The attitudes of an individualistic and materialistic society that I notice almost daily, at times devastates my soul. I keep my own thoughts in check, as my environment pressures me to accept that my family and I are the most important people in the world. The perceived trials of a busy existence in the digital age have so many of us scrambling for position, scratching our way to every achievement and acquisition. What is all this busy-ness for? Comfort? Wealth? Longevity? Legacy? Or is it just a necessity for survival?
It's interesting to see how far we have travelled on the path away from real community. In real community, what hurts you hurts me. If you are not safe, how can I rest easy? You may say, that's how I feel about my 'community'....my church, my family, my country. I can see such communities clearly adopting a similar 'ubuntu' type ethos for those they care about, and in many ways, this is a step in the right direction. However, if we adopt self-sacrificial boundaries of faith, bloodline or nationality, it demonstrates collective, as well as individual, self-preservation and self-service.
I do think that some communities see the bigger picture. Some organisations are working towards objectives for ALL of humanity and for the most vulnerable. Most of all, it is inspiring to see individuals who are looking beyond themselves and those they hold dear, understanding that the world will not change as long as our attitudes and boundaries do not. As long as we continue to protect, insulate and enjoy comfort and stability, putting out of mind (with sympathy) those who have no chance at such a life, we will never accomplish anything of real value.
When we think of numbers like 1 million child refugees driven out of Syria, three quarters of whom are under 11, can we comprehend the magnitude of such a problem? Is it so far divorced from our busy life that we just cannot understand, or would acknowledgement of the problem have consequences so great that it is more palatable to continue in passivity? Around the world, the cancers of humanity- poverty, racial/social/gender inequality, slavery, human trafficking, conflict- perhaps do not brush up against our lives on a day to day basis. However, have we considered that many of the root causes of vulnerability and suffering are maintained by our need for comfort?
In order to maintain the status quo of our governments, corporations and systems, global inequality an absolute must. We throw our weight behind the government to protect our interests as citizens, and hope that our companies can deliver our products at an affordable price, regardless of how they achieve this. Consumer demand drives companies to find new ways to cut corners in developing economies. The political elite preach peace and prosperity while jostling for trade concessions designed to exploit. This is all for our comfort and prosperity.
How can we justify closed borders to refugees? Because they threaten us somehow? How can we learn about the most horrific suffering of fellow human beings, and go back to watching our favourite TV programme? How can I be content that my children are safe and healthy, when there are millions of children around the world that face untold horrors every day? They are my community. I am not content, I am disturbed through and through. Truth be told, I don't ever want to settle, as long as someone in my community is suffering.
 |
| A Syrian girl in Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan. Photo: UNHCR/O. Laban-Mattei |
