A woman from Karnataka recently opened up about her unsettling experiences navigating social hierarchies in Bengaluru. Sharing her story on a prominent Reddit forum dedicated to life in the city, she recounted how deeply ingrained classism subtly manifests itself in daily interactions—a truth that became evident only after moving from a smaller, tier-2 town to the bustling urban sprawl of India’s tech capital.
Her account begins with a contrast she observed between two versions of herself—one that blended in effortlessly with the local culture and another that invited coldness and judgment. When dressed in modest traditional clothing and speaking the regional language, she encountered little resistance in her daily dealings, even with auto-rickshaw drivers. However, any sign of upward mobility in her appearance, such as Western attire or a more refined look, appeared to instantly change the way she was treated. The hostility was subtle but undeniable, and it made her question why a polished appearance would provoke resentment.
Her reflections pointed to a disheartening pattern—the more she seemed to represent success or privilege, the more friction she experienced from service workers. This disparity in treatment was not just uncomfortable but emotionally draining. What troubled her most was the realization that many from working-class backgrounds, especially daily wage earners and drivers, seemed to project their personal frustrations onto customers, especially those who looked affluent. According to her, there existed a complicated mix of entitlement and deep-seated insecurity in such interactions—and she confessed that constantly navigating this tension had left her emotionally exhausted.
"There’s this strange mix of entitlement and insecurity. I’m just tired," she concluded.
Bangaloreans Share Their Two Cents
The post struck a chord with many Bengaluru residents, who chimed in with their own perspectives. One user pointed out that such behavior is part of a larger urban phenomenon. In smaller towns, life tends to follow a more relaxed rhythm, with predictable routines and a more balanced work-life dynamic. But in major metropolitan areas like Bengaluru, the breakneck pace of life, rising costs, cutthroat competition, and collapsing infrastructure create an environment where patience and empathy are often the first casualties. According to this user, it’s this climate of economic pressure and survival anxiety that hardens people, particularly those in the lower socio-economic groups, robbing them of their gentler instincts.
Another commenter offered a broader take, suggesting that the issue isn’t unique to Bengaluru or any single city. Instead, it is rooted in how class perceptions are internalized across India. They recalled instances from their own life where seemingly harmless choices — like wearing perfume or being well-dressed — were seen as ostentatious or arrogant. To them, the deeper problem lies in the cultural conditioning many Indians grow up with, where appearance is often tied to moral judgment. From childhood classrooms to corporate offices, this ingrained bias against those who appear confident or affluent reflects an underlying societal discomfort with upward mobility.
In the end, the discussion served as a sobering reminder: urban development may bring growth and prosperity, but unless mindsets evolve, invisible class lines will continue to divide even the most progressive of cities.
Her account begins with a contrast she observed between two versions of herself—one that blended in effortlessly with the local culture and another that invited coldness and judgment. When dressed in modest traditional clothing and speaking the regional language, she encountered little resistance in her daily dealings, even with auto-rickshaw drivers. However, any sign of upward mobility in her appearance, such as Western attire or a more refined look, appeared to instantly change the way she was treated. The hostility was subtle but undeniable, and it made her question why a polished appearance would provoke resentment.
Her reflections pointed to a disheartening pattern—the more she seemed to represent success or privilege, the more friction she experienced from service workers. This disparity in treatment was not just uncomfortable but emotionally draining. What troubled her most was the realization that many from working-class backgrounds, especially daily wage earners and drivers, seemed to project their personal frustrations onto customers, especially those who looked affluent. According to her, there existed a complicated mix of entitlement and deep-seated insecurity in such interactions—and she confessed that constantly navigating this tension had left her emotionally exhausted.
"There’s this strange mix of entitlement and insecurity. I’m just tired," she concluded.
Bangaloreans Share Their Two Cents
The post struck a chord with many Bengaluru residents, who chimed in with their own perspectives. One user pointed out that such behavior is part of a larger urban phenomenon. In smaller towns, life tends to follow a more relaxed rhythm, with predictable routines and a more balanced work-life dynamic. But in major metropolitan areas like Bengaluru, the breakneck pace of life, rising costs, cutthroat competition, and collapsing infrastructure create an environment where patience and empathy are often the first casualties. According to this user, it’s this climate of economic pressure and survival anxiety that hardens people, particularly those in the lower socio-economic groups, robbing them of their gentler instincts.
Another commenter offered a broader take, suggesting that the issue isn’t unique to Bengaluru or any single city. Instead, it is rooted in how class perceptions are internalized across India. They recalled instances from their own life where seemingly harmless choices — like wearing perfume or being well-dressed — were seen as ostentatious or arrogant. To them, the deeper problem lies in the cultural conditioning many Indians grow up with, where appearance is often tied to moral judgment. From childhood classrooms to corporate offices, this ingrained bias against those who appear confident or affluent reflects an underlying societal discomfort with upward mobility.
In the end, the discussion served as a sobering reminder: urban development may bring growth and prosperity, but unless mindsets evolve, invisible class lines will continue to divide even the most progressive of cities.
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