A contemperary angle of historical substance

You know exactly how they go, those employment ads. First it's a bunch of things that you're supposed to be that you're not, then things they offer than you don't really want, but they're masked for appeal and you think "Hm, that sounds fun", and then after you apply and wait, and try to imagine a life having that job, getting used to the idea you get a letter of refusal and you get a bit upset, but keep in mind what they're really asking for. Either way, I read the most darling article in the latest edition of Världens Historia. addressing the Middle Ages from this angle. I will let you non Swedish speakers enjoy part of it.

Want to experiance the world? Lego soldier

We offer: A varied job with lots of travels and excitement every day. Your pay is based on your results with a possibility of great bonuses during intense periods.

We demand that you

- can work independently and in groups

- that you're in good physical shape and that you're not afraid of chipping in

- that you bring your own shoes, spear and shield.

Then there's a little text informing you of what life was supposedly like for these soildiers. See, anything can be sold with the right PR agency.

Are you outdoorsy? Farmer (not fully true, but I don't want to use the politically incorrect term)

We offer a routine imprinted 96 hours working week with a lot of fresh air, flogging and abuse.

We demand that you

- bring your family

- are honest and duteous

- are ambitious and sustainable

Again, a text about the lives of those who were far down on the social latter. I'm probably a horrible person but the "we offer" part really made me laugh. Not even for that part could they find good selling points, but then again we all have our preferences of how we should be treated.

Tired of working 9-5? Nightman (honestly, I don't know what the correct English term is.)

We offer an exciting job from midnight to early morning. You'll get your own horse and carrige with barrel and plenty of exercise. You will also be living with your colleagues.

We demand that you

- bring your own shovel and bucket

- that you're not afraid to get dirty

- that you have good nightvision

So what did they do? They emptied the latrines. Both public and private during the night by candle light. They made twice as much money as a journeyman, but they stunk so badly they couldn't live among others. Talk about a crap job. But like my late father used to say "People will do just about anything for money, some even work".

Naturally there were other jobs as well, but knowing my luck I'd end up as one of those three. Luckily for me times have changed a bit. Here at least.

Unfortunatly, I choke on my own giggles at the nightman employment ad when I remember the caste system, and how by default this profession still exists, while the Portugese were the ones that introduced a caste system, it still lives on. I hope it isn't news to you that toilets aren't a common man possession in India and they still have human beings collecting human feces. As European countries withdrew, moved on and hopefully moved on some of the bad ideas live on.

Feudalism was from a humanitarian point of view a disaster from beginning to end. Too bad we haven't fully reached the end of it. The idea that one person can be worth more than another based on their heritage physically disgusts me. We're all worthy of the same respect no matter who or what you are. Even if you're stupid I'll respect you based on being human, but that doesn't mean I don't get a laugh or two out of the things you say. No offense.