" Why does it always feel like we’re competing for resources in this country? In a land of plenty we sometimes act like we’re battling to survive when many of us aren’t even close to the “edge.”
My theory is if everybody takes what they need there’s usually a lot left for people to share (or save/cultivate/preserve/grow). Even when it comes down to samples in grocery stores I’ve almost been run over by shopping carts for a slice of cheese on a saltine cracker. We seem to have this interesting mentality about how much we need versus how much we want. Also a feeling that somehow, if you don’t take more than your share of things, you’re not getting enough. How much is enough? How much it too much?
I see this sort of mentality can applying to lots of things. Privilege. Affirmative Action. Welfare. Scholarships. Taxes. Health Care.
At some point it makes you stop and think. I mean we are so worried about somebody getting our resources that we put exceeding amounts of cash, time and energy into locking in our “security.” But at whose expense?
Is paying more for jails, weapons, deportation centers, border control and national security really keeping us safe? Or are we even stronger when we recognize (and invest in) our own interdependence? I mean, we’re all connected, right?
Sometimes, it occurs to me that the advice we give to children is precisely what we ourselves need to hear.
“Treat others as you’d like to be treated”
“Sharing is caring”
“Be considerate… Be respectful” "
- From my girl, Aisha
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