And seeing the good
Published on September 4, 2005 By philomedy In Current Events
I'm watching the news. I'm seeing New Orleans.

I'm seeing volunteers passing out food and water and offering medical help. I'm seeing people smile and wave and be grateful. I'm seeing relief workers sharing meals with lost dogs. I'm seeing men and women who were hurt while venturing out into contaminated water to check on their elderly neighbors. I'm seeing concerned citizens directing doctors to homes of people who may be hurt, and who for some reason or another can't venture out of their homes. I'm seeing aid workers cooperating with victims to help worse-off victims. I'm seeing good.

And you know what? What I'm seeing, I'm seeing from black people and white people and all people, and I think this is what I'm gonna choose to take from this tragedy, and I think I'm gonna let this shape my view of the world. People helping people.

But I feel like I have to add something: I saw both black and white people helping and being helped and being grateful and courteous and warm. But I saw more black people than white people. I mention this in the hopes that those few that rushed to judgment after seeing mostly black looters will use that same logic in this situation. I don't particularly like that logic, the one that judges all members of a race based on the actions of a few, but as long as I see it's prevalent, I may as well try to turn it in a positive direction, even as I try to put an end to it altogether.

But that's not my point here. My point here is people are helping people in New Orleans, and you'll find all people helping all people in New Orleans. That's the worldview I'm gonna take from this. I hope you do the same.

Comments
on Sep 04, 2005
That's the thing, you know? When these sorts of things happen, you get to see both the best and the worst of humanity. Countries from all around the world are offering to help. Our own citizens are rushing to the stores to buy bleach and cleaning supplies for the hurricane victims. They're donating canned goods. They're concerned about their fellow Americans.

I get pulled in two different directions during times like this. Part of me says "ARGH! Why didn't you listen when they asked you to leave? Why are you taking other people's things? Why are you trying to kill the people who are trying to save you???" and the other part says "Wow. We really care about one another in our country. People are treating others with compassion and dignity, from the pictures of people covering bodies, to passing on a meal so that someone a little more hungry than they are can eat."

For the most part though...I see the good. I know that we're going to come together as a nation and support these people in all ways that we're able. I understand that people are complaining and crying and whatever because they've lost everything and they're completely overwhelmed, and that once they're able to deal with reality they'll be grateful to those who willingly gave of themselves to help.
on Sep 05, 2005
Excellent thread Philo... we must be watching the same newsclips because I am seeing the same things you are.
on Sep 05, 2005

My point here is people are helping people in New Orleans, and you'll find all people helping all people in New Orleans. That's the worldview I'm gonna take from this. I hope you do the same.

That is a great summation.  "I see people helping people".  Period.

on Sep 05, 2005
This is a remarkable story from the LATimes Link
on Sep 05, 2005
When these sorts of things happen, you get to see both the best and the worst of humanity.


Exactly. The best and worst of humanity. Not the best and worse of Race A or Race B, but of humanity. As a whole. Period. Instead of classifying, we should see good vs. bad, and choose to take the good as an indication of what our world is and can continue to be.

Excellent thread Philo... we must be watching the same newsclips because I am seeing the same things you are.


That is a great summation. "I see people helping people". Period.


It's all there for those who want to see it.
on Sep 05, 2005
This is a remarkable story from the LATimes


Truly uplifting.
on Sep 05, 2005

It's all there for those who want to see it.

And why Politics need to be shoved out of this!

You are liberal (albeit very close to center), I am conservative (not even close!).  We see the same things.  Why do our leaders not see thaT as well?  I am telling my politicians to get a life!  We both need to.  point fingers in another year!  Not know you doofuses!