The other day we received a call from someone in the community who demanded that we stop publishing one of our newspapers.
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The caller said she did not want it and it should be stopped immediately.
It was a comment that was shocking because of its selfishness and offensive by the fact that it gave no consideration to the opinion of others.
How could a single person be so self-involved that they determined that their opinion was paramount, regardless of what anyone else thought?
This person had no consideration for the many people who send us messages of gratitude for our publishing support because "the people who attended their event said they learnt about it in our newspaper."
There was no consideration for those who contact us weekly requesting that we publish something because they know many people read that particular newspaper.
There was no consideration for the many who call us complaining if they think they have missed that week's newspaper and asking where they can get a copy.
Furthermore there was no consideration for the many people this publication employs, enabling them to feed their families and put a roof over their head.
Then I extended my thoughts a little further and realised people giving consideration to only what they want had become a common behaviour in society.
Maybe it has always been there but it would seem that more and more people are becoming outspoken about their own selfish expectations...with little consideration for what others might want, or need.
One case that quickly sprung to mind was when former Auburn deputy mayor Salim Mehajer shut down a street of Lidcombe in Sydney's west, without permission, for his lavish weekend wedding in 2015. The groom angered people with fake flyers, distributed via a letterbox drop, warning residents that their cars would be towed if they got in the way.
While this is an extreme case of selfish behaviour, there is no shortage of this attitude raising its ugly head in society.
Have you heard someone comment that they are glad it hasn't rained? Meanwhile we are in the midst of a drought that has devastated many farmers and other individuals and impacted much of the country.
Then there are those selfish people who take risks on the road without a second throught for the safety and well being of others.
Yes the "it's all about me attitude" is alive and well. Perhaps it is time for us all to give a little more consideration to others.
