“But for the grace of whatever entities we look up to (God?), most of us are really only one or two steps removed from being in serious trouble ourselves.”
all volunteer work isn’t necessarily working with humans if you despise them so much. Am sure there are some with animals or protecting them from people throwing eggs.
I’m getting a little uncomfortable with this “the poor people don’t feel grateful” talk, or that volunteering makes people with needs feel ashamed etc.
In my experience, some of the poorest people for whom I’ve volunteered are the frickin’ FIRST to be involved in helping their own communities, friends and family in any way they can.
I can’t even count the number of times I’ve seen some workin’ stiff who appears not to have an extra dime in the world, be the first to drop change or a buck into a homeless cup, while besuited Joes and Janes breeze by with nary a glance.
Anyway. Volunteering is about taking care of each other, not judging, feeling superior in some weird way, or condescending. But for the grace of whatever entities we look up to (God?), most of us are really only one or two steps removed from being in serious trouble ourselves. But through a combination of luck, cultural capital, happinstance, sometimes hard work and education, we’re comfortable at PRESENT. That could change more quickly than most of us like to even imagine.
No worries, Noki : )
“But for the grace of whatever entities we look up to” –
for Cgar that would include just about everybody.
Well said, Noki.
Sorry Cobble. You googled first! 😉
“But for the grace of whatever entities we look up to (God?), most of us are really only one or two steps removed from being in serious trouble ourselves.”
Amen to that.
all volunteer work isn’t necessarily working with humans if you despise them so much. Am sure there are some with animals or protecting them from people throwing eggs.
CGar! Here you go darling:
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5145QH20090205
I’ll have to find the simpson’s episode. I love that show.
I’m getting a little uncomfortable with this “the poor people don’t feel grateful” talk, or that volunteering makes people with needs feel ashamed etc.
In my experience, some of the poorest people for whom I’ve volunteered are the frickin’ FIRST to be involved in helping their own communities, friends and family in any way they can.
I can’t even count the number of times I’ve seen some workin’ stiff who appears not to have an extra dime in the world, be the first to drop change or a buck into a homeless cup, while besuited Joes and Janes breeze by with nary a glance.
Anyway. Volunteering is about taking care of each other, not judging, feeling superior in some weird way, or condescending. But for the grace of whatever entities we look up to (God?), most of us are really only one or two steps removed from being in serious trouble ourselves. But through a combination of luck, cultural capital, happinstance, sometimes hard work and education, we’re comfortable at PRESENT. That could change more quickly than most of us like to even imagine.