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June 27, 2005
My 4 Cents
Today I bought 3 pieces of bread for 21 cents and I gave the shopkeeper 25 cents. He didn’t have change, and I said, "It's ok,"
He said, "No, I'll get change, but please wait a few minutes."
“No it's ok. It's only 4 cents,"
"Well, then I'll count it for the next time you come in."
"Great, I work right next door. Thank you very much."
I felt very conflict about this interaction. With his words of courtesy, he wanted to give me my change, honoring my payment and not cheating me. Many taxi drivers and other people here definitely give me the gringo price for their goods and services. However, there was a distinct moment in the interaction when I realized how much more this man valued (I can’t yet project and say “needed”) these 4 cents more than I did. I thought what I was doing was a sign of courtesy, but it may have come off as unintended arrogance. Like “Oh, this money means nothing to me.” We reached an agreement eventually, but the interaction made me wonder about why I didn’t value the money I have (or to the same extent as this man) when I have much more than so many other people in Quito. Are value and need connected? What can I do to value my privilege more? I’m definitely going to think about my 4 cents tonight.
Posted by Lee Gilman at June 27, 2005 05:27 PM
