responsibility of schools.