"Servant" Shock

I live in a nice gated neighborhood in Gurgaon and enjoy living in such a lovely, garden filled space but today I was again shocked by the differences in how I think and how my Indian friends do. I have enclosed an email (removing identifiers) that was sent out this afternoon so you could read it and respond in your own mind. This email was sent from one resident in my compound to the rest of the residents in the neighborhood.

"Dear all

A very good morning to all of you

Today I went for the morning walk in block Y GARDEN and had both A PLEASANT SURPRISE and A GREAT SHOCK.

First the surprise, I saw a beautiful lady (owner) walking with her DOG who herself immediately cleared the dog mess. My heart was filled with respect for the lady.

Now the shock, thereafter I found piles of dog poop lying AT SIX seven places around the walking path. I brought the same in the notice of facility worker who seemed reluctant in clearing the dog poop.

I think there may be two reasons for this

1. Although the owners have asked their servants to clean the dog poop but they do not do it.

2. Many dog owners who are not the members of the YAHOO GROUP are not aware of the practice of cleaning the Dog poop by themselves.

I have three suggestions

1. Send a notice through Help Desk regarding clearing of the dog poop by the person with the dog. This will make them aware of this wonderful practice.

2. The dog owners should be strict with their servants in this regard and should do surprise check on their servants.

3. Ask facility to appoint a sweeper in the morning to do this job in case any person is being careless in regard to their dogs.

At end, I will say we pay so much maintenance cost for this wonderful place, so we all should do our best to get the feeling of a wonderful stay here.

Thanks"

The use of the word and concept of "servant" and the need to "be strict" with them is shocking to me. I mean I have a gentlemen who cleans our house every day for 2 to 3 hours (Monday to Friday) but I would never dream of calling him a servant or treating him as such. I have even been given feedback from my Indian friends that I am overpaying him (about double according to them) for his services. I would never dream of paying him less because it simply wouldn't feel right if I did. It would feel like I was taking advantage of his situation. 

To put this in further perspective I have a friend who was given, by her parents, a wedding gift of 4 full time servants. They live with her and work for her today...right now...in her house. She sees nothing wrong with this at all. A true cultural difference and a shock for me. You be the judge.