Being fair about this city

People complain about the Delhi culture a lot. I am currently reading a book (compilation of articles) called 'Single in the City' set in Delhi. The authoress, a bengali, chronicles her experiences as a journalist in Delhi.

Her comments remind me again of the heap of dissaproval that is loaded on the people of this city. Yes, there are some facts that are truly right. But then there are some facts that are localized and could be true of any other city as well.

The facts that hold true, and maybe are very characteristic of Delhi are as follows:

a. People are gruff and impolite: Its true. It is not a city for the light hearted southerner (including bombayites). As soon as you land, straight out of the gate, you are greeted by this careless demeanor by the taxi/autowalla. The shopkeeper, the worker, the passerby - all of them will greet you with an agrresive, no intent of pleasing anyone, undertone.

b. People are sarcastic: Its true. But it keeps you on your toes. I have personally felt that they dont really mean it, its just a style of talking. They almost expect a retort to carry the conversation forward. This is certainly not true of the southern states. The autowalla in Pune would be reduced to tears with such an exchange of words

c. People are showy: I dont think all of them are. Yes, there are a significant numeber of rich people who blow air kisses and address each other as 'darlings' and 'babes'. But then the number may vary from one metro to another (barring Kolkata which has ceased to be a metro anymore) but each city has this section of people. In fact, there is a significant mejority in Delhi who would laugh at your face if they were witness to such a show.

As an individual however, I enjoy the style and dressing-up which Delhites subject themselves to. After all, who doesnt like to walk on a street with good looking, well dressed people on it. As long as I am not required to dress up like it, who cares. I try to dress as well as the average looking person, so as to not push the average down.