Comments on: Zero rupee note that Indians can slip to corrupt officials who demand bribes http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Mon, 20 May 2013 02:16:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-706830 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-706830 @phrosty - Four pillars of free state being - legislature, executive, judiciary, free press. @phrosty – Four pillars of free state being – legislature, executive, judiciary, free press.

]]> By: thisisradionick http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-706835 thisisradionick Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-706835 Is this tactic effective because a culture of corruption expects honest officials to be on the take? I don't see this as being effective with truly corrupt officials who just want your money. I am not sure if this is just being cynical. I don't have any experience with corruption. Is this tactic effective because a culture of corruption expects honest officials to be on the take? I don’t see this as being effective with truly corrupt officials who just want your money. I am not sure if this is just being cynical. I don’t have any experience with corruption.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-708135 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-708135 "That probably wouldn't go over so well given terrorism fears." OBVIOUSLY that's the point. “That probably wouldn’t go over so well given terrorism fears.”

OBVIOUSLY that’s the point.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-707132 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-707132 In Afghanistan, a friend says, a strong arm family moved onto a farmer's land and built a building there, the farmer took the strong arm family to court and won with an honest judge, the strong arm family had to tear down the building ... and then they came in the night and hacked the farmer's son into pieces ... and now the court refuses to arrest or prosecute the strong arm family, saying the crime was unrelated to the court case. Just sayin, there are low levels, and there are high levels of corruption, and then there are high crimes and misdemeanors, even treason, in plain view. In Afghanistan, a friend says, a strong arm family moved onto a farmer’s land and built a building there, the farmer took the strong arm family to court and won with an honest judge, the strong arm family had to tear down the building … and then they came in the night and hacked the farmer’s son into pieces … and now the court refuses to arrest or prosecute the strong arm family, saying the crime was unrelated to the court case. Just sayin, there are low levels, and there are high levels of corruption, and then there are high crimes and misdemeanors, even treason, in plain view.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-707136 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-707136 Evil prevails only when good people fail to act. Evil prevails only when good people fail to act.

]]> By: Nobribe http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-707157 Nobribe Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-707157 Though symbolic, at least the Zero Rupee Note takes the fight to the door steps of the Corrupt Officials. Like any other idea, its success will depend upon how many people take to it. However beyond this, we need to be prepared to tackle Corruption as a problem just like health, education & poverty. Read my complete take on the 'Zero Rupee Note' way of fighting Corruption in India - http://www.nobribe.org/can-gandhigiri-solve-corruption . Please leave your comments and suggestions. Sanjay Uvach <a title="Corruption India| Indian Politics | Social Activism | New Bihar" href="http://www.nobribe.org/category/corruption">Corruption in India</a> Though symbolic, at least the Zero Rupee Note takes the fight to the door steps of the Corrupt Officials. Like any other idea, its success will depend upon how many people take to it. However beyond this, we need to be prepared to tackle Corruption as a problem just like health, education & poverty. Read my complete take on the ‘Zero Rupee Note’ way of fighting Corruption in India – http://www.nobribe.org/can-gandhigiri-solve-corruption . Please leave your comments and suggestions.

Sanjay Uvach
Corruption in India

]]> By: holtt http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-706663 holtt Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-706663 Perhaps we can create fake cameras (no film, no digital card). People can "take" pictures of police, buildings and other "no-no" topics. But they aren't actually taking a picture. Perhaps we can create fake cameras (no film, no digital card). People can “take” pictures of police, buildings and other “no-no” topics. But they aren’t actually taking a picture.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-707435 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-707435 I think the point of these zero rupee notes are as follows: 1. Bribery is a serious crime in India, if someone rats you out. At the very least, you could lose your gravy train job. 2. Anyone who bothers to use a zero rupee note to bribe you is pissed off that you're asking for a bribe. The kind of pissed that may result in them tattling on you to the authorities. 3. The actual shock value and reminder of ideals of good governance. This last point is probably the least important, but when someone gets these notes, they are doing the total mental calculation: How much trouble to help this person vs how much trouble this person could get me in. In most cases it'sprobably an easy decision to help them, and pretend the whole thing never happened (while still demanding a bribe of the next person to come along). I think the point of these zero rupee notes are as follows:

1. Bribery is a serious crime in India, if someone rats you out. At the very least, you could lose your gravy train job.

2. Anyone who bothers to use a zero rupee note to bribe you is pissed off that you’re asking for a bribe. The kind of pissed that may result in them tattling on you to the authorities.

3. The actual shock value and reminder of ideals of good governance.

This last point is probably the least important, but when someone gets these notes, they are doing the total mental calculation: How much trouble to help this person vs how much trouble this person could get me in. In most cases it’sprobably an easy decision to help them, and pretend the whole thing never happened (while still demanding a bribe of the next person to come along).

]]> By: nanuq http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-706669 nanuq Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-706669 "Perhaps we can create fake cameras (no film, no digital card). People can "take" pictures of police, buildings and other "no-no" topics. But they aren't actually taking a picture." That probably wouldn't go over so well given terrorism fears. “Perhaps we can create fake cameras (no film, no digital card). People can “take” pictures of police, buildings and other “no-no” topics. But they aren’t actually taking a picture.”

That probably wouldn’t go over so well given terrorism fears.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-707437 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-707437 Currencies of most countries in the world, including the 0 dollar are on www.zerocurrency.org Currencies of most countries in the world, including the 0 dollar are on http://www.zerocurrency.org

]]> By: greengestalt http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-706685 greengestalt Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-706685 America's problem isn't so much bribable officials as overbearing ones and countless monopolistic ones heaping on fictional "Service" charges. However, there are "Zoning Hitlers" who demand bribes of US$1000 to build doghouses, etc. that might get freaked by it. America’s problem isn’t so much bribable officials as overbearing ones and countless monopolistic ones heaping on fictional “Service” charges.

However, there are “Zoning Hitlers” who demand bribes of US$1000 to build doghouses, etc. that might get freaked by it.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-707205 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-707205 This is a good ideal. I think I'll support the Republican Party (and other politicans) with my $0 check. And tell them that they may get more if they actually represent me... I wonder if the $0 check is tax deductable. This is a good ideal. I think I’ll support the Republican Party (and other politicans) with my $0 check. And tell them that they may get more if they actually represent me… I wonder if the $0 check is tax deductable.

]]> By: Hawley http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-706698 Hawley Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-706698 the article does not mention all those who were either beaten or killed for trying to pay bribes with this zero rupee note. the article does not mention all those who were either beaten or killed for trying to pay bribes with this zero rupee note.

]]> By: kmoser http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-707210 kmoser Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-707210 <blockquote>Where is my $0 bill?</blockquote> Here in the US we call them "Canadian Dollars."

Where is my $0 bill?

Here in the US we call them “Canadian Dollars.”

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-706700 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-706700 <blockquote>the article does not mention all those who were either beaten or killed for trying to pay bribes with this zero rupee note.</blockquote> Links? Examples? Just making shit up?

the article does not mention all those who were either beaten or killed for trying to pay bribes with this zero rupee note.

Links? Examples? Just making shit up?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-706702 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-706702 Economically, what's the difference between a "bribe" and a legitimate fee for service? Economically, what’s the difference between a “bribe” and a legitimate fee for service?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-706703 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-706703 @5 It doesn't mention unicorns or fairies either. What's your point? @5

It doesn’t mention unicorns or fairies either. What’s your point?

]]> By: SDeerwester http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-707736 SDeerwester Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-707736 A number of commenters have said things to the effect "I don't think that this should have worked, based on my understanding of how culture works." (With some adding something like "Stupid people." thereafter). Maybe a more fruitful way to respond would be "In my understanding of culture, this wouldn't have worked so well. What a great opportunity to see how another, very different culture works, and learn something new!" There's a lot of interesting cultures out there, and windows into them really are great opportunities. A number of commenters have said things to the effect “I don’t think that this should have worked, based on my understanding of how culture works.” (With some adding something like “Stupid people.” thereafter). Maybe a more fruitful way to respond would be “In my understanding of culture, this wouldn’t have worked so well. What a great opportunity to see how another, very different culture works, and learn something new!” There’s a lot of interesting cultures out there, and windows into them really are great opportunities.

]]> By: Phrosty http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-706729 Phrosty Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-706729 5th Pillar, the cheap knockoff of 5th Column? 5th Pillar, the cheap knockoff of 5th Column?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-706996 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-706996 This is cool! Where can I get a large quantity of these printed in US dollars? This is cool! Where can I get a large quantity of these printed in US dollars?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-706759 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-706759 Bet this pairs nicely with that Zimbabwean $100 trillion note. http://boingboing.net/2009/01/16/zimbabwean-100-trill.html Bet this pairs nicely with that Zimbabwean $100 trillion note. http://boingboing.net/2009/01/16/zimbabwean-100-trill.html

]]> By: Afterthought http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-707275 Afterthought Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-707275 Totally awesome. Fight the power. Totally awesome.

Fight the power.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-707278 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-707278 #14, the answer to your question is "yes". It works because you have a system where large numbers of basically honest people work in a government system where bribery has become commonplace and it reminds them of who they are and what they should be doing. Very few "corrupt" officials actually see themselves as corrupt, they see themselves as honest, hardworking people working in jobs where "gratuities" are part of the job. There is a whole field of psychology devoted to how people convince themselves to do bad things by rationalizing them as good, but the easy lesson to get is that, unless they are crazy, people usually think of themselves as good people who make the right choices. Heck, if you actually thought of yourself as a bad person who did evil things, it would probably drive you crazy. #14, the answer to your question is “yes”. It works because you have a system where large numbers of basically honest people work in a government system where bribery has become commonplace and it reminds them of who they are and what they should be doing. Very few “corrupt” officials actually see themselves as corrupt, they see themselves as honest, hardworking people working in jobs where “gratuities” are part of the job.

There is a whole field of psychology devoted to how people convince themselves to do bad things by rationalizing them as good, but the easy lesson to get is that, unless they are crazy, people usually think of themselves as good people who make the right choices. Heck, if you actually thought of yourself as a bad person who did evil things, it would probably drive you crazy.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-707291 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-707291 "...reports from the field suggest that they shock grafters into honesty." Really? If you're bribing an official, aren't you doing so to gain access or avoid hassle? Why wouldn't they just crumble these up, arrest you FOR bribing with counterfeit bills, and/or make life worse for you? And #5, I think #4 was speaking rhetorically. “…reports from the field suggest that they shock grafters into honesty.”

Really? If you’re bribing an official, aren’t you doing so to gain access or avoid hassle? Why wouldn’t they just crumble these up, arrest you FOR bribing with counterfeit bills, and/or make life worse for you?
And #5, I think #4 was speaking rhetorically.

]]> By: Sork http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-706780 Sork Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-706780 Why not phish for more? Congratulations! This document entitles you a bribe of $5'000'000 (FIVE MILLION US DOLLAR). Please provide your full name, phone and contact address to Mr. Nicholas Igeria at the Very Trustful Bank Inc. (n.igeria.3745@scam.co.uk) Why not phish for more?

Congratulations! This document entitles you a bribe of $5’000’000 (FIVE MILLION US DOLLAR). Please provide your full name, phone and contact address to Mr. Nicholas Igeria at the Very Trustful Bank Inc. (n.igeria.3745@scam.co.uk)

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-973789 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-973789 its very good policy for remove corruption in India its very good policy for remove corruption in India

]]> By: LeFunk http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-706783 LeFunk Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-706783 do they make gift cards? do they make gift cards?

]]> By: Hanglyman http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-707051 Hanglyman Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-707051 I know that they sort of explain why these zero rupee notes would shock corrupt officials, but it seems sort of farfetched to me... the examples they list bring to mind a vampire hissing and recoiling in fear from a brandished cross. I know that they sort of explain why these zero rupee notes would shock corrupt officials, but it seems sort of farfetched to me… the examples they list bring to mind a vampire hissing and recoiling in fear from a brandished cross.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/05/zero-rupee-note-that.html#comment-706810 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-706810 Where is my $0 bill? Where is my $0 bill?

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