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Hi,
I am a masseur in India, and I have no calms, at all about it. I am proud of it. But at a times I feel cornered.
In one line I can say I dnt care about others, but we know life does not work like that(at least in india) I can have fun, but I cant have a girlfriend. The same way If i disclose about proffession, in any party, or even online, I loose attention, most of the time.
Just curious to know, How you people manages......
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Daniel Cohen on
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It is changing here in the USA as the profession gains respect because of recognition that we can get results without medicine or surgery for many conditions. People here are seeking natural solutions because of so many drug complications that are in the news and most know someone with a problem taking medicines.
We still get the jokes and snickers though. Touch and the body unfortunately make people nervous because they associate it with sex. It is a very immature attitude and their misfortune if they don't maintain their total health with massage.
Men here are often concerned about being touched by another man. They fear that if they feel good from it they must have homosexual tendencies. What a pity how our society fosters such ideas. But when such a man comes in with shoulder pain I try to get him to do the massage in the chair. When they leave they have a new idea about massage.
Be professional and don't try to defend against the attitudes. It just puts you in a pointless back and forth. Just carry plenty of business cards and tell them "the next time you are in pain or having trouble moving give me a call.".
Enjoy our wonderful profession.
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As to social status, I would say I am respected by my clientele, neighbors, and fellow business owners where my place is. My clients invite me to weddings special dinners and other social affairs. I see many of their family members as a first stop when hurt or ill. I am very satisfied to be in my current role.
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Permalink Reply by Mike G on
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I can't give you any advice about India. From what I know about India, it's still a Caste based society, even in these modern times. There have been some attempts to change the caste system, but it pretty much has resisted change. Not sure what caste a masseur falls under, I doubt is falls under the Harijans. Does a job as a masseur instantly define you social caste in India? I'm just saying it could be more complicated then a respect for your profession issue, there could be other dynamics involved that don't exist in the United States.
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Mike MT is not a caste, caste is by birth. Jobs can be related to caste if they have been performed throughout history by a particular caste. Massage as modern has to compete in India with traditional medicine (Ayurveda). The caste system may cause social problems still but it is not legally protected anymore. That is like the change in the USA regarding institutionalized racism and religious discrimination before and after the 1964 civil rights act. This is also similar to the caste situation in Japan regarding Dowa.
This is as I have learned it and Sri can correct me if I am wrong.
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Yes, I was aware of that. But a higher caste would never consider a job like mortician and often lower castes can't be physicians. I just didn't know where a masseur was in the caste system. While not legally protected, it's still a form of discrimination.
Daniel Cohen said:
Mike MT is not a caste, caste is by birth. Jobs can be related to caste if they have been performed throughout history by a particular caste. Massage as modern has to compete in India with traditional medicine (Ayurveda). The caste system may cause social problems still but it is not legally protected anymore....
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Mike have you seen this video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_3BEwpv0dM&feature=related his organization
Mike G said:
Yes, I was aware of that. But a higher caste would never consider a job like mortician and often lower castes can't be physicians. I just didn't know where a masseur was in the caste system. While not legally protected, it's still a form of discrimination.
Daniel Cohen said:
Mike MT is not a caste, caste is by birth. Jobs can be related to caste if they have been performed throughout history by a particular caste. Massage as modern has to compete in India with traditional medicine (Ayurveda). The caste system may cause social problems still but it is not legally protected anymore....
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