Comments on: The Constant Ambassador

By: gurdas

gurdas — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:25:59 +0000

Lavanna, you are so right. Driving allows us to be monsters without fear of chastisement. And one could almost guarantee that a person whose driving is respectful and “generous” will be a constant ambassador in other spheres. I live around a university campus and the first thing I noticed on my arrival (and very gladly adopted) was to always give way, specially to pedestrians. The joy one gets from having people wave back a “thank you!” when you graciously give them the right of way. Free gifts!

By: Lavanna Martin

Lavanna Martin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:39:14 +0000

Driving is the Great Equalizer, isn’t it?

It tests our metal: just how good are we, really?

Sometimes, I’m ashamed of my behavior behind the wheel irregardless of race, gender, or status.

~Lavanna

By: gurdas

gurdas — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:56:30 +0000

Joyee, you make an important point, but yes, it is a little out of context

My post is not so much about compartmentalisation or identification based on differences, but identification based on similarities. And between the words is the advice that we need to be respectful and kind at all times. I use the idea of identity as one means to make my point.

And sometimes it is a very important thing. Take me as an example: my college is split into two campuses and on what is called Main Campus I am probably the only turban wearing Sikh amongst about 24000+ other students. Every single day I get curious glances. I have a very high recall factor with people because of my very unique dress! They don’t know I am a Sikh, but they will surely draw a similarity the next time they see another turban wearing Sikh. When they do that, I would like them to remember a past nice experience with me.

It is about the small gestures that create good memories and so, in this regard, “do sweat the small stuff — and it’s all small stuff”, with apologies to Richard Carlson for reversing his fantastic book’s title.

By: Joyeeta

Joyeeta — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:50:20 +0000

…donno why or how but for some reason, I have never been very observant of someone’s nationality and/or characteristics peculiar to them (unless I am told). But even after that, I dont pay much attention to a person but the ‘situation’ we are in at any given time. And I remember or forget/forgive someone based upon how he/she acted/behaved, given a difficult or a not so difficult situation.
Hopefully I am not talking out of context here.

By: gurdas

gurdas — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:05:24 +0000

Deeps, while I would love to believe what you say, I don’t think it works that way (rhyme!). Love might be default emotion, but I’d say it won’t go far, or worse, might go astray without logic.