I know that this essay will arouse some antagonisms but it has been in my mind for several months and it must now be dictated, regardless of the outcome. The essay here will have to do with the best workers, and those who seem to enjoy life in the fullest.
According to my estimates, the best workers in the world come from Costa Rica. I know that there will be yowls that say that we have been short-changed, but in my humble opinion the hardest working people come from Costa Rica.
Our grass is cut by Costa Ricans, including a man who is now in his 64th year who leads a crew. Our house was painted by Costa Ricans who did a remarkable job. In the winter, snow is shoveled by Costa Ricans. Our home is cleaned by a Costa Rican woman. When there is file work that has fallen behind, my wife employs a Costa Rican woman to do her filing. Simply put, if I had to name a choice for the hardest working people, I would be obliged to say that the Costa Ricans win that title. This is done with no disparagement of any other race or culture. If you ever have a chance to hire a Costa Rican, perhaps you will see what I have in mind.
Now the second category has to do with the people who seem to enjoy themselves the most. Without a doubt, in my humble opinion, that title is won by the Jamaicans.
When I go to the Whole Foods Market in Millburn, I am welcomed by the men in the produce department who cheer me up by their banter. There is Paul Byfield, Allrick Simmons and his brother Garth, and Owen Gaynor, who is now a baker. On many occasions I have entered that market in a mood that is less than exuberant but by the time I leave, the Jamaicans engage me in their banter and I am hooked and feel better.
Jamaicans are tough on anyone who is not present at the moment. They will say, for example, that their comrade is not present today because the probation officer came to visit him.
When it comes to European style football, there is an enormous argument between the Jamaicans and the Italians. Gregorio Russo, another produce employee, points to the World Cup that reminds the Jamaicans that they have won nothing of that sort. But all of this is done in good fun and by the time I proceed through the produce department and go to the fish counter, my spirits are usually uplifted. How in the world can you knock a place that makes you feel better, even if it is only a grocery store?
And so it is that I submit that Costa Ricans are the hardest working and the Jamaicans as most joyous about life. If there are other entries as the hardest working and the most joyous people, I will be glad to consider them. But for the moment I am pleased with my choice of the Costa Ricans as the hardest working people and the Jamaicans as those who enjoy life more than anyone else.
E. E. CARR
July 28, 2009
Essay 403
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Kevin’s commentary: This is going to come off as a little smart-alecky, probably because it is a little smart-alecky, but so is Pop so I think it’s all fair. Ezra wonders how one could possibly knock a grocery store that makes him feel better — it’s fortunate that I have two essays on hand to help him answer that question!
On topic, the Jamaicans should be content in being the fastest runners around. Soccer is boring as all hell but when you run, at least you get somewhere.