Bow down
published: 2009-11-29Two women from The Philippines tumble into a chique hotel. They are a storm of attention deficit perfume, glittered mini-dresses, strass earrings, synthetic hair pieces and stiletto heels. They chatter loudly, take photos of each other in various poses and seats. Their nailpolish is a deep burgundy, almost black. As is their lipstick. The waitress is instructed to get them red wine. “Sweet, we like sweet,” they say while waving a hand. Sheepishly, the waitress does as is told, she brings them the wine to taste. One lady is angry that she has not filled her glass. The waitress explains, “please, you may taste it first.” They cover up their mistake, “we knew that, duh.” One lady likes it, the other sends the waitress away and asks for “white.” Not once have they looked at the waitress, nor at the boy who they scold for not bringing them nuts.
The next morning, a wealthy French couple complain about the tea. Three different waiters try to handle the complaint. To no avail. The manager needs to come down to the breakfast room. He crouches while speaking to this elegant looking guest who spits his venom with a charming and graceful smile. When the tea-debacle has been solved, the couple continues eating their breakfast. The man picks up his newspaper and ignores his wife who nibbles fruit with a frown.
The rich are focused on the outside world yet forget to look at each other. For the poor, it is the opposite. Both stem from the same source: shame.