(no subject)
So I have been thinking, which usually means I have too much time on my hands, but this time it is because I have realized there is a huge injustice going on. My generation is putting our forefathers to shame. Think about it. Think about our great grandparents, our grandparents even our parents. When they saw an injustice they did something about it. They fought for civil rights, women’s rights and equal opportunity for everyone. They have shaped our country. What have we done? Fought over song lyrics, whether it is okay to curse, exploit sex and glorify drinking and drug use?
We are showing future generations that it is okay to degrade women based on size and shape, drop out of school, and disrespect our parents, teachers, law enforcement officers and each other. We sit at home and watch violent movies, TV shows and anything that has to do with sex. We encourage women to be proud of the term “baby’s momma” instead of holding the men responsible for the lives that they helped create. The cars in the parking lots of the Social Services buildings are Escalades, Hummers and other vehicles that hard working people can only dream about.
Yes, some people need help getting on their feet, but most people are using the system as a crutch. The jails are filled with people who have killed senselessly for what? Someone looked at you the wrong way? They had something that you wanted. We have decided that it is ok to take what you want no matter the cost. How is that what our ancestors fought for? We have men and women overseas fighting, sacrificing their lives to try and better the lives of others. While back in the States people are sacrificing other lives so they can have what they feel they deserve. I was raised to believe we only deserve what we work for. I work hard to pay for the gas in my old car, to pay too much for a small apartment and to put food on my table. I am proud to say that I can do that, to say that yes, I have paid my bills this month without putting myself further into debt. When did it become okay to drive the most expensive car, live in the most expensive house and fill that house with the most expensive gadgets at the expense of our well being?
The real injustice is who we are hurting. Look around you. How many times have you seen children wearing clothes full of holes, shoes that are too small and inhaling their free school lunch because it is probably the only decent meal they will receive that day? How many times have you seen young women eight months pregnant working a minimum wage job so that they could afford to live? How many times have you spoken crossly to someone at a store, fast food joint or information booth? Did you once stop to think that that person was working at their second, or maybe third job just trying to get on their feet? Or did you just walk out cursing because you did not get what you wanted five minutes before you wanted it. When did it become okay to look away or change the channel when you saw something you did not like? Why did we stop taking a stand for what we believe in? Why are we going out and spending money we do not have on things we do not need, while there are people our there who cannot afford to buy the things they need to live.
Look around you there are people in your community who are starving. Why can’t we take the time to volunteer somewhere? That is right, volunteer, that nine letter word that means you do something for someone without getting paid for it. Why not donate food, or money to food banks and homeless shelters. Lend a hand with Habitat for Humanity, help someone get on their feet. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. Not everyone is looking for a handout, some people are just looking for a hand.
The only way we are going to make this world a safer, better place is if we start in our own backyard. I have been without medical care, adequate food an adequate place to live, and in debt. Luckily I have a wonderful family who was able to help me get back on my feet. Not everyone has that advantage. Get out there! Take a stand! Stick your hand out and help someone get up off their knees. You won’t be paid, you won’t receive instant gratification but you will gain a sense of pride in your community, your country, your fellow man and most importantly, yourself.
We are showing future generations that it is okay to degrade women based on size and shape, drop out of school, and disrespect our parents, teachers, law enforcement officers and each other. We sit at home and watch violent movies, TV shows and anything that has to do with sex. We encourage women to be proud of the term “baby’s momma” instead of holding the men responsible for the lives that they helped create. The cars in the parking lots of the Social Services buildings are Escalades, Hummers and other vehicles that hard working people can only dream about.
Yes, some people need help getting on their feet, but most people are using the system as a crutch. The jails are filled with people who have killed senselessly for what? Someone looked at you the wrong way? They had something that you wanted. We have decided that it is ok to take what you want no matter the cost. How is that what our ancestors fought for? We have men and women overseas fighting, sacrificing their lives to try and better the lives of others. While back in the States people are sacrificing other lives so they can have what they feel they deserve. I was raised to believe we only deserve what we work for. I work hard to pay for the gas in my old car, to pay too much for a small apartment and to put food on my table. I am proud to say that I can do that, to say that yes, I have paid my bills this month without putting myself further into debt. When did it become okay to drive the most expensive car, live in the most expensive house and fill that house with the most expensive gadgets at the expense of our well being?
The real injustice is who we are hurting. Look around you. How many times have you seen children wearing clothes full of holes, shoes that are too small and inhaling their free school lunch because it is probably the only decent meal they will receive that day? How many times have you seen young women eight months pregnant working a minimum wage job so that they could afford to live? How many times have you spoken crossly to someone at a store, fast food joint or information booth? Did you once stop to think that that person was working at their second, or maybe third job just trying to get on their feet? Or did you just walk out cursing because you did not get what you wanted five minutes before you wanted it. When did it become okay to look away or change the channel when you saw something you did not like? Why did we stop taking a stand for what we believe in? Why are we going out and spending money we do not have on things we do not need, while there are people our there who cannot afford to buy the things they need to live.
Look around you there are people in your community who are starving. Why can’t we take the time to volunteer somewhere? That is right, volunteer, that nine letter word that means you do something for someone without getting paid for it. Why not donate food, or money to food banks and homeless shelters. Lend a hand with Habitat for Humanity, help someone get on their feet. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. Not everyone is looking for a handout, some people are just looking for a hand.
The only way we are going to make this world a safer, better place is if we start in our own backyard. I have been without medical care, adequate food an adequate place to live, and in debt. Luckily I have a wonderful family who was able to help me get back on my feet. Not everyone has that advantage. Get out there! Take a stand! Stick your hand out and help someone get up off their knees. You won’t be paid, you won’t receive instant gratification but you will gain a sense of pride in your community, your country, your fellow man and most importantly, yourself.