I am paraphrasing the song by Band Aid to illustrate my point
about Christmas time for some being not only about giving but taking. Even
forcefully! And (sometimes) through intimidation. No am not talking about thugs
who generally hang around with the likes of Vermin but actually more normal
gentle folk who become thugs during Xmas and Sinhalese New year. People like
the postman and the guy who collects the garbage. And some, who we do not know,
turn up at our doorstep brandishing lists insinuating that life as we know it
will not be the same if we don’t make use of this season of cheer to make them
happy through a generous donation.
First the postman came with a list. We did
the honors. Then there was another guy who delivers registered letters. Till
then I thought the postman delivered registered letters as well. But I stand
corrected and he too got a donation. We drew the line when a third guy appeared
with a list claiming he was the “Old/previous” postman.
I must say I was impressed with the quality of the lists these
people were bringing over. It was quite well done. Not the usual full scrap
sheet with hand drawn lines. Someone had taken the trouble of setting this up
on a computer and actually developing a heartwarming intro intended to make the
reader tip more generously.
Much to their chagrin a few garbage collectors have discovered
that some of their more unscrupulous mates have beaten them to the punch by
going earlier to the doors of potential donors.
I don’t resent the fact that one should give something to those
who make our life more comfortable with the services they carry out. But I
certainly don’t want to feel like that I am making a donation because I have
to. And these days to many of these people it is an entitlement not a gift
given at ones discretion. Which to me is wrong.
No comments:
Post a Comment