Musings of a 19-year-old Mind: A Classy Conversation

A piece of fiction I wrote during the 2nd year of college

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Scene: A hot summer evening in Toronto. A girl (G) comfily sitting with her mother (M). A simple statement…and that’s all it takes.

G: So mom, I was thinking of taking up a job at the gas station around the corner.

M: What?

G: I said, I was thinking of taking a…

M: I heard you. I meant…what?!?! Are you joking?

G: No, I’m quite serious.

M: …

G: Mum? Okay, look. It’s the summer holidays, none of my friends are here in Toronto, I have nothing better to do, might as well earn some money.

M: Oh my God, you really are serious.

G: …

M: Fine. If you really want to work, why not apply to some company? The pay would be much better…

G: Just the pay huh? Nah…I don’t want such serious work; something part-time and laid-back.

M: Okay…so how about a restaurant? There are some really nice ones you could try.

G: I know, but I’ve already done that. I want something different.

 M: Then why not help your father out with his business?

G: Business is really not my thing. Besides, I really want to do something on my own.

M: But it’s a gas station!!!

G: So…?

M: So don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about!

G: Oh please don’t tell me it’s that whole ‘you’re a girl’ thing again?!

M: Don’t take that tone with me.

G: Sorry ma…

M:*Exhaling sharply* Alright. No, it’s not because you’re a girl, although that’s definitely a major part of the reason.

G: What’s the remaining part?

M: Don’t you think that working there would be…a little…you know…I mean, there are so many other better jobs out there.

G: Ahh…so that’s the problem. So I’d basically be embarrassing all of you if I worked there?

M: Look. All I’m saying is, what’s the point of studying so much if you’re going to land up in a gas station?

G: It’s just part-time! Plus it’ll be a different experience.

M: What experience could you possibly get from working there?!

G: You think this job would be…too low? Like it’s beneath us in some way?

M: Things aren’t always so black and white. You live in a society, don’t forget that. This isn’t about you or me. People talk!

G: I don’t care about people ma!

M: Well you better start caring if you want to be a part of this society.

G: What happened to dignity of labour?! No one here cares what jobs people do!

M: Maybe the Canadians don’t, but back home where we come from, they still care. You’re an Indian, don’t forget that.

G: I know I am! But…Okay. Do me a favour. Please explain to me what exactly is the problem with me working at a gas station? The fact that I’m a girl, that I have a university degree, or that I’m Indian?

M: It’s not that simple. Maybe it’s one of them, maybe it’s all. I don’t know. Look, I know class isn’t something you agree with, but the reality is that class exists.

G: So that’s it? They can just change dignity of labour into…into…division of labour? That’s no excuse for it!

M: I know it isn’t, but I suppose our society isn’t ready to accept that as yet.

G: Well then they need to be! They can’t just discriminate people based on what job they do! They want to work in high-rise companies yet can’t pick up their own trash or fill their own petrol! And they look down on those that do it for them!

M: Look, you’re over-reacting. It’s not such a big deal.

G: Of course it’s a big deal! How can you-?

M: Okay!!! Enough! Calm down. I know how you feel, and I agree with you. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to let you start your own revolution out here.

G: I’m not-

M: No more arguing. You’re not working at a gas station. That’s it.

G: But mom-

M: I said that’s it! Just take some other job.

G: …

M: …

G: Mom…?

M: Yes?

G: So can I drive a cab?