Why have servants?

Hi guys,

For next week's topic, please check out this article: http://www.economist.com/node/21541712?fsrc=scn/fb/wl/ar/whyhaveservants

Questions for discussion:
1. Do you agree with the idea that prosperous people hire servants not merely to elicit assistance for household chores but maily to satisfy their "propensity for dominance?" Any examples to support your argument?

2. If you have a servant, what role(s) will you assign him/her and yourself as? Namely, what shall be the appropriate master-servant relationship?

3. Housekeepers, nannies, and cleaners all fall into the category of servants. If you have the need to hire some helpers, what would be your priority?

4. The article points out one fact that people are hesitant to hire nice-looking maids. Do you think this implies possible sexual harrassments or even abuses? Any examples you've ever heard of? Also, the article reveals that color-skinned servants are rich people's preference (over locals). Do you think this phenomenon contributes to illegal deeds, say human trafficking?

5. It says in the article that some masters require their servants to wear uniforms. How do you think of this practice? What are the impetus? Is there any similarities between these masters' behaviours and those of maid-resturant goers?

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That's all for now. Happy reading and happy 2012!