As I was browsing through this weeks edition on The Chronicle, I came across an article that make me think for a long moment. Nathyn Gibson wrote an article titled "Why do we love disasters?" He states that "we act differently during a disaster compared to how we act in everyday life." I have to say that I agree.
After 9/11, America saw an enormous amount of patriotism. We reached out to those in need and everywhere you looked there was an American flag. Where are those flags now?
This past week many people sent food to flooded areas of NW Indiana and helped different cities by filling sandbags.
It's a little odd to me. Why does it take something like a disaster to show you care about your country and neighbors? Why not help out all the time?
I guess disasters make us take time out of our own busy lives and realize that others, too, need our attention. Wouldn't it be great if people were as helpful and caring at all times?
Thoughts?
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5 comments:
You raise a good point. I've always thought it was funny that the Salvation Army will ask people to donate their spare change at Christmas time, but they do not ask for it at other times of the year. Yes, I may be more willing to give around Christmas, but I would probably donate more during other times of the year (budgeting issues, etc).
If I may talk spiritually....maybe the disasters are God's way of having "family" reunions. He wants to test us to see how we react with each other. I hope I never see the day where we do not pass the test.
Well, I think the question isn't "Why doesn't the Salvation Army collect money all year," the question really is "Why don't people give to the Salvation Army all year?"
In my culture/family giving is a part of life. We give to shelters and to Good Will and the Salvation Army. There's also soup kitchen. But let's face the facts, unless there is a disaster people dont feel the need to give. People will consider the homeless on holidays but drive past them the very next weekend. Salvation Army at Christmas time is exactly what it's meant to be a fundraiser, to provide the needy with a special holiday memory. Otherwise, there are drop off centers everywhere. In my neighbor hood, the Salvation army is parked right on a main street where people can come and donate.
I don't thinkthe U.S. loves disasters, but I think they motivate us to feel compassion for those less fortunate. But that only applies to some people because for others it's their way of life.
Its an interesting point you bring up. A girl in one of my classes lives in Munster and was telling me that people would just come and gawk at their flooded streets and ruined houses.It was getting so bad that they had to have police there checking ids and posting signs that if your not helping, your not welcome.
Love disasters? I don't know but they definetly peak peoples interest.
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