The older I get, the prouder I become of my culture and traditions. It’s ironic how so many in the so-called “Western world” - especially in America and parts of Europe - look down on Asian cultures with thousands of years of history, while they themselves often lack true traditions of humanity, hospitality, generosity, and kindness.

The other day, my mum and I were watching The Graham Norton Show , where American actress Jennifer Lawrence was promoting her latest movie. I turned to my mum and said, “Wow, she’s gorgeous - what a beautiful and talented woman.”That was my impression until she began to share a story about her hospitality.

Honestly, I still can’t understand why anyone would behave like that - let alone tell the whole world about it on international television. To treat someone in such a way, and then proudly share it as if it’s funny, is beyond me.

It took only a few seconds for her beauty to turn into ugliness in my eyes. Why?Because where I come from - in my country, my culture, my faith, and my mentality - a guest is sacred. You treat your guest like a king or queen, no matter what you have or don’t have.

One would think that one of the best-paid actresses in Hollywood could easily make a phone call and order food for a guest. Instead, she told the world she served her guest - actor Robert Pattinson - leftovers from the trash.I repeat: from the trash.

Who on earth thinks that’s okay?And worse - who thinks it’s okay to use that story as a form of “entertainment” to promote a movie?

I always say: Treat people the way you want to be treated. How can anyone now trust this woman who clearly doesn’t care about another human being’s dignity?

At first, I thought I’d let this go - that my anger would fade - but it didn’t. The more I thought about it, the more I felt I needed to write this post and make a clear statement.

People idolize celebrities. They look up to Hollywood. They think fame equals value.But this story proves once again that neither money, nor fame, nor beauty can buy inner decency.

You either have a kind, respectful, generous heart - or you don’t.

No one with a true sense of humanity would ever treat another person that way. In my country, we would never humiliate a guest - whether friend or stranger - the way she did.

So yes, in our home, we’ve made a decision: we won’t be watching any more movies starring someone who treats others with such arrogance. I can only hope she’s a better mother to her child than she is a friend to her colleagues. 
And thank God - many of the comments under that YouTube video show I’m not alone in feeling this way. Disgusting - simply disgusting. If she didn’t have a better story to promote her film, she should have stayed home… or, better yet, just zip it. 🎤 
Cocktails of Society by Lily Amis