because

Because there's so much stupidity in the world it's worth remembering what is beautiful. Even if that was not the case it would still be worthwhile.

Not for the first time a student has talked to me about how 'decadently' women are dressed here (read: jeans). I really don't know why they don't ask for a transfer to Afghanistan or Saudi. "This is not part of our culture". Yeah, right, and what is: 'honour-killing'? The beast is within, as the kid says.

Talking with the Cheema...and so, this old guy comes to my office with his elderly wife and asks me to write a manifesto for a political party they're starting. Ten minutes pass, 15, 20. The main (only?) agenda being: no taxes. But during all this time the women is silent, passive, just listening to her husband in astonishment, reverence and profound admiration. So, I ask him: who's this (the party chairperson, I think to myself). And the guy just says, without missing a beat: " Well, we were on our way to get some groceries together and I thought I might as well bring her along".

The cheema at a photocopier place:

'By the way, you're not Shia are you?"

Cheema: Why, what does that matter, I only want some photocopies

"Nothing personal, but these people are infidels"

[as always, there's a story behind the story...behind stupidity is more ridiculousness..it transpires that his sister, recently widowed, has lost a lot of property, and that's got him going]

C: but if you were a Shia she would have actually got more property. And then the details, the persuasive details.

The man is convinced. You can see the glimmer in his eye, as if a new thought has entered his head, penetrated his dense skull. Cheema, the sly dog, knows how to pull the strings. The thought of it gets the photocopying man excited, it's beginning to make sense..if only he can hold on to this feeling. Yes, the Shia are cursed but let's not be too judgemental here..there's something in this for all of us...

Half and hour of reflection and discussion.

"I see what you're saying cheema saahib and I understand you perfectly now. You are a wise man, an educated and literate man. A top man. What you say is sensible, reasonable and correct. But I'll tell you one thing-if you permit me?"

C: Go on.

"The shia are the worst scum bag infidels that ever were"