From: amara@informix.com (Amar Ananthapadmanabha)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.indian
Subject: Re: Humurous Incidents involing desis ...and not so humorous.
Summary: Yet another Incident...have a good laugh !
Date: 14 Oct 92 17:44:20 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: Informix Software, Inc.
Originator: amara@conn-2

In article <DASU.92Oct12142127@sscux1.ssc.gov> dasu@sscux1.ssc.gov (Sridhara Dasu) writes:
>How many non-Indians do you think would not mind losing about $3 for each
>misdialled number? Particularly if that happens once or twice a month.
>Misdialled numbers don't happen that often, but unbearable static,
>echo and quick disconnects happen regularly. They are much less now
>than a few years ago, but it is not rare. If there is a provision to get
>credit of $3-$6 each month, I am sure most non-Indians will use the 
>facility too. Just go count the percentage of people using $0.50 coupons
>in grocery lines. Or, the people grabbing the free cookies by the handfull 
>before the department seminars! They are not just Indians!

>those that cost a lunch are made to India!! It is NOT because of Indian
>mentality.

When I first posted the incident, I didn't really anticipate this thread.
Now that we are into it ...Here goes..

Sridhara Dasu , 

Firstly there is no "provision" for getting $3-$6 credit every month for desis
 - The facility to use $0.50 coupons exists. There is nothing wrong in using it.
 - The free cookies are free!!! It is bad manners to grab a handful though.:-).

	You are right Indians aren't the only ones indulging in such
practices. I didn't intend to create that impression. 

Recently on a domestic flight, I met a French couple who suggested using
a 100$ bill to get free headphones(earphones?). They did just that and ...
while leaving the plane, walked away with it.

I don't believe in stereotyping people, but sometimes do wonder if there
is some truth in us desis and sub-desis being labelled such. 

Here is one incident which will remain itched in my memory for a long time.
--------
The Desi Guy Mr X's parents come to the US. They have a good time.  Do lot 
of shopping and end up buying lot of electronic goodies and a few coins 
of GOLD. (See.just a few ....Not a handful ;-) :-)

The year, is 1990, Manmohan Singh and his 5 Kg policies are still far 
away in the future. Well, they have to get the stuff home. I mean smuggle 
it home :-) :-) :-)
NOTHING WRONG IN THAT. C'mon We all do it once in a while. Its pretty routine.
After much deliberation about the modus operandi they finally fly...

Mr X. is now uneasy. (Actually he is a nice guy, you know). What if they get 
caught at the Customs?  Begins to imagine the worst things. Its a long 30 hrs 
before the plane touches India.  Mr X. wonders if they made it? 

DAMM IT &*^*&#%&#^. Can't even call them. Its day time here and the most 
expensive time to call India. After a few minutes Mr X. comes up with a IDEA.

Dials 00.

AT&T operator: "AT&T This is ....how can I help you?"
Mr X : "Yes. Ma'am. I would like to make a PERSON to PERSON call to Mr X
^^^^                                                                ^^^^
  	in India. I am Mr Y. The number is 91-Citycode-Number".

AT&T operator: Just a moment sir...........
Mr X's Mom comes on the line : HELLO. 

AT&T operator : Call for Mr X from Mr. Y.
Mr X's Mom mumbles something in an Indian language.

Mr X: Ma'am She can't understand English. May I ...
AT&T operator grudgingly : Sure.

Mr X to Mom in the Indian language : Mom, Was there any problem? Is everything 
fine.
Mother : Everything is fine, Son.
Exchange quick reassurances...

Mr X to operator : Ma'am Mr X is not at home. I will try later.

AT&T operator: THANK YOU for using AT&T.    !!!!

----

Amar Ananthapadmanabha
amara@informix.com

PS   The above facts are as proudly described by Mr X to me. He wasn't using 
     a speaker phone.
PPS I hope the above incident doesn't give anyone ideas for further misuse.

PPS. The only reason for posting it is  maybe its food for thought, maybe 
     its good for a laugh.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: soc.culture.indian