Question: Who Has Rights in This Situation?
Aparna Jairam (a high-tech employee in India) isn't trying to steal your job (you're a high-tech U.S. employee). That's what she tells me, and I believe her. But if Jairam does end up taking it-and, let's face facts, she could do your $70,000-a-year (U.S.) job for the wages of a Taco Bell counter-jockey-she won't lose any sleep over your plight. When I ask what her advice is for a beleaguered American programmer afraid of being pulled under by the global tide that she represents, Jairam takes the high road, neither dismissing the concern nor offering soothing happy talk. Instead, she recites a portion of the 2,000-year-old epic poem and Hindu holy book, the Bhagavad Gita: "Do what you're supposed to do. And don't worry about the fruits. They'll come on their own."
1. Do you agree with Aparna? Why or why not? Please explain.
2. On what, if any, ethical grounds could you either justify or reject her assessment? Explain.