Why Should I Care?

I was watching a documentary about water. I felt compelled to stop the film and log on to post this entry. The movie talks about water rights, the poor and corporations. I have a progressive mindset and therefore enjoy a good documentary. There is a part in the film, where it becomes obvious, that the particular company displayed cares nothing for its poor customers. This concept is universal; be it a person, a company or a government. Only when someone cares to create change does a problem get fixed. The question is: How can we make people care?

It is easy to be selfish and self-centered. Our society supports narcissism. Our economy makes it seem expensive to concern ourselves. Who are these nameless, faceless masses anyway? Why should I help them? I have problems of my own! I have too much on my plate as it is. There are organizations that will help them. We spend too much on taxes already. What more can I do?

Do these sentiments seem familiar? It is quite a stretch for many to care about more than the man, or woman, in the mirror. Compassion is a trait that strengthens. It is not a sign of weakness as some may claim. What affects a few will eventually affect all; one way or another. We cannot change the world. For some, the best they can hope for, is to make their corner of it better. What matters is that you do something and that you start today.

Research is the key. Learn about a people. Discover their problems. Choose a particular part of the world and start to read whatever you can find. It is easy to donate money. Giving of your time is just as valuable. You could volunteer for an organization whose goals are similar to yours. How about spreading the word so that others get involved? Speaking and writing are great ways to show that you want to make a difference.

Governments and corporations and neighborhoods are full of people. Sometimes it just takes one soul who cares to get the ball rolling. Do not be afraid to stand out. You will find many people who are receptive to your words. There are more people than you realize that care about the same things that you do. I have said this before: It just takes one pebble in the lake of man to create ripples of change. Be bold! Grab the pebble of your choice and see what happens. So much depends on it.