The Consequences of Blindness

Part IV


“ Things were beginning to change in subtle ways...

“Now, Americans were speaking in a kind of South Asian sing-song English which reflected the fact that many of the white collar agencies were located in the Punjab areas. And importers and marketers were beginning to study Chinese dialects in order to communicate with major suppliers and creditors. The odor of Chinese food assailed nostrils even on the upper East side…

“People were also driving small Chinese cars that conserved gasoline a tank of which typically commanded a small business loan for most families.

“Conditions in the world contributing to rising costs had an effect on stereotypes and the way the world functioned. Today, it was not unusual to see Americans reverting back to the practices of one hundred years ago where several generations lived together to keep costs down. Also, with the cost of babysitting going through the roof, grand-parents were increasingly being called upon to fulfill that role.

“Oftentimes, with children living with their grandparents, it was not unusual to see three or four members of a family contributing to its survival…

“Food practices had changed too. Whereas in the past, diet programs cost more than food; most had been abandoned when the people realized that most diets did not work and eating was mainly a matter of common sense; that is if you could afford to eat—which many couldn’t.”

As he finished the last comments, Narda passed by. “Hi, how’s it going?”

Well, Narda, I think by tomorrow or the next day, we will have a workable draft.”

“That’s wonderful. See you in the main hall.”

“Yes, you will.” Glotus returned to his notes.

“Most Americans, who were deluded into believing that manufacturing was "dirty work' and were not unhappy to leave our shores, were now working in menial jobs. Virtually, half of the population were working in sinecures established by the government as employer of last resort.

“Most products being purchased were Chinese. There were Chinese computers; Chinese ovens, Chinese refrigerators, even Chinese American flags—everything except Chinese checkers which was now Bangladeschi checkers.... Americans had replaced the American Indian doing very little except drinking and watching things on their Chinese TV's. The only real problem was that what they were watching was coming from Bollywood or Beijing and had English subtitles.

“In terms of the ethnic mix, the streets were covered with gaily turbaned people who seemed to be everywhere. The only real change was in the 7-11's, now managed by Americans of a certain caste. Rich Indians no longer frequented such establishments and were hardly seen except for their commutes from their rich enclaves in Northern new Jersey and Connecticut in private limousines with blackened out glass to avoid contact with slovenly and tactless natives who were giving America a bad name.

“The American government was up to its ears trying to arrange export Visas for American students anxious to get into the better Indian and Chinese schools.

“Most of Southern New Jersey had become a land fill. Mount Husky, now the largest land mass in the north east, was being retrofitted as a Japanese golf resort and a Chinese skiiers paradise.

“Beyond New Jersey, the earth had been ripped clean through cheap mining practices that left the earth scarred and barren. Chinese trucks were everywhere digging up anything that contained any mineral material that could be removed and shipped back to China for processing.”

Glotus stood up and massaged his neck. He thought it was time to take what he had completed so far topside to Demetrius. He would know if it sounded ‘right!’

With that he picked up his notes and walked to the lifter. Demetrius was in his study.

“Hello, Glotus. What brings you here, my young friend”.

“I thought you might like to review my notes.”

“Yes, I would. Leave them with me for the next two hours and I will read them.”

“Thank you, Demetrius. I really appreciate it.”

‘Of course, I am pleased to do this little thing for you.”