One of the most important aspects of our developing global society has been the quest for social justice and equality. Recognizing and combating many types of prejudice has advanced significantly. However, a recent incident has brought to light a disconcerting aspect of entitlement that still plagues our communities—the stark contrast between the salaries of housekeeper families and their relatives.
This incident has sparked a great deal of controversy and brought to light the pervasive socioeconomic inequities that still exist in many nations.
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Twitter outrage over tone-deaf tweet comparing housekeeper’s salary to software engineer’s income
In the world of social media, there are times when posts make us wonder if they are sincere or just joking. Recently, a tweet appeared that perfectly captured this confusion. The tweet, which was sent by a user named SandYa, caused a great deal of thought since it showed an appalling lack of sensitivity by comparing the family income of her housekeeper with that of her cousin.
In response to a tax-related tweet, SandYa said,
“Maids work in multiple houses. My maid’s family’s total income is 1lac per month and pays no tax and gets all freebies. My cousin’s family has only his son working as SW eng earning 30k per month but paying 20% tax. Now how’s this fair??”
Maids work in multiple houses. My maids family total income is 1lac per month and pays no tax and gets all freebies . My cousins family has only his son working as SW eng earning 30k per month but pays 20% tax
Now how’s this fair ??
— SandYa (@DhooDala) July 18, 2023
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This remark soon gained popularity on Twitter. It also received harsh criticism from individuals who posted images of the message and drew attention to its flaws. Needless to say, several aspects of the post raise concern.
What’s wrong with this tweet?
Firstly, the tweet unfairly compares the family income of a housekeeper with that of a member of her cousin’s family. Moreover, it ignores the obvious distinctions between the perks and working circumstances of a software developer and a domestic worker.
Although the domestic worker juggles many jobs while dealing with employment instability, a lack of opportunity for progress, and often difficult working circumstances, the software engineer has job security, opportunities for growth, and other amenities in a cozy office setting.
Additionally, domestic employees sometimes labor all day in numerous homes. They also run the possibility of having their pay withheld, even for a single day off. Unsurprisingly, the tweet’s arrogant and superior attitude downplays the difficulties experienced by domestic workers and minimizes their contributions to society.
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Lastly, the assertion that someone making less than Rs. 30,000 per month must pay 20% tax is demonstrably false. It also underscores the post’s lack of accuracy.
Twitter negatively reacted to the tweet
The Twitter community responded swiftly, calling out the user for her insensitive and problematic take. Have a look at some of the comments:
If housekeeping is so lucrative, your cousin’s son must pursue it ♀️
— Abdullah Deewana (@JeanDmello) July 18, 2023
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Your cousin’s son has employee benefits. Only has to work 8 hours for 5 days. Doesn’t have to clean other people’s used dishes and toilets. Doesn’t have to work in physically unsafe working conditions. If it were so lucrative, we’d all be taking up house help jobs, SandYa. https://t.co/O0bQDKs4VW
— Sophie | Restore Internet in Manipur (@azenithromycin) July 18, 2023
Which agency is collecting 20% tax on 30k per month salary? https://t.co/I7bguiU8aU
— . (@AJayAWhy) July 18, 2023
Maid works 80+ hours a week. The SW works 40 hours. Gets 2 weekly offs plus Casual and sick leaves. Maid takes one day off and her salary gets deducted.
SW gets HRA, DA, Insurance etc etc etc… What does the maid get?The SW wouldn’t probably even wash his own dirty utensils https://t.co/3YCKXgSx4R
— Tanya⁷ (@hoe4hobee) July 19, 2023
your SW relative should quit his job and become a maid and not pay taxes.. he can all freebies too.. why stick to a sub optimal options
— Balasubramaniam (@arunbala9866) July 19, 2023
Maids family – so atleast people, working 12 hrs a day, manual labour, each get 25k average. 70 rs a hour average ! Yo jealous of your maid family? Wow.
— (@chetansha_) July 19, 2023
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What do you think about this tweet? Share your thoughts in the comment section of the post.
Also read: 24-Year-Old IT Engineer Earning Rs 58 Lakh Package Speaks About ‘Loneliness’, Sparks Online Debate
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