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Iron
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2025
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Sometimes when I find myself on the bus, or waiting at a bus stop, a question comes to mind: when one learns about the French Revolution and sees illustrations of the peasants of that era, they are often depicted wearing simple clothes in earthy tones, without powder or wigs, and usually portrayed as dirty and worn-down people. My question, then, is who occupies that role in today’s society.
My mind often turns to the foreigners and newcomers one frequently encounters on public transport. They are usually dressed in the most random assortment of clothing, often the cheapest available. They do not pay for their own tickets; they simply show their papers and are granted access. Sometimes they arrive in groups, sometimes alone. One finds them in all ages and forms, and many of them belong to the Muslim faith.
I have a complex and constantly evolving relationship with them. Many impressions and factors affect me. On the one hand, they can behave in a noisy and somewhat unpleasant manner, and they do not exactly smell of flowers and good hygiene. On the other hand, they are not responsible for the cultures into which they were born. It could just as easily have been me in their place.
People often complain about newcomers entering society; they say these individuals exploit the system and contribute nothing, as if they themselves do not also wish to benefit from the state and get by while doing as little as possible. I think of myself: a strong and healthy nineteen-year-old who has never done anything but benefit from state-sponsored education. I have never had a job and never paid taxes. Now I have applied for dozens of positions without success, but the point remains.
Religion is also something people are born into, and while some eventually change their beliefs, this too is ultimately not a matter of choice at the outset. My feelings remain mixed, shaped by both discomfort and reflection.
My mind often turns to the foreigners and newcomers one frequently encounters on public transport. They are usually dressed in the most random assortment of clothing, often the cheapest available. They do not pay for their own tickets; they simply show their papers and are granted access. Sometimes they arrive in groups, sometimes alone. One finds them in all ages and forms, and many of them belong to the Muslim faith.
I have a complex and constantly evolving relationship with them. Many impressions and factors affect me. On the one hand, they can behave in a noisy and somewhat unpleasant manner, and they do not exactly smell of flowers and good hygiene. On the other hand, they are not responsible for the cultures into which they were born. It could just as easily have been me in their place.
People often complain about newcomers entering society; they say these individuals exploit the system and contribute nothing, as if they themselves do not also wish to benefit from the state and get by while doing as little as possible. I think of myself: a strong and healthy nineteen-year-old who has never done anything but benefit from state-sponsored education. I have never had a job and never paid taxes. Now I have applied for dozens of positions without success, but the point remains.
Religion is also something people are born into, and while some eventually change their beliefs, this too is ultimately not a matter of choice at the outset. My feelings remain mixed, shaped by both discomfort and reflection.
