Old Age Woes – Will You Have to Depend on the Kindness of Strangers...?

This evening – while on my evening walk – I remembered this story I had written almost 7 years ago in January 2012. 

Sadly – the protagonist of this story – Mrs. J – she passed away a few years ago. 

OLD AGE WOES
Do You Depend on the Kindness of Strangers...?
Musings of a Veteran 

By

VIKRAM KARVE 

Pune (Circa 2012) 

Sometime ago – during my early morning walk – I passed by Mrs. J’s house. 

I saw J – an 84 year old widow – struggling to walk in her garden. 

I wished J good morning – and I asked her how she was. 

She answered: 

“I depend on the kindness of strangers.”

For a moment – I was speechless. 

Then – slowly – I let her words sink in – and perambulate in my mind – “I depend on the kindness of strangers” – and – these words struck a chord. 

I was transported back in time – more than 37 years ago – to the year 1981 – if my memory serves me right – when I had seen the play called A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE which had a lasting impression on me. 

I witnessed a performance of the indigenous Indian Production of this 1948 Pulitzer Prize winning masterpiece by Tennessee Williams at the Kamani Auditorium in New Delhi directed by Alyque Padamsee with terrific performances by Dalip Tahil as Stanley Kowalski and Sabira Merchant as Blanche DuBois. 

I still remember the heart-rending scene – when – after being totally destroyed by Stanley, while being taken away to a mental asylum, a shattered Blanche holds onto the doctor’s hand and says: 

“Whoever you are – I have always depended on the kindness of strangers”.

Though the context in the play is different – I realized the universal all-encompassing truth encapsulated in those profound words – which were spontaneously uttered by the old lady J – who I am sure has not read or seen the play “A Streetcar Named Desire”.

As I observe in Pune – I realize that there are so many senior citizens living alone – so many old people who “depend on the kindness of strangers” – especially in the middle-class. 

In most cases – their children live abroad in the USA pursuing their American Dream – while their parents live a life of loneliness awaiting their deaths back home in India. 

Also – I notice that the longevity of women seems to be more then men – since there are far more senior citizen widows who heavily outnumber the widowers.

Before you blame the “ungrateful and selfish children” for “abandoning” their “hapless” parents – I think you must consider the fact that there are always two sides to a coin (or two “points of view” in every story).

MIDDLE CLASS DREAMS

Let me give you a bit of a background.

In the 1960’s and 1970’s – I lived in a “middle-class” locality in Pune – where parents had two dreams:

1. First – their son must get into an IIT and go abroad to USA to realize the American dream and achieve “success”.

2. Second – they must get their daughters married to a “successful” American NRI so that she too could go the USA to live a life of prosperity and happiness there.

Many such parents – like the old lady J – achieved their dreams.

And – they are paying the price today.

Even today – I see so many parents who are desperate to send their kids abroad for higher studies and to settle down there. 

In the earlier “pre-globalization pre-liberalization” days prior to 1991 – it was difficult to go to America unless you graduated from an IIT or topped from a premier University. 

Today – it is much easier to go abroad for studies or for work. 

Post liberalization – in the globalized world of today – if you are willing to spend your money – you can easily go for higher studies abroad – or you can go there via the “IT Route” – by first going abroad to work onsite – and then sidestepping into a job over there in America.

This is the main reason why there is a beeline for jobs in the IT/ITES industry – it is the easiest way to migrate overseas.

Then or now – the fact of the matter is that it is the parents themselves who encourage and monetarily facilitate their children to go abroad.

Parents inculcate ambitious values that create in the minds of their children the urge to migrate to America or some other prosperous country for a “better life”.

So who is to blame – the parents or the children?

I ask the old lady “J” : 

“Why don’t you go and live with your son or daughter in America...? Have they refused to take you there...? Are your children unwilling to have you live with them...?”

“No – not at all. Far from it...” the old lady says, “my children want me to live with them over there and keep calling me to relocate permanently to America and stay with them in the US. I have gone there so many times – but I don’t want to live there with them in America. I don’t like it over there.”

I am puzzled. 

It seems very strange. 

Why should the old lady prefer to live a difficult lonely life out here in India – full of hardship – when she can live a comfortable life of luxury in America with the best of facilities and healthcare – and in the company of her children and grandchildren...?

Why do so many senior citizens prefer to live alone in India and depend on “the kindness of strangers” – when they can enjoy the evening of their lives by migrating abroad to live with their NRI children and exulting in the love and care of their near and dear ones...?

Is it ego? 

Is it something else? 

Is there some other reason?

I don’t know. 

I don’t have the answer. 

Do you?

If you do have the answer – or wish to share your views on this subject, please comment and let us know.

And – you better start thinking – about the evening of your life – when you become 70 or 80. 

In Old Age – you have to decide from these 3 Choices:

1. Do you want to live with your children...?

2. Do you want to live alone...? 

3. Do you want to live in an old age home (retirement community) which has assisted living facilities and where you will be well cared for and looked after...?

Remember – if you choose the second or third choice above – you will be dependent on the kindness of strangers.

Think about it.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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Disclaimer:

1. This article is just “food for thought”, my musings, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt.

2. While planning your old age – please do your own due diligence. 

3. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

Do I deserve a “distinguished service” medal...?

Humor in Uniform

DO I DESERVE A “DISTINGUISHED” SERVICE MEDAL…?

A Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

It was my retirement farewell party.

I was retiring from the Navy on attaining the age of superannuation after completing more than 34 years of commissioned service.

My friend was speaking about me – the customary “farewell speech” describing the retiring officer’s “contribution” to service.

Everyone listened as my friend spoke about me.

We were close friends – we had done courses together – and we had been “shipmates” on a “stone frigate”. 

My friend was just one year senior to me – but he had done well in his career and had reached Flag Rank – whereas I had “fallen by the wayside”.

My friend spoke very highly of me – he eulogized me – showering me with lavish praise – as he traced my entire naval career – highlighting my “achievements”.

Hearing his “eulogy” – full of accolades – I felt good – but – I really wondered whether I really deserved all that high praise.

I wondered that – if I was really so good as my friend had described me – then – why hadn’t the Navy promoted me to high rank…?

The least they could have done is to give me a “distinguished service” medal.

So – after the speeches were over – I asked my friend:

“Sir – the way you spoke about me – and my accomplishments – don’t you think I deserve at least a VSM…?”

(Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) is awarded to recognize “distinguished service of a high order”)

On hearing my “demand” for a VSM – my Friend turned to my course-mate (who was in “high spirits”) – and – he asked my course-mate:

“You are his course-mate. You tell me – “Does he deserve a VSM…?”…”

In reply – my course-mate said these “flattering” words about me:

“Sir – I don’t know whether he deserves a VSM or not – but – his wife surely deserves a VSM for staying with a crazy bugger like him for so many years – maybe she deserves an AVSM – or even a PVSM…”

(Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) is awarded to recognize distinguished service of an “exceptional order” and Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) for distinguished service of the “most exceptional order”)

Ha Ha – let me repeat my course-mate’s “flattering” words about me:

“Sir – I don’t know whether he deserves a VSM or not – but – his wife surely deserves a VSM for staying with a crazy bugger like him for so many years – maybe she deserves an AVSM – or even a PVSM…”

Trust your course-mates to deliver the “coup de grace”  

Like I always say:

“If you want to know the true character of an officer – ask his course-mates” 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved. 

Disclaimer:
1. This story is a spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
2. This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story is a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:
No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.
Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

© vikram karve., all rights reserved. 

Military and Social Media

MILITARY AND SOCIAL MEDIA 

Ponderings of a Veteran

By

VIKRAM KARVE 

SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE MILITARY 

A few years ago, when I first wrote this blog post, while surfing the internet, I observed that two rather unsavoury incidents pertaining to the army had gone viral on Twitter.

The first incident was a public spat between two Generals regarding seating arrangements in a cinema hall.

The second was a contretemps in AWWA (Army Wives Welfare Association). 

Recently, there was the Bomdila Incident 

Since these embarrassing incidents had gone viral on the social media, the mainstream media was forced to take notice and report these as news items in the electronic and print media, on TV and in newspapers, and thereby these unpleasant issues got wide publicity.

In the past, such issues would have been settled internally within the cocooned environment of military cantonments, and the outside world would never have come to know of these occurrences.

The advent of the social media (especially Twitter and Facebook) has changed everything.

Now, with the increasing proliferation and popularity of the social media, it is not possible to “hush up” matters, and organizations, including the military, have no choice but to be more transparent and engage with the social media.

POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media is a relatively recent phenomenon, but it has proliferated so rapidly and extensively that almost everyone is using social media tools like Facebook, Twitter etc

Owing to its instant and widespread reach, Social Media has overwhelmed the so-called “mainstream media” comprising print and electronic media.

As far as news reporting is concerned, Twitter is most impressive – Twitter is highly effective in disseminating news almost instantaneously.

Owing to Twitter’s instantaneous world-wide reach, the high speed and vast synergy of Twitter, if anyone puts a news item or news link on twitter, it can go viral within seconds by “re-tweeting” and become “trending news”.

Twitter focuses on user collaboration and facilitates sharing of user-generated content by the means of “re-tweeting”.

Twitter users can add their own comments, content, pictures, videos and internet links and thereby add value and credibility by interpretation and analysis.

Twitter has enabled everyone to become a “citizen journalist”.

You can write a news report on your blog and post the link on Twitter, or tweet a news item you have read on the internet with a clickable link, or you can instantaneously tweet a news-picture you have clicked or write a caption or a news item.

Twitter has trending topics, which can define and prioritize news and establish news trends for the Main Stream Media (MSM) to follow.

Today, because of its sheer volume and high-speed throughput of information, Twitter has the power to drive the Main Stream Media.

Owing to its instantaneous speed and tremendous reach, now-a-days the phenomenon of “Breaking News” first explodes on Twitter much before TV News Channels on the electronic media.

Twitter leads, other media follows.

Twitter has also brought about a sense of transparency in news reporting.

Twitter has thwarted attempts by the Mainstream Media (MSM) to suppress, “censor”, ignore, downplay, whitewash, manipulate or misreport news.

In many cases, efforts to present news in a biased, distorted or skewed manner have been exposed owing to the first-hand reporting of news on Twitter by citizens.

Main Stream Media (MSM) cannot afford to ignore Twitter unless it wants to be isolated and lose credibility.

The huge presence of Journalists, Electronic and Print Media Organizations on Twitter bears testimony to the relevance, importance and power of Twitter.

In addition to Twitter, Facebook is also very influential in information proliferation and shaping of public opinion.

CANTONMENT CULTURE

In the past, as far as “peacetime soldiering” was concerned, the Military remained cocooned in cantonments.

Maybe, cantonments are a relic of the Raj, where the military was expected to live a colonial social lifestyle in a world of its own, far away from the “natives” with whom the “sahibs” were not supposed to mingle.

This “cantonment culture” was prevalent mostly in the Army which lived in its own insulated world of cantonment life totally cut off from the outside world.

In contrast, most of the navy was located in the heart of Mumbai (then called Bombay), and Naval Officers lived all over South Mumbai along with civilians – in fact, the Navy Wardroom (Officers Mess) was located in a building called “Vasant Sagar” in Churchgate off Marine Drive in a posh civilian locality.

That is why, in earlier days, there was a huge difference between the social life and cultures of the Navy and Army, but, in due course, the Navy too started building its own secluded “cantonments” and adopting Army style “cantonment culture”.

The Military led a secluded cosseted life revolving around the facilities and amenities in the cantonment, and outsiders did not know what was going on inside.

Those days even the media treated the military like a “sacred cow” and did not interfere and nor did journalists try to pry into internal affairs of military cantonments.

If there were any issues, they were sorted out internally, away from the eyes of outside civilian world.

Thus, there was a sense of opaqueness about military matters.

It was not that scandals did not take place in the past, but since it was possible to brush things under the carpet, cover up or “hush up” embarrassing issues internally, the outside world was not aware of the goings on inside the military cantonments.

The advent of the social media (especially Twitter and Facebook) has changed everything.

Incidents in cantonments, which, in earlier times, would have remained internal issues, went viral on the social media which forced the mainstream media to take notice and report them extensively, and thereby these issues got wide publicity.

MILITARY AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media is a present day reality which cannot be ignored by the Military.

In fact, it will not be beneficial for the Armed Forces to ignore the Social Media, especially Twitter.

In today’s information technology driven world, avoiding the social media may be counterproductive.

Whenever an issue pertaining to the military goes viral on the social media, if the military does not tell its side of the story on the social media, people start believing whatever is being reported on the social media (Twitter, Facebook etc) and the absence of authentic information leads to speculation and rumours.

In such situations, the military must tell its side of the story truthfully and it must do this with promptness and accuracy. 

In order to achieve this, military public relations must have an active presence on the social media, especially on Twitter.

Like the MEA PRO is effectively using Social Media, the Defence PRO must be more visible and articulate on the social media (especially Twitter) in order to ensure balance, fairness, credibility and transparency of news, views and issues pertaining to the military.

You will be surprised, but there is a rather “antiquated” school of thought, that believes in antediluvian solutions like “banning” social media in the military.

While there is justification for reasonable restrictions on the use of social media by uniformed personnel, extreme steps like prohibiting use of social media may be highly unpopular, especially amongst youngsters for whom things like Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp etc have become an inseparable part of their life.

(As it is, the military is facing a shortage of officers and such extreme steps like banning social media may discourage many youngsters from signing up)

Let us assume, hypothetically, that the military decides to prohibit uniformed officers and personnel from using the social media.

But can the military impose such “bans” on wives (and families) of military officers and personnel...?

Military wives are civilians and are not subject to the restrictions under the army, navy or air force acts.

I mentioned earlier that Twitter has enabled everyone to become a “citizen journalist”.

Likewise, in the context of cantonments too, social media, especially Twitter, has enabled every military wife to be a “citizen journalist”.

So, suppose an incident or scandal happens in the social life of the cantonment, just one tweet from a wife is enough to make it known to the whole world, and the “news” can even go viral by repeated re-tweeting.

Such is the power of the social media that it is not possible to “hush up” inconvenient matters, or “cover up” scams and scandals (which it was quite easy to do in earlier times).

THE WAY AHEAD

I feel that it will be best for the military to actively engage with the social media and make its presence felt on Twitter and Facebook which will enable effective interactive communication and usher in a sense of transparency.

The Defence Services need to use the social media effectively to interact with the tech-savvy youth to exchange recruitment information and discuss various aspects about a career in the army navy and airforce. 

Effective “two way communication” between the defence services and the civilian youth may motivate many bright youngsters to take up a career in the armed forces.

I feel that various support organisations need to use the social media by active presence on Facebook and Twitter to effectively interact with their “Fauji customers” (serving, retired and families):

1. Defence Accounts and Pay Offices (PCDA, CPPC, Naval Pay Office etc )

2. Military Veteran and Ex-Servicemen Welfare Organisations (ECHS, DESW MoD, DGR, DESA/NHQ etc)

3. Defence Facility Providers like Health Care (DGMS, Military Hospitals), Defence Canteen Services (CSD, INCS etc), Defence Housing Organisations (AWHO, AFNHB), Institutes and Clubs, Holiday Homes etc 

4. Military Social Networks, Forums and Interest Groups (eg Regimental/Branch, Military Hobby and Sports Groups etc)

5. Social and Family Welfare Organisations/NGOs like Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), Navy Wives Welfare Association (NWWA), Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) to enable barrierless interaction, seamless communication and exchange of views within members of these welfare organisations.

The possibilities are endless.

The social media is easily accessible and available to all free of cost and affords enormous opportunities.

Now it is for the military to use its ingenuity to take full advantage of the social media in an innovative manner for maximum benefit of all stakeholders.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This blog post is a spoof, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. These are my personal views, to be taken lightly. 

3. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

This is a revised and updated version of my story written by me Vikram Karve around 5 years ago in the year 2014 and earlier posted online by me in my various Blogs a number of times including at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2014/08/social-media-and-military.html  and  https://www.quora.com/profile/Vikram-Karve/Writing-by-VIKRAM-KARVE/Social-Media-and-Defence-Services  and  https://karve.wordpress.com/2015/07/16/social-media-impact-on-armed-forces-will-social-media-improve-transparency-and-enhance-quality-of-life-in-the-defence-services/  etc 

Navy Customs and Traditions – Part 1 – “Impressment” – “Press Gang” – “Shanghai”

“IMPRESSMENT” – “PRESS GANG” – “SHANGHAI”

Navy Customs and Traditions – Part 1

By

VIKRAM KARVE

IMPRESSMENT – “PRESSING” MEN INTO NAVAL SERVICE

Impressment means forcing men into Naval Service by compulsion.

Colloquially – Impressment – the practice of “pressing” men into Naval Service – was also called “Press Gang” or “Shanghai”.

In the 16^th 17^th and 18^th Centuries (the era of Sailing Ships) – in order to explore the world and create colonies all over the world – European Nations developed powerful Navies with large number of Ships.

Those days – on age of sail – working conditions for Sailors were harsh and life was dangerous.

So – most citizens were unwilling to work on ships as sailors – resulting in a shortage of crew on ships.

Navies of several nations used forced recruitment by various means.

The large size of the British Royal Navy in the Age of Sail resulted in impressment being most commonly associated with Britain.

Impressment practices included kidnapping and abducting men and putting them on board ships to serve as sailors by coercive techniques such as trickery, intimidation, violence, drugging, or by getting them drunk.  

Impressment was used by the Royal Navy since 1664 and during the 18th and early 19th centuries as a means of crewing warships.

In the early 18^th century – impressment was given legal sanction.

Impressment – wherein the British Crown had the right to capture men and force them into Naval Service – was passed by Acts of British Parliament in 1703 – and later in 1705, 1740 and 1779.

All “eligible” men of between the ages of 18 and 55 years were liable to impressment to serve on ships.

Impressment relied on the legal power of the King to call men to Naval/Military Service – and – as far as citizens were concerned – the failure to allow oneself to be “pressed” into service was punishable by hanging – although the punishment became less severe over time.

IMPRESSMENT PROCEDURE – THE “IMPRESS SERVICE” aka “PRESS GANGS”

Impressment was implemented by the “Impress Service” (colloquially called the “Press Gang”).

Gangs of Thugs – called “Press Gangs” – were engaged to enforce impressment.

“Press Gangs” were paid handsomely.

These “Press Gangs” physically rounded up and captured men from Pubs, Markets and other public places – often at night. They also trapped unwilling people by defrauding them or getting them drunk.

The “captured” men were taken on board ship and locked up until the ship sailed out to sea.

These “captured” men who were “pressed” into service would be on the high seas by the time their absence was noticed ashore.

Some of these “pressed” sailors later died due to worsening of the injuries sustained during their capture while others succumbed to the dreaded disease “scurvy”.

Appearance of the dreaded “Press Gangs” in an area could force men to flee from there.

“Press Gangs” were most active in the 17^th and 18^th centuries – in fact – laws were passed as late as 1835 to uphold impressment.

Of course – all Naval Officers were “volunteers” – and – so were “key” Seamen like Warrant Officers, Boatswains (Bosuns), Ratings etc.  – and – there were a few “volunteer” Sailors too (who were paid a bounty upon joining) – but – most of the “lower deck” comprised “pressed” men.

At the time of the Battle of Trafalgar more than half the Royal Navy’s 120,000 sailors were “pressed” men.

The Royal Navy also impressed seamen from Merchant Ships at sea.

However – this was done by individual warships – rather than by the “Impress Service”.

The impressment of seamen from American Merchant Ships by Royal Navy Warships caused serious tensions between Britain and the United States in the years leading up to the War of 1812.

Though the public opposed “Impressment” – the practice of impressment was repeatedly upheld by the courts as it was deemed vital to the strength of the Navy – and – by extension – to the survival of the British influence and realm.

Although no Foreigner could normally be “pressed” into Naval Service – they lost their protection if they married a British woman – or had worked on a Merchant ship.

In some exceptional cases – the British Government protected certain men from “impressment”– by issuing “Protections” against impressment – which the “protected” men had to carry on their person at all times.

But – in times of crisis – the Admiralty would order a “Hot Press” – which meant that no-one remained exempt from “impressment”.

In due course – the practice of “Impressment” became increasingly unpopular with the British Public.

On occasions – local officials acted against “Press Gangs” – sometimes – to the point of imprisoning officers from the Impressment Service – or – opposing them by force of arms.

However – the practice of “impressment” continued.

At the time of the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) more than half the Royal Navy’s 120,000 sailors were “pressed” men.

After the defeat of Napoleon in 1814 – Britain ended the practice the practice of “Impressment”.

However – in lieu of “Impressment” – they started the practice of “conscription”.

And – the practice of “conscription” was not limited to the Royal Navy – but covered all Armed Forces.

SHANGHAIING

Whereas “Press Gang” refers specifically to impressment practices adopted by the British Royal Navy – the term “Shanghai” is more generic in nature applying to the Merchant Navy and Foreign Navies.

“Shanghaiing” means to take someone against his will for compulsory service – especially on board a ship.

To “Shanghai” someone is to kidnap or trick them into working for you.

The traditional way to “Shanghai” someone is to drug him and put him on a ship.

When the person wakes up – the ship is at sea – and he has no choice but to get to work.

The practice of “Shanghaiing” dates back to the 1800’s when all ships were Sailing Ships.

In Nautical Parlance – “Shanghai” means to enroll or obtain (a sailor) for the crew of a ship by unscrupulous means – as by force or the use of liquor or drugs.

The nautical term “To Shanghai” may have its origins in view of the fact that Shanghai (China) was the most common destination of merchant ships for which such abducted sailors were forcibly conscripted by unscrupulous methods to collect crews for ships sailing from England/America to Shanghai which was considered the most long, risky and difficult sea voyage for which it was difficult to assemble crews since sailors were not willing to sail for such and long, hard and dangerous voyage.

Ships needed crews – but working conditions on ships were so bad that crews were often obtained by trickery, bribery, force and outright kidnapping – or by getting a man drunk till he passed out or by drugging him to sleep – and then – abducting him on board the ship. When the man woke up after a few hours the ship would be sailing on the high seas – and the hapless “Shanghaied” sailor could do nothing except complete the voyage.

The Captain of a ship would “shanghai” people when his ship was short of sailors.

The “shanghaied” person would wake up and find himself at sea – often on a long trip like to Shanghai, China.

“Shanghaiing” was made possible by the existence of Boarding Masters (aka “Crimps”) – whose job was to find crews for ships.

Boarding Masters were paid “by the body”.

So – Boarding Masters had a strong incentive to place as many “Sailors” on ships as possible.

This “Pay” was called “Blood Money”.

The most straightforward method for a “Crimp” to “shanghai” a sailor – was – to render him unconscious by getting him drunk – forge his signature on the ship’s papers – put the “shanghaied” sailor on the ship – and – pick up his “Blood Money”.  

Though nautical in origin – over the years – the meaning of the term “shanghai” has since become more generic.

Today – in broad terms – the word “Shanghai” means to induce or compel someone to do something by trickery.

The term “Shanghai” is also used for Non-Naval “abductions”.  

For example – if you trick your best friend into coming home with you so she can do your chores – you “Shanghai” her. 

EPILOGUE

In countries like India – due to huge population and rampant unemployment – you will always have plenty of “volunteers” seeking jobs as sailors in the Navy – so – there will be no need for stratagems like “impressment”, “press gang” and “shanghaiing”.

On the other hand – those nations which face a shortage of “volunteers” for military/naval service – these nations may have to resort to “conscription” – albeit – not the “Press Gang” type of “Impressment” which may not be acceptable in the “Human Rights” standards of today. 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved. 

Disclaimer:
1. This story is a spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
2. This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story is a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:
No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.
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