American Perceptives
Note: This article was published as part of my column in the September 14, 2009 edition of MTSU Sidelines. Visit mtsusidelines.com for more information.
After the third or fourth time, I had had it. Sweat pouring down my face and my back aching, I told myself that I didn’t need to think about it so much. But for someone like myself, thinking things over is almost impossible. The garbage cans always weighed what seemed to be 60 pounds. I’m a small guy, I could barely lift it over my head let alone throwing it into the large green dumpster. The food reeked, and there always seemed to be a tear in the bag regardless of how hard I tried to keep it from ripping across the ground. I am convinced that when working in a restaurant, you see the worse in people. People seem to become very stingy and rude when it comes to their food. I don’t blame them though; I can see where they are coming from. It’s hard to take on this perceptive when you are the one throwing away their leftovers at the end of the business day.
This was my initial thinking behind my leaving my restaurant job. I didn’t want to be part of something that seemed to forget about the bigger picture. The bigger picture being that while we eat this food, there are millions around the world who would give up their own life for a plate of what we may eat every day to ensure that their family will survive. Although it’s a strong way of thinking and is definitely something that will leave one seeing the world in a different light, it wasn’t until I read an article in the National Geographic by Robert Draper about Somalia that gave me an entirely new perceptive on this all-too-common dilemma in the modern world. The one sentence read, “Food is power in Somalia.” It hit me like a brick to my face. All those times carrying out garbage, sweating over that 60 pound can, I was literally holding in my hands the course of an entire nation, whether it be Somalia or any other nation in a similar situation.
Many citizens of the modern world, countries like America, Great Britain, Canada, etc., etc., tend to sometimes overlook the power of the everyday items they use. We are lucky that we aren’t faced with the problems many nations around the world have to endure: crumbling infrastructure, dirty water, and malnutrition. The list goes on and on. We are in a fortunate position. This can lead to danger though. It can lead to a fatal perspective. It’s important that we not become too comfortable with our lifestyle, that we sometimes take a step back and realize how fortunate we are to live in a country that is not plagued with the problems many others face on a daily basis. It is our duty then to take some time out of our busy schedules once and a while to not only help those who are less fortunate in the U.S., but also around the globe. In an age now of reality television, celebrity shows, and entertainment news, it seems that many Americans have lost touch with what is really going on in our own country and the world.
Losing perspective can be easy, it’s happened to all of us, but there are ways that we can regain our composure and see what’s happening around us with fresh eyes. First, volunteer every once and a while. There are plenty of opportunities on campus and off campus to get involved. During the process hopefully you’ll gain a new outlook on what you have and the things you are thankful for. Second, watch television that seeks to informs viewers and not entertain them. Yes, I like to be entertained but it’s more important to be informed and “in the know” if you ever want to make a positive contribution in your classes and to your nation. Programs on channels such as PBS, National Geographic, and the Discovery Channel usually serve to inform viewers of different political issues, cultures, religious beliefs, and events. Lastly, join organizations that spark an interest in you. Not only will you meet others who share the same likes and goals as you, the organization might provide service activities for members to get involved with.
With the position we are in as a country with vast influence on the global stage, we would be foolish not to contribute to the world around us. A better-informed American citizenry not only benefits this country but also is a giant step forward in improving the conditions many face every year and creating a more cohesive and positive global community.
