stereotyping

i never like generalizing anything or anyone.
everyone is unique.

but today, i was proven wrong. i love frequenting the mamak just outside my house and so my family and are quite amongst the many regular customers there. there is something that i noticed about the way locals treat foreign workers who work at these mamaks. some can be really brash, rude and pushy and yet the workers just allow themselves to be submitted to these ill treatments.

i feel sorry for them and so always make an extra effort to be polite n even engage them in some small talk. i mean, they are really super hardworking, so far away from home, so why give them more shit? after all, their service is almost always impeccable, and they are always ready to serve you with a smile.

would it really hurt your ego, to smile back? a little nicety goes a long way.

anyway, today, i learnt that there are always 2 sides to a coin. let me explain.

my parents are both retired and are currently writing a book on student motivation. so obviously, they don't have a 9-5 job, because they, now, work on their own terms.
well, today at the mamak, this conversation took place.

foreign worker(fw): where is your mother?
me: at home.
fw: what is doing? watching a movie? (snickers mockingly)
me: no, doing her work.
fw: oh, she works ah? (all round eyed)
me: yes, they are writing a book. why?? (nonchalantly albeit irritatedly)
fw: oh... nothing. just wondering.

end of conversation.

now, why in the world does he have to know my family affairs?? isn't it enough that we give him pretty good business? so nosy and ignorant.

people, in this country i realize, have this false notion that only if you have a 9-5 job and lead a normal, acceptable life, you are seen as a success and appear to be normal (social status wise).

life is never black n white.
stop stereotyping!!!

open thy eyes, everyone is different.