Enough and more has been said about respecting one's native language, even the new Ponds talc ad reiterates it. But in a music store, where music and language know no boundaries, vernaculars are not welcome. Let me share 2 experiences - Positive @ Planet M and Negative @ Music World, both located @ Indiranagar in Bangalore.
In the evening of Wednesday March 22, 06 my husband walked into Music World, Indiranagar, Bangalore. He was pleasantly surprised to see a natty sales person walk up to him and offer assistance. My husband spelt out the need to purchase 2 Telugu VCDs. All of a sudden the expression changed, that gallant offer of assistance transformed into a condescending attitude that read and the person belted out ''Telugu? oh ok, this way''. Within seconds this angrezi gentleman vanished and sought out customers who wanted the latest hip hop etc. Disgusted by this display of attitude my husband walked out of Music World.
Lets take a break here to figure out the importance of the VCD. This will help you why we were scouring the earth for it. My child literally dances to the tunes of songs in 2 Telegu movies whose music score is very popular. These songs are our saviour when the child gets cranky, refuses to eat meals, etc. Whether it is a right form of parenting etc, we will hold that discussion for another day.
Now that we have established the importance of these VCDs, you will realise that we needed these before the next meal time :). So the next music outlet was checked out but with ample scepticism given the experience @ Music World.
On making the same enquiry @ Planet M, it was returned by an enquiring look. Not sure of what it meant, my husband quizzed the sales representative @ Planet M. To which he replied - Sir I am waiting to know the names of the movies. we have a very well stocked collection of Telugu songs both devotional and fim music. Please spend some time to pick all that you need''. My husband was left zapped - pleasantly and happily spent rather invested on those 2 VCDs and came home.
Why should I even bother to share this experience? Its not a case of personal vendetta. But this incident triggered another thought / scenario that I have been observing in Bangalore. Attire does speak volumes about a person, but is a person dressed in Indian attire a dimwit? Places such as Shoppers Stop, Westside, Health n Glow etc take women (thats what I have observed) who dressed in crazy attires such as ultra short pants, tops or have a messed look, more seriously than spmebody sporting a well dressed Indian attire. Why? Are we ashamed to be indians? Is civilised behaviour akin to western clothes / crazy clothes and fake accent only? Must I always flaunt my company, my car, my brand of watch etc to get respect from a sales lady in these stores? Well some of you may say, go to the other stores or lesser known stores where everyone is equal.
Why cant respect be given because we are human beings and individuals? Today Planet M, with its snazzy and cool look and feel, reassured that they are more sensitive to my needs than a staid and middle class looking Music World. When will we wake up to this realization?
Hmmm sounds like a promotion for Rang De Basanti. Remember to buy the movie DVD etc from Planet M only :).....
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