I was sitting with my fellow co-workers at lunch the other day. I was kind of lost in my thoughts that day, and so I was quiet. But I was listening. And I should add, I work with people in the information technology field... computers, etc.
The conversations they had for an hour truly saddened my heart. (And I am writing this a bit more nice than it was actually stated...)
Their first topic was on a show on discovery channel, one of those reality shows about people in the south who live off the land, who hunt alligators and the like. Their words towards these people, who they don't even know, were so cruel. Just in America alone, a lot of people, I am realizing, think that people in the south are like a 3rd world country. No education, no health, and primitive. They were laughing and making fun of their accents, their language, their way of life, their teeth, or lack of! It was just rude. As I sat there, I shook my head. This is how these people have lived for generations, it isn't wrong, it is just different. Different does not mean bad. What if they had been born there? That is how they would live as well, then it wouldn't be so bad to them, huh? I tried explaining this to them, and the comeback was "you sound like you are defending them!" Well of course I do, they are my family, as well as yours! Why speak unkindly about how someone lives? I do not see the logic in this at all, just sadness.
Their conversation then turned to when we have to call support for some type of software, etc. They were complaining about how you "always get 'that' guy from India who doesn't know English, and isn't trained to do anything other than read a script, you never actually get any help until they transfer you to someone higher." Once again, they were making fun of someone because they spoke a different language, had an accent, was doing what they were trained to do! Where is the logic? To top this all off, it isn't their fault at all. If they are angry that they aren't getting help from an American, that is America's fault. The man on the other end of the phone is just trying to make a living for himself and his family, he is doing what he was trained to do. Why be rude to them on the phone? Ruin their day, belittle them? That is your brother.
Everyday I hear these things, and everyday I am saddened by them. Once and awhile I will get the excuse that "well I wasn't rude on the phone." But yet you are speaking badly about them elsewhere. That isn't any better. Just because you don't say these things to a person, doesn't mean it is any better demeaning them without their knowing.
My biggest dream right now, and has been for awhile is to go to India. I spoke about it the other day at work, because a plane ticket is very expensive to me, and it is and will take me a very long time to get there, and then hope my work will allow a leave of absence. A co-worker asked me why I wanted to do this, and why India of all places. I find that what Americans think India is like, is really bad, and not a total truth, it is a perception on something they haven't ever experienced. I explained to him, that I feel drawn there, there are many things I want to see and experience, as well as volunteer to help those in need. He said I was a better person than him, that he wouldn't want to volunteer, but if he did, he would want to go someplace nice. I let this pass, since it is how he feels, no need to argue with him. He asked me what I wanted to do there, and I explained the living conditions, etc. Some need basic English, and I work in the computer field, they need basic computing skills, it is something I know I can give. He then laughed and said something to the effect of "great, more Indians doing computer support!" in a sarcastic way.
Why wouldn't I want to help someone make a living for themselves and their loved ones? If I can give anything to better someone else, why wouldn't I want to do this? Why wouldn't you?
So at work, I listen, and I say my piece to try to change their outlook. All I can hope is that they listen to something, feel some compassion, see the logic in what I am saying, and the demeaning nature in what they say. But it does help remind me of why I am here. I am here to help my family, I am here to serve. In my everyday life, this lesson teaches me to think about what I am saying, to look at the bigger picture, the world is my family, and I want to help them, and not speak ill. It helps me in being mindful of myself, and not let poison pass my lips, and more importantly, not let it enter my mind and my heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment