Being a pedicab driver is as honorable as being a pilot, although he only pedals up and down the roads and doesn’t roam the skies as a pilot does. Besides, he keeps himself strong and healthy with daily exercise, is his own master and in a way a little entrepreneur and king. He gladly rides his nonpolluting vehicle, which is his pride, his treasure, his makeshift home and bed.
No profession or occupation is so low that it should be regarded as dishonorable, as it doesn’t cause one to become an “insect”.
Yet pedicab drivers, sidewalk vendors, scavengers of used good,…, have been regarded as weeds or as a disgrace, that put the image of the metropolitan city to shame. They have been weeded out, hunted off the roads.
Although weeds can become over abundant, in fact even the most innocent living things as birds, squirrels and butterflies can become a great harm, when they can multiply themselves unchecked. So does any inordinate increase, even of beneficial things such as motor vehicles, factories, skyscrapers, … But this can be said in honor of the weeds.
Weeds don’t need to be planted, don’t need any care and can thrive even in barren conditions with hardly any soil needed. They can keep themselves alive, -potted plants, can’t -, soften, freshen barren dusty sidewalks, decorate borders of ditches and waterways, cover, drape neglected walls and waste land with their lovely greenery.
Since they are uncared for, they might grow untidy like long unkempt hair or a jungle. But this could also be said of roses, water lilies or any other plant as well.
Although weeds hardly ever come into a place of honor, such as a vase, a bouquet, a pot or a garden, it doesn’t make any difference. They’re nonetheless still beautiful. We just can’t see their beauty. We’re rather impressed by prices, outward dimensions, showy forms and colors.
It takes ages to be cured of this “blindness”. Then a day will come when we will be able to honor and respect those whom we regard as weeds, as the Japanese who wisely honor and respect their geishas, or as we honor the Sado or an antique motorcar from extinction instead of extinguishing them like outdated, shameful pedicabs. Although we can buy modern ships, yet the traditional Phinisi has become the pride of the nation.
Weeds shouldn’t be weeded out, but trimmed. A weed is like a lovely dissonance in a richer harmonious setting. They’re equally blessed with the Creator’s kiss.
The Jakarta Post, October 28, 1986
No comments:
Post a Comment