Does it matter?
I asked which ethnic group are you from? And my friend replies, "Does it matter?"
My customers usually end up being my friends. And Thomas was one such customer. We were becoming close friends. He is Indian and I wanted to know which part of India did his ancestors come from.
So I asked him, "What type of Indian are you?". I did not think much of it at all. I just wanted to know. Thomas, being very polite, said, "Anthony, does it really matter? Would it make a difference?". I said, "No it does not make any difference at all. But I just want to know.". He being really polite, just looked at me and smiled. Me being insisting asked, "So which type of Indian are you?". Thomas being a real cool guy that he is, replied with the answer which I sought.
Talk about me being obtuse. And the worst part is I did not know that it was wrong. Or did I not even care. I do not know how I was feeling 25 years ago. Anyway during that period of time, I remember doing it again!
My close friend Shah, introduced me to Iqbal. Iqbal was doing a short film and needed some assistance with audio. We hit it off well. When I met Shah a few weeks later, I asked the same question, "What type of Indian is Iqbal?". Shah asked the same thing Thomas asked, "Does it matter?" and again I was insisting to know the answer. Shah being very kind with me tried to explain such information was not needed but my skull was too thick. Shah finally did give the answer.
Now I think back and I feel bad for my actions. Especially when they tried to explain to me that such information is not needed. I was not wise. I am still growing and learning. Long way to go!
I am so grateful for having such good friends. Who are willing to bear with my limitations. Thomas and Shah are just two of many wonderful friends that I have.
As I need to choose an image for this blog post, I was thinking what image to use for race type of topic. Had a tough time finding one. After a long time of thinking, I remembered listening to Simon Sinek's podcast with Chole S. Valdary. She also appeared on the podcast by Jordan Peterson. Really great stuff! Very impressed with her. So that is why I am using her image for this post.
Chole S. Valdary with Simon Sinek.
https://simonsinek.com/discover/episode-38-enchantment-with-chloe-valdary/
The podcast is also available on spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/19Z9ssNuvw9xpWIs7ERHpx?si=ed44b89841db46f0
Chole S. Valdary with Jordan Peterson.
https://youtu.be/3rZkv_prTOk
The podcast is also available on spotify at
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4spMw5EWNySAp0cZLUJNRe?si=f5a939b4d458472e