Apparently, the easiest form of advertising on college campuses is sidewalk chalk. Walking to work this morning, I read several interesting scribblings along my path. Two that stick out, however, were these:
"Of the top 101 world economies, 50 of them are corrupt". How can you substantiate a statement like that? Where is the data to back that up? And how about this one: "War = Terrorism." Really? So liberating countries oppressed by dictatorship or extremist rule is terrorism? Huh. Who knew!
But I can empathize. I mean, this may be a blanket statement, but it's safe to say that college students are a passionate group. They're young, energetic, and caught somewhere between knowing it all and knowing nothing. They tend to be fervent about their causes... be it world peace, AIDS, or frat parties. At least they are speaking out for something that motivates them.
This raises a question for me... one that has actually been on my mind for a few weeks now. We are pretty into American Idol. The other night was the big "Idol Gives Back" episode. Every celebrity currently not in rehab steps up and asks for your money. We get to see clips of AIDS orphans in Zimbabwe, traumatized teens in New Orleans, impoverished families with no health care in New York, malaria babies in Angola. The list goes on.
What do I do during this program? I sit on my couch and cry. I look at those clips and I know that no matter what I do, it will never be enough. Skip and I discussed the concept of charity. I cannot call during these programs and offer my twenty dollars. Or fifty. Or any other sum, because it's just not enough. He said, "What if everyone felt that way? Then no one would donate at all." This is true. But I recognize the Idol forum as being very far-reaching, and very influential. They will bring in millions and millions of dollars. And a lot of people will feel like they have done something to change the world. But not me.
I used to want to join the Peace Corps. I was a missionary in a third world country. I know what it takes to make a difference. However, I can't exactly up and do those things at this point in my life. So is it wrong for me not to donate? Is it selfish to withhold giving if I can't give in a way that I find fulfilling or influential? Am I like a college student, passionate about a cause but unable to effectuate results outside of sidewalk chalk? Am I aware of injustice but sidelined by my life?
One last point and I'll be on my way. Back to those clips of the suffering people. Nothing makes you dig deep into your pockets like a little guilt and pity. I always feel like it is so wrong to exploit the suffering of others in such a public way. The camera is on a child, orphaned by AIDS, and Bono asks him how it feels when all he has left of his parents can be found in his "Memory Box". What is the kid supposed to say? He just cries. And people feel horrible and send in more money. The goal has been met! Money was raised! Is that wrong?
Most of us are immune, but not ignorant, regarding the severity of the world's problems. Some would argue that we cannot turn a blind eye; that by taking such an intimate look at human suffering, we can then make some changes. Others might say if you've seen one starving African, you've seen 'em all.
I don't know. I am motivated by love more than guilt. During my time in Cape Verde, I couldn't hug enough people. I was filthy at the end of every day, but there was always a lot of love to go around. I held children suffering from cholera, and I was as helpless to do anything for them then as I am now. But the daily process of serving and working felt right to me. And I did see many ways in which I made a difference. I can't get that feeling from calling Ryan Seacrest and turning over half a paycheck. And for me, watching a young child cry from hunger is a fine line between awareness and voyeurism. I appreciate the efforts and the results that come from these programs. Perhaps I just need to overlook the path to the destination.
Heeeeeeere's LISA!!!!
These projects are all labor intensive and time consuming. I am an advocate for letting the child do the work on their own, although my control issues make that challenging. But even when the planets align, and I can allow the child to work alone, it can only be AFTER I have carted him all over town to purchase supplies. On my dime. There also has to be a fair amount of "reminding" on my part. While I believe in natural consequences (you forget to do the project, your grade stinks) I also believe in reality. A nine year old boy will need a few reminders in order to get this project done. There's a fine line between the two. That line gives me a headache.
