A white man standing at the Thane station; unobtrusively, just below the steps leading to the over bridge. Well, as invisible he can be with his tall girth and very obviously white skin. A lady in rag approaches him, asking for alms. He does not react with a wrinkling of nose, there is no apparent discomfort in his demeanor and no trying to avoid eye contact with the beggar woman. He raises his eyebrows at her, as if asking what does she want. Then he thrust his hands into his trouser pockets and brings out some loose change, which he offers to her, as if he were offering her peanuts.
Why is the reaction of a 'firang' different from our reaction to a women begging for alms? Maybe because she is one of 'us' and and it shames us? He is comfortable because she is not one of 'his' and he can do his bit of charity by saying a few words to her and giving her a few coins?
Why is the reaction of a 'firang' different from our reaction to a women begging for alms? Maybe because she is one of 'us' and and it shames us? He is comfortable because she is not one of 'his' and he can do his bit of charity by saying a few words to her and giving her a few coins?
