You know, I think I've narrowed down my single biggest problem with the world at present, more specifically the Western world, but its applicable across the board: ungrateful. To be more blunt about it, a complete and total lack of f*cking gratitude for what you have. Do you have a secure job? Then be grateful. Do you have your own apartment or house? Then be grateful. Do you have a loving family? Then be grateful. Do you have food in your fridge and pantry? Then be grateful. Do you have clothes in your closet? Then be grateful. Do you have access to healthcare, education and clean water? Then be grateful. Can you walk down the street in safety? Then be grateful. Because you know what? That is more than what well over 2 billion other people on this planet can say.
It's estimated that around 1.7 billion people live in absolute poverty today. That is to say, a complete lack of basic human needs such as shelter, nutrition, clothing, healthcare, education, and clean water. To count the number of people on this planet living in relative poverty using Western standards as the base line would easily include well over half the world's population. In the Congo, many women can't even walk out to their fields to collect grain without being raped. In Cambodia many children cannot go play in the fields for fear of landmines. Many developing countries see entire extended families living together in a shelter the size of the average North American kitchen. You want to see gratitude for the most meagre possession or the smallest of kind gestures? Talk to those people.
Then you come to the Western World, home of most of the richest countries and highest standards of living on the planet, and what do you see? People complaining that their neighbour has a more expensive car than themselves. That another has a bigger house. That another has more expensive clothes. You see mass social conditioning to always want more. Why settle for an air mattress when you can have the King sized suite? Why settle for a Mazda when you can get a Porshe? Why settle for a 20$ dress when you can have Chanel? People become trained to always crave something bigger and better. People become jealous of their friends, family, and neighbours when they get things that they perceive as nicer than their own. It has gotten to the point, where people will have full conversations about a total stranger, criticizing them for their lifestyle. Why? Is it jealousy? Is it greed? Who knows.. One thing I do know however, is that if these people would just take a minute out of their lives, and really stop and think about what they have, they would have far less of those conversations.
That isn't to say that having nice or expensive things is something bad or something to feel guilty over. On the contrary, a high price tag on items is usually a sign that you have done well for yourself in some capacity. You should be proud of your accomplishments and thankful for what you have. The problem is when people lose track of their priorities; when they starting getting nice and expensive things all the time, start getting a big pay cheques, start living in the luxurious neighbourhood. They lose track of what is truly important. How many times have we heard about mansion foreclosures and former big-named celebrities going bankrupt?
My point is, when you live in one of the richest countries in the world, never have to worry about any basic need, have more food and clothes than you know what to do with, and have the money to buy yourself anything you could ever need, why on earth would you start bitching that someone else, who may or may not be in a better situation than you, is getting some money, or clothes, or a car, which again, may or may not be more than that what you have? I know this is a crazy far out idea, but try maybe being happy for them?! I can't even count how many times I've heard someone complaining about someone else going on vacation in Mexico. Complaining that it, "must be nice to have that kind of money" or "wonder what she did to deserve that" or else just start gossiping and make up blatantly false statements to justify their jealousy. You know what? Maybe her father died and left her some money? Maybe that family went without any holidays for a year to afford that trip? Maybe that student slept on couches and ate ramen noodles and sandwiches to afford travelling across Europe? Or maybe that man grew up poor and just works really hard for his money?
If people would just stop bitching and complaining, take a look around, and show some f*cking gratitude for what they have, the world would be a much better place. And who knows, maybe if you start being truly grateful for the things you have, and be thankful for the kindness and generosity of others, maybe, just maybe, you will start to see 'rewards' come your way too.
No comments:
Post a Comment