Talkin' bout a revolution

11.11.2007

Talkin’ bout a revolution

It seems like every day I see another “Awareness” ribbon. Breast cancer. Support the troops. POW/MIA. Anti-drugs. Virginia Tech. Darfur. We all want to feel like we’re making a difference. I always buy the pink versions of things; one, because I like pink, and two, it’s for a good cause. When I see the boxes in stores for things to be sent to troops in Iraq, I always try to put something in, even if it’s just Chapstick. And I do feel a little better about myself—like I’ve done my part.
The reality of this is that it’s easier to feel like you’re changing something when that something is very far removed from you. It’s easy to go to rallies, make tshirts, start Facebook groups, and, even better, add the “Causes” application so you can “recruit” your friends to your electronic cause. We live in a society where it is very easy to get warm fuzzies from helping others.
Sometimes I listen to the Beatles and Bob Dylan and I want to go out and join the Peace Corps and prevent all injustice in the world. It’s a pretty lofty ambition and not a realistic one—not only would I never be able to prevent all injustice, but I would also have to go without the Fekkai glossing cream for my hair, and that would be a tragedy. Nevertheless, it’s easy to get swept up in the thought of doing something important.
However, we forget that the best way to make the world a better place is to start with your own corner of the world. The people that need you most are the people right around you, maybe down your hall or in your hometown. Sometimes those causes just aren’t as easily seen.
As I drive home, surrounded by Mercedes and Hummers, America looks pretty prosperous. Bigger and more beautiful homes are everywhere. But the coat drives and the canned goods drives aren’t for people overseas—they’re for people here, and they need those things. We are surrounded by the needs of so many.
I’m not saying that we shouldn’t care about international events or try to help people in foreign countries. What I am saying is that there are people right here in Columbus who need help, too. Maybe you won’t look like you are addicted to the BBC, but you will be helping your own country and your own people, who are just as deserving and a lot closer to home.
Lately, I’ve been trying to drive less and recycle more. I made lasagna for a too-busy mom. I bought the shampoo with the anti-animal testing logo. My boyfriend and I are buying Christmas presents for a local child through Toys to Share. My mom and I have been finding all our old coats to donate. I’ve been working on a quilt for a girl whose leukemia returned. I bought Mr. Munch a Christmas toy just because I knew it would make him so happy. I doubt I’ll be building houses anytime soon, or be doing any mission work. But you know, all of these things make me feel a lot better, and like I’m really helping someone, than putting a magnetic ribbon on my car.