Insha'Allah
This morning's tram driver was sure a cheery fellow. I've had tram drivers before that overzealously announce tramstops or say weird things over the mic but it doesnt happen that often.
Today's fellow commented on how nice the day was and took some measured relief in the fact that his shift was almost over and ours was his last trip for the day (at 2.30pm).
He did this in a sort of low throaty growly voice... which reminded me a lot of Hannibal Lecter... but it sent friendly giggles down the tram carriage. The girl opposite me and the guy down the aisle were both laughing openly an I couldn't help but smirk... sharing a laugh with strangers is one of the few pleasures in life...
The interesting thing is, the tram driver said "see you again, insha'Allah", the last bit meaning "God willing" in Arabic. I wondered, how the people of the tram reacted in their heads to the tram driver saying this (extremely common in the Muslim world) turn of phrase.
Would they:
- not understand what the hell it meant and ignore it
- take solace in their media-induced fears of Islam and think twice about smiling or laughing... perhaps even fear it as an ominous threat of terrorism from the crazy tram driver
- understand it but disregard it as a common turn of phrase for Islamic people and recognise the warm intent
- romanticise it with comparisons to Arabian nights
Well I know, though the latter is tempting (thanks to Westy's vivid depictions of Bahrain), opted for option 3. I wondered... what did the rest of the tram think.
Our stop was the last stop on the tram drivers route (because Melbourne University kind of is on most routes) and when he opened the cabin door he was all smiles. A few of the people waved to him as they got off the tram. But one can't help but wonder... among all the people in the tram, did there lurk a heart of darkness? a xenophobic glimmer of fear? a stab at the multicultural fabric of our society? and... if things go in the same direction as they are now (with the Government rhetoric and the media) will this glimmer turn into something more sinister...
I hope it doesnt, Insha'Allah.
posted by LX @ 3:59 AM
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