From Me to We to Me - part 2

Before reading this please read the previous post.

As I turned away from the parking lot, I started reflecting on some of the aspects of the just concluded interaction. Rehmanji had asked humbly what was wrong in what was he doing? After all he is looking after the cars and taking the money that people were offering him, tt was not as if he was forcing them to give money. But in my mind isnt this what conning is all about? Pretense. You look and pretend as if you are a parking attendant by waving the cars, blowing a whistle, giving superficial instructions to motorists about how to park their vehicles (mind you they only went upto to the two wheelers) and then hold out your hand to ask for money. People might overlook the free parking sign and mistake them to be attendants in which case they are clearly being taken advantage of. It is a racket.

Rehmanji also said that he has to feed his children, which is a point raised by people who defend the behaviour of auto-rickshaw drivers who jack up the prices.
They say that some people are in such economically challenged environments that they need to resort to such means and financially stable people should be supportive and pay up, though you might convey to the autorickshaw driver that you know are being taken for a ride but you are still willing to support. But the above logic could also apply to con men/women and in some cases to thieves, so it definitely doesnt make sense to me.

But if Rehmanj and his friend are doing a necessary job of looking after the cars and taking whatever money that people have to offer or not offer, again whats the harm? In a country where you need a license (as well as give a exam) to lift the baggage of people aka a coolie, why should it be any different for Rehmanji and his friend? Every formal business or service needs a legal sanction, so the same should extend to this case. To me it is just an excuse to defend the racket.

The most important question that came to my head, had me thinking about it for a long time. In the neighbouring uptown Khan Market, there is a free parking area in which there are people who do the same thing as Rehmanji. How come I didnt bat an eyelid then, didnt even think, and even paid when they guided my car out of a difficult situation. Is it an issue of identity, because in a posh crowded market the service seemed ok. The first feeble defense that I have is that intuitively I have not sensed any racket there( and my intuition is very strong) and actually thought this to be a value- add service provided by the shopkeepers. Recently all of them have also started wearing NDMC jackets, maybe it is a sign that they have legal authority. As I write this I have decided to ask them the next time I go to Khan Market.

Another thought which came to my mind is why I was being so uptight about something small? Why dont I speak about bigger issues? but what happens when big issues do arise, one feels intimidated and leaves everything to somebody else, most often it is the State. In other cases you would need a mass mobilization. So I thought ofcourse one should take up issues that can be engaged with on an individual level.

The next big question which arose is am I being selfish? Clearly the issue of being conned for money is something I feel strongly for and that is why I went to the extent of harassing Rehmanji and Sonuji. But in this case what is self? I wasnt being conned, others were. I felt that I should investigate the racket so that others do not get conned. I wasnt standing up for ME, I was standing up for WE, self was all of us. But I must admit when I reflect on the level of ownership and the intensity of my participation in this issue, I still wonder whether there was an issue of negative selfishness somewhere?

Lastly who am I to be so moral and correct? It is not as if I havent broken rules while driving (talking on the mobile while driving, not wearing seat belt, crossing the red light) But isnt it better that one does the right thing sometimes instead of never doing it. Life is a journey of moments and you have to play by the ear where you decide to take a particular stand in a particular moment. Nevertheless one can also live a life always doing the right thing, i.e. abiding by your principles. I know of two such inspirational people. It is a no brainer and a commendable thing, that living a principle based life is very challenging but nonetheless it is one that we should all aspire for.

So the entire incident and the post incident self reflection and introspection became one whole cycle. It went...

FROM ME TO WE TO ME