This project is really important to me. I honestly want to pay close attention to the choices I make each day that are making my life more or less frustrating. I'm not leaving New Jersey anytime soon, so I need to find a way to make a go of it here MY way.
I'm not going to fall into the trap of American misery that lately, seems to pervade our culture more than happiness. I'm going to live a life of beauty, friendship, love, thoughtfulness and serenity.
On another note, I haven't donated to Haiti and I feel guilty because a month ago, I had no problem shooting off a text to donate $10 to This American Life and Ira Glass.
I've never been one to actively champion foreign causes. There, I've said it. Why? Well, it started when I watched a documentary on HBO a few years ago about life in Appalachia. Knowing that people in my own country, in my own backyard were struggling to feed and clothe themselves, were living without heat and electricity while I was drinking overpriced martinis and buying Michael Kors handbags made me feel like a big piece of shit and I vowed that from that moment on, if I donated relief funds, it would be to help my fellow Americans.
Don't get me wrong - the crisis in Haiti is devastatingly crucial and I understand the necessity for as many donations as possible but I think that at times like these, in the media frenzy of foreign tragedy, we Americans further remove ourselves from the everyday realities of life in America.
America isn't defined by the wealth of the Tri-State Area; don't forget our fellow Americans who need our help. Perhaps after you donate to Haiti, you could match that donation here.
No comments:
Post a Comment