DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I can’t stand when I’m in an American supermarket and overhear someone complain out loud about how there’s nothing on the shelves just because their favorite brand isn’t available, but the shelves are otherwise completely stocked with alternatives.
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Then there’s when any kind of weather event is forecast that might mean people will be unable to get out to the grocery store for up to a whole day or two. It’s not just panic buying I see. Hoarding kicks in and you just know a lot of what gets panic-purchased is going to go bad and be chucked out in the trash.
In my time with the Red Cross I have been in many countries where there is NEVER enough food to feed the starving, clean water to drink, clothing to wear.
I know Americans can be generous and thoughtful, but they are as a whole ignorant of how much of the rest of the world struggles to survive. And a lot of us conveniently forget there’s raging poverty and need within our own borders.
If I had my way, instead of kids graduating high school and going straight off to college, every capable high school grad would put in at least one year living and working in a part of the country or somewhere in the world where life is not easy and doing without is the harsh reality even before disasters strike.
This may make me sound like a hard*ss, but if more people knew the hard facts of life outside their bubble, the world would be a better place. --- A DIFFERENT WORLDVIEW
DEAR A DIFFERENT WORLDVIEW: Sometimes it’s good to be reminded of what it’s too easy to forget when things are going smoothly overall and our basic needs and wants are readily met.
Thank you and all the men and women, of all ages, who step up to help those living with conditions most of us can’t readily imagine.
I like your idea of having young people venture out to live and serve in a larger, more struggling part of the country or abroad.
What they potentially gain in understanding and compassion could, in even a small way, change the world for the better.