UNPOPULAR OPINION AHEAD

[engelen]

I'm gonna give my unpopular opinion:

I believe poor countries have priority over first-world countries when a natural disaster occurs. I'm not saying we shouldn't help Japan (I've already donated and cried) or any other first-world country, but there are poor nations that need MORE help.
ie: The poorest country in Latin America which seems to have

Comments

[engelen]

Yeah, it was late last night. I probably shouldn't have used the word "deserve," but you know I didn't mean "some people are better than other!!" Quite the contrary! It was more long the lines of "there's people who NEED it more."

I think it's partially because of the media.
It IS because of the media. It's like disasters are a kind of show aimed to entertain the masses. It's like "the hit song of the season." Last year it was Haiti, last month it was the Middle East and their political issues, this week it's Japan. I feel like I should start saying "you're giving money to New Zealand? Ugh, that's SOO out! Get on with the times, bro!!" To see if I can make a point to people who think they have to give money to every charity just because the media are telling them they'll be better people if they do it!!

I don't give money out to charities on a regular basis, because I don't have my own income, but my dad gives to UNICEF and a rural elementary school in Mexico, and we try to help out when some terrible disaster occurs somewhere and we FEEL like we CAN help (ie: Haiti broke my heart). I think it's really cool what you do. I'd probably donate to education tho. I've always been a huge fan of helping kids get a shot at a better life.

i,m annoyed that a lot of people mostly give to Japan because "That's were anime is from and I love it!"
TBH, I feel sadder about Japan than about Australia or New Zealand for something like that. I mean, I grew up watching anime, and I studied Japanese and learned about their culture and their history. I feel a deeper connection to that country than to the other two for that reason, but I don't go around thinking they're better or more deserving of my sympathy BECAUSE or the tottemo kawaii bishounen. It's just because I'm more aware of their culture. I'm not embarrassed to admit that. I mean, if someone you don't know dies (and watch it on the news, or hear it from someone), sure, you might feel bad about the family, but you don't cry or get depressed. If your friend or a relative dies, YOU feel terrible.

I don't know if I'm making any sense. I'm realy tired (3 and a half hours of sleep ftw!!).

[engelen]

I wish people were able to take heart and focus on many conflicts and problems. But then again, it's pretty impossible.
AND depressing XD
I care about what's going on elsewhere, but when you start only focusing on WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE WORLD, you end up missing out on all the wonders and blessings out there (it's kind of why I avoid most disaster news nowadays).

I guess I really should just be thankful people help, no matter who they are trying to help and what their motivation is.
Oh yes, I'm ok with that. I just get pissed when people start questioning why more people aren't helping, as if it was their obligation to give to every single new charity (think of it like some kind of "soul" materialism; instead of items of clothing or gadgets, you're "buying" goodness).
Also those entitled assholes who think they're helping just because they're tweeting about it. Ugh, jerks (that was more about political issues than disasters).

(I look forward to your posts, I truly do)
R-really? ; ^; That's very flattering.
Tho I AM a priviledged girl. I know my life status is even better than some people in the US, but I still get to be in touch with people who are not (student at a public university). Most of the times I feel like a bitch for my priviledges (fucking third world burgeoise), but I try to be aware of how fortunate I am, and my responsibility with my community.

*hugs*

[dearmisterecho]

I mean, if someone you don't know dies (and watch it on the news, or hear it from someone), sure, you might feel bad about the family, but you don't cry or get depressed. If your friend or a relative dies, YOU feel terrible.

That's a great way to put it - Haiti was horrible, and I donated and kept up with what was going on, but I didn't feel as connected to it as I do with this disaster. And it's because it literally hits close to home, both physically and mentally.