I want to become a “Plumber”
I want to become a “plumber” .. with that, the British student Alexander Smith concluded a live interview on local TV after he received his A-Level result.
As A-level students brace for disappointment today, Xander and Elizabeth open their results live on air.
Julia: "Are you ready for this!?"@JuliaHB1 | #alevels2022 pic.twitter.com/7dXA5di74i
— TalkTV (@TalkTV) August 18, 2022
I want to become a “Plumber”
In the envelope, Alexander, 18 years old, saw the high grades that can qualify him to enrol in one of the most prestigious English universities. But Alexander chose to pursue his dream of becoming a professional plumber instead of going to a university as expected by most high school graduates.
The host praised Alexander’s choice and assured him she will be one of his first clients!
Watching this interview, I felt confused. I felt conflicted as I thought of how impressive this student is, who can become a doctor, engineer, inventor, or more … yet, he chose to pursue this “vile” profession!
Yes, “Despicale” is how this job is described in our Arab countries.
After a deep thought, I found that I was raised, as most in Arab countries, to look down on some professions. It goes as far as losing your status within society and your family, and can even prevent you from marrying on the pretext that no one will marry someone with such a low social rank.
And in return, your status and position can rise by simply working a “respectful” or a “noble” job.
Despicable Professions
But between what I was raised to believe and what I now see here in the UK of appreciation for those who work in professions that help build society, I question who is right and who is wrong.
I became to wonder and question, why we belittle plumbers, butchers, barbers, or other job that other countries and regions look down on.
What caused this dismissal behaviour toward those who work in such professions, even though they work to earn their living in an honest and halal way? Are we arrogant racists? Or are we superior that we refuse to marry someone working in a “despicable” profession?
What also came to my mind is religion. Would our religion align with our beliefs to despise such honest workers? Did it command us to do so? Or did we start this heresy and then followed it without questioning it?
Belittling humans simply for working in professions that we consider despicable is nothing but backwards thinking and the opposite of what our religion says.
I believe that a Muslim should strive to develop himself and raise his status, but degrading the status of others is wrong and puts us in the category of third-world and backward nations.
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Arabs in UK: Identity, Belonging, and Other Struggles
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