'Luxury Taxis'... and Honest Work
A few days ago, I was browsing social media when a video caught my attention. It featured a young Chinese man humorously explaining how companies extract money from consumers simply by altering the service format.
He began with a glass of orange juice priced at $1.50, weighing one liter, which he poured into a 50-milliliter cup and then placed a $10 price tag on it. Next, he took the same cup, filled it with juice from the same carton, added a slice of orange, ice cubes, and a straw, and set the price at $20. Then, he presented another cup from a premium set, filled it with juice from the same $1.50 carton, added an orange slice and a straw, and priced it at $50. He enhanced the presentation with a golden-colored plate, a red cloth, an elegant table, and a comfortable chair. During this demonstration, he wore a stylish suit, smiled warmly, and bowed to the “customer.”
He then looked at the camera and pointed to the juice carton, emphasizing that it remained unchanged, yet he had managed to multiply its price several times. Through this demonstration, he illustrated the phenomenon we experience today: excessive embellishment and price hikes, where we spend our money on unnecessary accessories and extravagances that drain both our finances and our dignity.
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Today, a well-known large company arrived, using people and their vehicles for delivery services under a flashy, luxurious guise. However, I hope we do not become like the scenario explained by the Chinese man, where service is merely decorated to justify higher prices. This profession, however, is honorable. It allows individuals to earn their livelihood through hard work, supporting themselves and their families. Its blessings have been recognized for generations; our ancestors worked in this field, and among them were doctors and military personnel. Many of us also worked in this sector during our early youth, when we were too shy to ask our parents for pocket money. We relied on ourselves and earned our living through honest labor.
The current debate between supporters and opponents of this profession, based on the claim that Kuwaitis do not engage in it, is the opinion of those who sit in comfort and have sufficient means to sustain themselves.
However, there are families whose monthly allowances are insufficient to last until the end of the month, and who do not have income from properties or shops. Some wish to marry but lack the funds for wedding expenses.
Therefore, do not pass judgment unless you understand what others are going through. If you cannot encourage others to earn their livelihood and motivate them to work, then remain silent. Silence is safer for you than hurting people and their families by mocking this profession.
Work, young people, and earn your livelihood. Honest work, regardless of its nature, is sufficient for you and your family. Do not become a burden on others or on society. If everyone works without shame or fatigue, the nation will rise through the efforts of its sons.
A Kuwaiti lawyer and writer
