Smile and Let Smile

The other at a shop, I heard a shop assistant calling out to a Bangladeshi labour worker in a sharp, impatient tone. Nothing about the situation required it – except that he was a foreign labourer.

And that hurt to witness.

We don’t admit it often, but this happens far too easily in our country: rudeness, raised voices, dismissive tones. Especially towards those doing the hard, unseen work that keeps our lives running smoothly.

But every person: Maldivian or foreign, deserves dignity. A respectful tone, a small measure of kindness, the basic humanity we expect for ourselves.

Our development should start in the everyday interactions where culture is truly shaped.

A culture where: everyone is spoken to with politeness and respect, job titles don’t determine dignity, we see humans and not hierarchies.

Let’s lift people, not diminish them with our words.

Smile and let smile.