Empleadas & Tarantino
02.09.2004I finally got around to hitting the post office. I wasn't really expecting anything, but there were three packages for me. Two from my parents; one from my brother, Andy.
Andy sent two mp3 CDs. I can't wait to get home & listen. My parents sent me mostly bills. But also a Valentine's Day card — from my cats. I really enjoyed that; I miss my girls so. Speaking of cats, my friend Vanessa posted a great cat joke.
I ran into some fellow American academics (two of them Fulbrighters) while doing my Wi-Fi internet. It's always nice to talk to them, but I'm always amazed at how different their lives here are than mine. They discussed how happy they were w/ their empleadas (maids). Huh? I don't have an empleada — nor do I want/need one. What for? I haven't had one my whole life in the US. Am I a different person now? I'm sure it'd make my life "easier" — but what for? And the argument that I'm helping support the economy's just a rationalization for enjoying a very aristocratic lifestyle. I'm not as ideologicaly "left-wing" as most of my colleagues — but I guess I just prefer to live out my ideals, not just discuss them over lattes. Or am I over-reacting?
Anyhow, I also finally saw Kill Bill tonight. What can I say? Wow. Best. Tarantino film. Yet. And it looks like there'll be a sequel? Double wow.
Posted by Miguel at 10:02 PM
Comments
Mom here has 2 at home - one who does the cooking and cleaning (but she does the brunt of the chores), and one's a nanny for my little bro.
Can't say it's common practice among middle-income earners, but there are more Singaporeans nowadays who have a maid in their flats (apartments).
Posted by: stephanie at February 10, 2004 04:27 AM
Kill Bill? I forgot I even went and saw it.
Posted by: leonsparx at February 10, 2004 06:38 AM
Yes, I know having maids is common. And I'm not trying to be overly judgmental. But I just don't see it for Americans. I mean, the reason given usually is that they're "so busy" that it's just easier to have someone clean for you. Well, that's true. But. I was busy as all hell during most of my grad school experience (at least until I took my comps). And I still found time to clean, cook, do laundry, etc.
Even if I could've afforded a maid in the US, I wouldn't use one. So why use one here? Is my life that much busier? No. Plus, I find that most maid-employee relationships are classist, and perpetuate a classist (and, in Bolivia, racist) social structure. I'd rather just avoid that. Besides, I enjoy being independent and taking care of myself.
Posted by: Miguel at February 10, 2004 03:12 PM
" most maid-employee relationships are classist, and perpetuate a classist (and, in Bolivia, racist) social structure. "
very true.
Posted by: Stephanie at February 10, 2004 09:54 PM
Stephen Frost of asianlabour.org posted some articles on domestic helpers recently.
Posted by: Stephanie at February 10, 2004 10:02 PM