One reason why we should be careful how we talk to our working class friends: I was out buying shelled sweet corn todauy, and I asked this guy for 250 gms. It was early, he was just opening his shop, so he just scooped out what he considered the right amount and gave it to me. I was quite taken by his confidence, and said, Aapke haath mein wazan hai kya? I was trying to admire his practice with quantities, but the man immediately went into defensive and said, Hum apko kum nahi denge bai. I had to explain to him my intent, and told him -- honestly -- that I did not think he would cheat me, because it would not really benefit him much. That was when he broke into a big smile. Later, at home I found that the quantity was more than 250 gms. I measured it to make sure, and sure enough, it was close to 350 gms. He had also given me a small discount. I think we treat the working class with too much suspicion. Even the best people unthinkingly let fall comments about how badmash they are. Maybe we should all be more mindful so that there can be more trust.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 04:29:15 +0000
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