I gave away my heavy machinery to small local business owners as I migrate manufacturing out of the country. I chose not to sell it because these small businesses are really poor and struggling.

Ironically while engaging in high volume production here, it was also a period I encountered extreme racism.

Because the economy of the country was divided by race, there is reluctance to work with other races. You don’t see this in MNCs as foreign-based companies have their own culture and policies, nor do you see it in customer-based businesses in urban environments - but you would see it everywhere else.

For us, they hiked up the cost price 3x more, and it was a take it or leave it scenario. They would ask for cash payment because they would tell upfront they don’t trust your race. They would call derogatory names (i didn't even know some of these names until then). They would delay production, often the supplies would be ruined and I’ll have to buy more.

Once a maker refused to release the products unless I paid more and my friend of the same race stepped in to help speak the same language. I remember all the stuff was scattered on the floor and we had to pick it up one by one. I have hardened myself to ignore it all, but when my young local employee asked why we were begging this way, it broke my heart.

Over time manufacturing became really difficult. Covid19 lockdown shutdown most traditional small business and skill workers opted for gig economy to survive and I opted to migrate manufacturing. It has been a positive choice so far but requires funds and one reason why I take on many jobs (and I’m glad I am overcoming this on my own, rather than to beg).

The other bit of race-based economy in my country is that most financial facilities are allocated for the majorities, as affirmative action is for the majorities, not minorities. Openly seeking merits is a sensitive issue and one that can trigger “racial disharmony” and send you to prison.

There is racial quota of <5% for minorities. Ironically, when I walked into one of the agencies that manages the race I am boxed into, I was disqualified because I don’t look the same, practice the same culture nor speak the same language.

As I gave away the machines, these cost in thousands, the makers came in their old van humming loud noises. I can see bags of aluminum cans they collect to recycle for extra money as they open their van doors. They themselves are old. There were a lot of mixed emotions in them as they picked up the machines. I helped them carry it, gave them food and water and we didn’t talk about the past.

If there is one thing I’ve learnt, being treated like normal despite all the shortcomings, is rare and precious.

I did however tell them that the country I'm moving manufacturing to, digitizes a lot of things. Locally, 90% of small manufacturers do not have digital penetration here.

I hinted at Bitcoin i.e. “the money without exchange currencies where banks and govt won’t come after you” and they were excited. They are so old that they used to go to agents to exchange money for import/export business transactions. I don’t even know what that means and here I am bitching about banks.

I am nym here for my own safety, but feeling so much of emotions today and sharing this little part of me. These racism are only a fraction of what I’ve encountered. And all the more I feel why it’s so important for me to never treat someone else, as lowly I was made to feel

Maybe someday, like how the internet increased global exposure to people from undeserved communities to see what’s beyond them, I hope Bitcoin opens up global exposure to small businesses.

To see past their own limiting ideologies - because oftentimes, this is their biggest barrier.