A viral video showing a family enjoying their food at the food court of Packages Mall, while their domestic helper sat on the floor beside them, has sparked widespread discussion on social media. The video was subsequently shared on Twitter, drawing criticism toward the family for having their young maid sit on the floor. The user who posted the video said that this practice is unfortunately quite common in many urban areas of Pakistan. According to the user, this incident is just a very small example of a long-standing issue of class division in the country, characterized by unspoken ‘rules’
- Domestic workers are often made to sit on the floor rather than chairs or sofas in the presence of their employers.
- They are prohibited from sharing the same plate, or glass, or even thinking to eat from the same refrigerator as their employers.
- A pervasive assumption prevails that domestic workers are potential ‘thieves’ each time an item goes missing.
This post has gained over 500 retweets so far, prompting numerous social media users to highlight the incident and shed light on the mistreatment of little kids. Here are some reactions from people on the Internet.
We feel helpless at times when see such things but I agree with your stance
Need to call all of them out
It’s a reality that this happens everywhere in Pakistan— Saqib Hussain (@Saqibhussain) August 7, 2023
We deserve all the azaabs that come our way
— Rao Saad Omer Khan (@saadomerkk) August 7, 2023
It's still the poorest & weakest of all who ALWAYS suffer in the aftermath of the said azaabs ranging from floods to earthquakes to a sinking economy
— Muneeb Qadir (@muneebqadirmmq) August 7, 2023
These stories are an excellent examples of the kind of things we human beings are capable of, given the chance. Laws might forbid child workers in certain countries but people are still the same
— Lakshmi (@kaliSuriMari) August 7, 2023
Don't let this momentum break. Now make the family viral – underage employment is ILLEGAL.
Identify these criminals.
— Shah Hayat Ahmad (@ShahHayatAhmad) August 8, 2023
Bro she is eating the same food as her employers do look closely. Though dont know why she is on floor which is inappropriate , there might be proper videos if her employers are seated and she iz not?
— Younas Dar (@younas_dar) August 7, 2023
In addition to such incidents, it’s important to acknowledge another concerning aspect of social dynamics in Pakistan which is child labor. The country has long been insensitive to the issue of child labor, where many young children are compelled to work in hazardous conditions to help support their families. And not just work but forced by mafias to beg on the streets and then give all the money to their “owners”. Despite efforts to address this problem, child labor remains a significant but extremely sad challenge, depriving children of their right to education and safe childhood. Fighting both class-based discrimination and child labor requires comprehensive efforts from society and authorities alike to ensure the well-being and dignity of all individuals.
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