What Women Are Useful For

While observing an inspection operation, these two women walked by with loads of bricks on their heads.  They were helping to build a new office area within the shop.  I asked the photographer to snap this picture for me. 

One of my Indian associates commented something to the effect that 'women are useful' for such things.  I wish I could remember the whole quote, but his statement sounded a bit strange to my Western ear. 

I later related the incident to a new Indian friend, whom I met at church.  George didn't seem too enthusiastic about the generalization I was trying to draw.  He noted that women are doing all manner of jobs today in India.  Yet, I understand that there is a whole caste of women who earn their livings by carrying heavy loads on their heads.   They must have very strong necks.

I suppose therefore that if companies chose to use alternate methods of moving material, which I would consider more efficient, then unemployment would result.  We Americans are constantly amazed at how attractively Indian women maintain their appearance even when living in what westerners consider primitive conditions. Their colorful outfits somehow appear to stay clean even in these harsh jobs.  The beauty that God has vested in these ladies shows through the heavy labor.