Kanyakumari - Vivekananda Rock Memorial 'Visitors' book' gouge.

Rogue Two · Mar 11th, 2007, 13:48

We encountered a particularly odious scam here, which appears to carry official blessing. When queuing for the ferry to the Thiruvalluvar Statue (and back to the mainland), Western-looking people are asked if they would like to sign a visitors' book. If you say 'yes', you'll be led into a room and asked outright for a donation to an orphanage or schools project.

I gave 50 rupees, but I noticed that they were only hitting Westerners for this scam (there are a *lot* of rich Indians in Kanniyakumari) which struck me as a particularly egregious example of racism. Of course, it's not the only one you'll encounter in India, but it was the combination of dishonesty, emotional blackmail, and blatant racism - and the official encouragement of this - that annoyed me about this one.

And they don't keep your place in the queue as promised.

Nick-H · Mar 11th, 2007, 14:18

There is a difference between racism and knowing one's target market. I'd call this the latter. Their experience has probably told them that 80% of foreign visitors will give, whereas only a very small percentage of Indian visitors will.

Quote:

And they don't keep your place in the queue as promised.

That's what would really piss me off!

wp7713 · Mar 11th, 2007, 14:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

. Their experience has probably told them that 80% of foreign visitors will give, whereas only a very small percentage of Indian visitors will.

That's what would really piss me off!

Yes, I agree.

wp7713 · Mar 11th, 2007, 14:57

Apologies, I didn't mean to mangle the quote so much...

Mar 11th, 2007, 13:48	#1
Rogue Two n00b Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: London, UK Posts: 77	Kanyakumari - Vivekananda Rock Memorial 'Visitors' book' gouge. We encountered a particularly odious scam here, which appears to carry official blessing. When queuing for the ferry to the Thiruvalluvar Statue (and back to the mainland), Western-looking people are asked if they would like to sign a visitors' book. If you say 'yes', you'll be led into a room and asked outright for a donation to an orphanage or schools project. I gave 50 rupees, but I noticed that they were only hitting Westerners for this scam (there are a lot of rich Indians in Kanniyakumari) which struck me as a particularly egregious example of racism. Of course, it's not the only one you'll encounter in India, but it was the combination of dishonesty, emotional blackmail, and blatant racism - and the official encouragement of this - that annoyed me about this one. And they don't keep your place in the queue as promised. __________________ Seeking solace at the centre of attention is like seeking sustenance at the centre of a doughnut...

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Mar 11th, 2007, 14:57	#4
wp7713 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 94	Apologies, I didn't mean to mangle the quote so much...

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