So much of 2011 has been dominated by the political chaos in Wisconsin since Scott Walker took office as governor. I've learned many valuable lessons since then. Perhaps I'll write about more of them, but for now, there is one lesson that sticks out most to me. It is one of the hardest and most disappointing realizations I've had: that it seems most people don't really care about others. I'm not sure why (probably naivety), but I had always been under the impression that everyone cares about the general well-being of others--that people want others to be happy, healthy, and to have a fair share of opportunities in life. I'm not talking about wanting the best for your family and friends, but wanting it for ALL people.
One time, I was having this conversation with someone and I said something along the lines of, "All those cuts to education is going to really hurt your kid's school." And the person said, "Not really. I don't think it affects me or my family at all." And I said, "But you have a son in a public school. How can it not affect you? Some of the programs, like music and advanced placement classes, will likely be cut or dramatically reduced. Your son loves music and is really smart. Don't you want his school to have those programs available?" And the person shrugged and said, "Well, I'll just pay for him to take music lessons after school then. Or I'll transfer him to a wealthy school, because those parents will donate and fundraise to make up for all the cuts." I was shocked to hear this, so I said, "But what about all those other kids whose parents can't afford to pay for private music lessons? Or kids who can't attend a wealthy school far from home because they'll have to find their own transportation and their parents can't provide it?" The person just simply shrugged as if to suggest it didn't matter at all what happened to other kids.
There have also been conversations in which people have told me, "Why should public employees be better off than me? It's not fair. I have to suffer through this bad economy, so they should suffer as well." This idea that if one person suffers, then all others need to suffer too just doesn't make sense to me. I understand that public employees are easier to blame rather than the big corporations or the very wealthy who seem far away and untouchable, but it does no good to have all people in the middle class suffer. It only leaves the corporations and the wealthy to gain more out of our unfortunate situations.
When I have conversations like these (and there have been many), it makes me really sad. Maybe it bothers me so much, because as an educator, I'm used to thinking about everybody else's kids too, not just the three that are my own. I'm used to thinking about the adults in those kids' life also, because they directly impact my students. I think about whether those homes have proper clothing, food, healthcare, jobs, education, etc. I've always thought everyone else had these same concerns for the well-being of others. It seems, however, that most people only think about themselves and the people in their immediate circle.
I hope though that I'll be proven wrong on this sad realization and that the recall elections coming up will show that there are plenty of folks out there who care enough about all people to vote for the candidates who will more likely take care of the common people and not just the wealthy. We shall see what happens in this next stage of Wisconsin's political chaos. I hope for the best.
4 comments:
I had my experience in a jail when I was falsely accused and had to spend two days in a jail because someone decided to knowingly accuse me of something I didn't do. After settling in for an hour, with my eyes still flooding with tears, I decided to go up and ask the guards if they had a list of bail bonds that I could call. Both the female guards looked at me with red, angry, eyes of pure hatred, followed by, "Shut your stupid mouth and go sit down or I will shut it for you." What ever happened to humanity. Btw, I was acquitted afterwards because the lies were a joke to the judge.
It's ironic how the other so-called criminals who were inside the same jail sensed my pain and frustration and went out of their way to assist me, gave me phone numbers to call, comforted me and lend me comics and books to read to help ease my pain. They were the only real human beings in that place. I will never forget that incident.
I am not saying that all jail guards are like those people, or all people are like those people. I am simply pointing out that those jail guards are probably loving mothers, or daughters in their home life. They turn into demons when they enter that place. It's the job, or the pressure that turns normal loving neighbors into demons. Politicians always follow the bandwagon whether or not they like it to stay in office.
Qeej, sometimes kindness comes from unexpected places. I think it's a beautiful thing when you experience kindness from someone completely unexpected. Kind of makes you step back and appreciate the world in a different way. Thank you for sharing your story. And you're right that the job, the pressure, the stress and difficulties, etc. can often affect a person's behavior or change them into something they normally aren't. Thanks for that reminder.
Hey, you! What do you think you're doing here? It's been more than a month since your last post. I expect to see another one up within the next 12 hours. No excuses. Understood?
:D :D :D
Ah! Busted. I admit, I've been lazy and caught up with a summer that's been crazy busy. Been seriously neglecting Scribophile too. Are you still on there?
But yes, mister, I'll get on a new blog post right away! Will try to meet the 12 hours thing but can't promise it. Thanks for checking on me and keeping me going! :o)
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