The Ethics of Using Cycle Rickshaws in India
— Snapshot — 1 min read
19 October 2013
Do you have qualms about paying another human to transport you around town? What about if he had only one good leg?!
I like using cycle rickshaws in Delhi. That was after I got over the "how inhumane is that in today's world?" and realized that instead of using other noisy, polluting means of transport (auto rickshaws/tuk tuks) I should be supporting the livelihoods of these guys. I got in this rickshaw and as we got moving, I saw that he was using his right hand and a stick tied to the right pedal along with his left leg to propel us forward. Instead of jumping out and feeling sorry for him, I paid Raju double.
India really challenges your ethical constructs and you can't help but smile at the perseverance of the less well-off.
