Americans are a compassionate people--we'll do anything we can to save those who are in immediate danger. That proves it. Key word: immediate. We don't do so well addressing chronic needs--especially those that result from systemic barriers. In those cases, we blame the victims--they should be able to, literally, save themselves! Yah, in some ways it's kind of bass akwards. But chronic needs aren't sexy in the same way that rescuing deepsea explorers is. We can turn our backs on chronic needs. We can't turn our backs when the whole world is watching to find out the fate of five privileged men. The stories of the Titanic and the Titan are the kinds of stories that capture our imaginations. That's not necessarily a bad thing--unless we devote so much mindspace to them that there's no room to address our real problems. I agree--it's long past time for us as a nation to have really deep, meaningful conversations about our values.
Oh well said, Evelyn. Chronic, society, and basic survival needs are definitely rarely framed as sexy unless there's some sort of hero-movie/book plot. I like the part about capturing imaginations, too. Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I appreciate that - I think it's time to have meaningful conversations about values, too. - Vanessa
Beth, thank you so much for that. That's what I was hoping for. I appreciate the gratitude, too... this one took some deeper intention and care than some posts. It hits close to home. Take care - Vanessa
Americans are a compassionate people--we'll do anything we can to save those who are in immediate danger. That proves it. Key word: immediate. We don't do so well addressing chronic needs--especially those that result from systemic barriers. In those cases, we blame the victims--they should be able to, literally, save themselves! Yah, in some ways it's kind of bass akwards. But chronic needs aren't sexy in the same way that rescuing deepsea explorers is. We can turn our backs on chronic needs. We can't turn our backs when the whole world is watching to find out the fate of five privileged men. The stories of the Titanic and the Titan are the kinds of stories that capture our imaginations. That's not necessarily a bad thing--unless we devote so much mindspace to them that there's no room to address our real problems. I agree--it's long past time for us as a nation to have really deep, meaningful conversations about our values.
Oh well said, Evelyn. Chronic, society, and basic survival needs are definitely rarely framed as sexy unless there's some sort of hero-movie/book plot. I like the part about capturing imaginations, too. Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I appreciate that - I think it's time to have meaningful conversations about values, too. - Vanessa
This is a thought-provoking piece. Thanks for creating and sharing.
Beth, thank you so much for that. That's what I was hoping for. I appreciate the gratitude, too... this one took some deeper intention and care than some posts. It hits close to home. Take care - Vanessa