This post is a short response arguing “the other side” of FaithQ8’s post entitled “Slavery”.
FaithQ8, in her most recent post, shed some light on a hurtful truth that encompasses Kuwait and its society. However, as any diligent writer would know, there are two sides to every story. This is the other side.
I must say that I find that title of the original post (and the quite clear message it sends) to be somewhat misleading. The world slavery ultimately means that one has no freedom and no means by which to attain it. However, in the porters’ situation highlighted by my fellow writer, those employees are under a contract, nothing more, and therefore can leave at any time. Therefore, the term slavery is out of context here.
Although I do not doubt the credibility of the writer, I do feel that some reports can be inaccurate and exaggerated. However, no one can argue that 17KD a month is a dismal salary that leaves no room for any sort of needs, let alone luxuries. Having said that, we cannot attribute the inhumane crimes some of these “workers” commit to be acts of desperation, and we certainly cannot condemn it to be the fault of the employers. I truly cannot see how robbery, murder and brutal rape of children and woman are acts that would want me to raise the pay of these workers. In fact, if anything, banishing them seems to be a more graceful solution.
Yes, many companies take advantage of government grants, and deny the basic rights of porters. Nevertheless, hasn’t the Kuwaiti government donated more than its share of effort and money to every poor country in Africa, and to every crisis-hit area of South Asia? In terms of turning a blind sight, the Kuwaiti government has certainly paid attention to help a starving world.
As for the working conditions and incompetence that my fellow writer mentions (the vacuum story), I ask: is it not out of sympathy that porters are given a job (on the lowest level) even if they cannot handle it? I find it hard to imagine another job that requires any less competence.
We mustn’t be so naïve as to think that those who are pressured into such situations always deserve our sympathy. I absolutely agree that the working conditions in Kuwait are traitorous and in need of change. But I also realize that it is those porters who have chosen to work in Kuwait.
If anything, I praise my country for given everyone not just a chance, but a choice as well.
(As I said, every diligent writer needs to argue the other side, and so please note that this post is an argument, and not a belief statement.)
