Editor Note by Shahbod Noori
When Some People Think the World Owes Them Something
After several weeks of writing about war, politics, and serious social issues, I thought we could all use a little laughter.
So this week, let’s talk about a familiar phenomenon that many of us have encountered at least once:
“Do you have any idea who I am?!”
This famous sentence usually appears when someone believes the world has failed to recognize their extraordinary importance.
Imagine a man walking into a restaurant.
There are no available tables.
The host politely explains, “I’m sorry, sir. There will be a short wait.”
Suddenly, the man’s expression changes. His eyebrows rise, his voice gets louder, and out comes the historic question:
“Do you have any idea who I am?”
Poor host!
He manages restaurant reservations, not the Department of Motor Vehicles!
He probably wants to say, “No, sir, but if you give me your name, I’ll gladly check the reservation list!”
Unfortunately, this behavior isn’t limited to restaurants.
We encounter it in stores, banks, parking lots, parties, cultural events, and sometimes even in line at the bakery.
One person announces, “I’ve been a customer here for twenty years!”
Another declares, “I know everybody in this town!”
A third proudly says, “I own several companies!”
And then comes the ultimate trump card:
“I own a media company!”
Congratulations!
But owning a media company does not mean you also own the restaurant’s tables, your neighbor’s parking space, or everybody else’s time.
I have worked in the media business for decades. If I announced “Do you know who I am?” every time I stood in line, half of Los Angeles would probably have been forced to examine my driver’s license by now!
Some people also believe the size of their bank account determines how much respect they deserve.
They have enormous houses, expensive cars, designer clothes, and watches worth thousands of dollars.
Yet they speak to waiters, employees, and drivers as though those people were born specifically to serve them.
My dear friend, your watch may cost $50,000, but that employee’s time is valuable, too.
Your car may be the latest luxury model, but the right of way at an intersection is still determined by the traffic light, not the price of your automobile!
And then there are those unforgettable people at parties.
They haven’t even sat down before the introductions begin:
“I had dinner with so-and-so.”
“That celebrity is a close friend of mine.”
“I have his private phone number.”
“One phone call from me, and I can get anything done!”
Sometimes I’m tempted to ask:
“Wonderful! Could you use that same phone call to get us a glass of water?”
Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wealth, fame, professional success, or influential friends.
Many successful Iranian Americans have worked incredibly hard to achieve their goals. They remain humble, generous, and eager to help others.
The problem begins when people confuse success with human superiority.
Having more money does not make you more important than the person serving your dinner.
Being famous does not mean you should skip the line.
Owning a business or a publication does not give you permission to look down on others.
One of the valuable lessons of living in America is that, in many everyday situations, the same rules are supposed to apply to everyone.
Of course, some of us are still searching for our own private entrance!
We Iranians take pride in our hospitality, generosity, and respect for others. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we extended that same respect to people who aren’t wealthy, famous, or in a position to do us a favor?
Real respect isn’t demonstrated by bowing before someone powerful.
It is demonstrated by treating a janitor, waiter, driver, or ordinary employee with the same dignity you would offer a millionaire.
Perhaps we should occasionally ask ourselves a simple question:
If tomorrow we lost our money, titles, fame, and influential connections, would anyone still want to sit down and have a cup of tea with us?
If the answer is yes, congratulations!
But if people respect us only because of our bank accounts or influence, perhaps we should invest a little more in our character before purchasing our next luxury car.
And finally, if someone angrily asks you:
“DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?!”
Please be polite.
Perhaps the poor person is genuinely having trouble remembering!
Just smile and say:
“Unfortunately, no. But don’t worry. If you have your driver’s license, we can figure it out together!”
— Shahbod Noori
Editor-in-Chief
Tehran International Weekly Magazine