Of late, everyday life has become more risky for the affluent classes, as well as other sections of society.
ONTARIO, CANADA: This is with reference to Hassan Javid’s article “Name-calling and the politics of class” (May 18). The affluent classes should realise that their accumulated wealth and power are seriously endandgered if the have-nots in our society do not have equal access to services, resources and governance. Already, much of the affluent class’s power is undercut due to the violent acts by sections of the have-nots in the form of the Taliban.
Enjoying everyday life freely has been a privilege that only the affluent class has enjoyed. But, of late, everyday life has become more risky for the affluent classes, as well as other sections of society. Most urban Pakistanis are either the victim of a serious crime or have a close relative or friend who has been a victim. It is instructive to note how the heights of bungalow walls have been rising for the past 30-odd years, or how many upper class families have security guards accompanying them in their cars. These are some of the signs of the loss of privilege of the affluent classes and the loss is directly related to the feelings of inequality, deprivation and hopelessness among the unfortunate “lower” classes. Inequality must be eradicated before it transforms into a radical demand to distribute the wealth of the upper classes among the “lower” classes.
Saleh Sayeed
Published in The Express Tribune, May 21st, 2013.
