An old buddy whom I used to hang out with for a while here in US has recently gone to Iran for a short visit. A while ago, he once told me that he knows how to play Tonbak but he did not have an instrument with him here. Today, I sent him a very friendly email, asking him how he’s doing and mentioned that he should bring a Tonbak with himself from Iran.
I literary said (translated):
“I really need a Tonbak player! I think we could have a lot of fun playing together!”
And his response (translated):
“Are you bringing me so much down that you tell me you need a Tonbak player so that we can play together? I think this is an issue with the western world that people are being looked as a tool. “
He thinks (and describes it as an issue with the “western world”) that I am looking at him as a tool and trying to take advantage of him when I said “I need a Tonbak player”.
What I was trying to say was in fact exactly what I said… I do need someone whom I can play music with. And that someone could as well enjoy playing with me. How’s this selfish or wrong?
This is one of the many issues that I have been having recently with the people I am close to. Specially my Iranian friend/relatives.
