Maids and feudalism

"If you always behave like that, it means you still retain the feudalistic manners that the Dutch used toward us," a friend once accused his parents for repeatedly treating their housemaids rudely.

There have been plenty of stories circulating about domestic helpers in our country. On the one hand, we often hear people's complaints about how their maids lack responsibility in doing their jobs. "As soon as they want to get away, they just do it without any prior notice," said Lina, who is a housewife and mother of two kids. "The worst thing is that they just inform us about their plans without waiting for any approval," she added. So, whether Lina liked it or not, she had to let them go.

On the other hand, have we taken a closer look at what we have done to these people? I have quite often seen better-off families accompanied by their servants in public places such as malls, restaurants or children recreation places. Could it be that they are enjoying themselves as much as their superiors are? All they do is look after the kids the whole time, probably without any chance for a break. Sometimes when they happen to be in a restaurant, the helper only sits and watch the others eat.

Many people, whether considered as experts or common people, keep on saying that we have to improve our way of life to face the future. But do we also do the same thing to those who are less fortunate in their lives?

We also can refer to some examples in the way house helpers are treated in TV dramas. The characters never show respect to their helpers. All they have to act is the same old thing. Giving orders, shouting or the sort of things that the colonizers used to do.

If it is the right time for us to ponder, then we can try to find the best way to change the poor attitude that have for so long displayed toward the lower class workers.

In that case, not only the well-educated and rich people, but also the unfortunate ones can feel this country's independence with relief.

MAYA NAJOAN

Jakarta