Whither the middle class?
It seems that the government (or is it the parliament without MPs?) has to take notice and cover this endangered species through various thrust projects. We are more concerned with garbage poly bags and other natural environmental issues, blissfully ignoring the human side of the equation. Approach the political pundits? They are not religious, secular, or atheist -- a cult difficult to fathom. We cannot live with them, or without them!
Looking after the decadent middle class bhadralokh and bhadramohila is good future investment, although not in monetary terms. The reasons for this lukewarm patronisation have to be spelled out for public awareness. They need a living wage to maintain their simple life-style. No better human computer than a genuine, informed, artless Bangalee mind, sharp as a razor, and blunt as a hammer. Plain living and high thinking is out of fashion.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The middle class acts as a buffer and catalyst between the rich and the poor, and serve as the mirror of the nation in times of stress, distress, or euphoria. They are the faithful managing agent of the leisure hour activities of the society, as culture can be a leisure-hour pastime. Inside culture there are many schools of thought, which need neutral and dedicated custodians to preserve the national heritage and absorb both global and local changes, maintaining the continuity for national identity.
Who are the custodians of the national institutions? Not the money-making class, or the toiling masses. The latter needs feedback from the higher levels, which is communicated by the middle class, who are able to explain professional technicalities in layman's terms. They level out economic and other disparity gaps.
Today, self-centred interests are taking precedence over public interests. When money moves fast, culture acts as a tortoise. This beast of burden is humped with obligations. Our national leaders are so busy with housekeeping errands that there is no time for monitoring the background chores, which keep national institutions in good shape. The spotlight is on the front stage, but the sustainability comes from the workers in the invisible background.
No formal studies have been publicised on the migration from the middle class; one upwards, voluntarily and recklessly; and the other down (helplessly). The middle class core is being eroded. It is the merciless social environmental effect. No foreign aid or assistance is applicable here to remedy this national misfortune. Self-help is not enough for the take-off.
Look at this old quotation: "I beg, to remain, Sir, your most obedient servant." The modern bureaucrats have done away with this closing salutation; for the sake of enjoying freedom of the new, free kingdom. How to "enjoy" freedom?