After learning about how many people actually live with so little and below the line of poverty, it makes me think about my own lifestyle. Living in a country where it is safe to assume that the majority of the people we come into contact with on a daily basis are regularly getting a fair share of the food that they need and are going home to adequate shelter. Not only are our needs being met but they are often times exceeded.
For example, when I was moving into my current apartment I found myself in the midst of boxes and bags full of things. I suddenly realized just how many miscellaneous and seemingly useless things that I had acquired over the years. It made me think of one of those episodes of hoarders where they have a ridiculous amount of things. I can say with confidence, that the majority of Americans can probably relate to this. If they were to make a pile of all their belongings that didn't serve any purpose other than visual appeal, we would all be astounded.
I want to emphasize the fact that all of these artifacts are just "things." They don't really serve a purpose. They don't provide shelter, nutrition, or serve to meet any of our basic needs. After coming to this realization it was then that I noticed how much our society emphasizes and puts a value on luxury or unnecessary novelty items. When you think about how many stores that sell these items it makes you realize just how fortunate we are to be in a position to be able to acquire these possessions.
For instance, we purchase multiple decorative plates and bowls for the sole purpose of displaying them in our homes. Meanwhile, these people in poverty cannot even afford a regular plate, much less the food that is to be put on the plate. When you look at it from this perspective, it really makes you realize how lucky you are to be in a position where you have these luxury items. Often times, in our country, we find ourselves feeling discouraged because we don't have the most expensive car or the most lavish home when in comparison to those in poverty, it would be a feat in itself just to have a home... any home.
You've raised a great point in this piece. I am guilty of purchasing unnecessary items that can really honestly be seen as only a "waste of money." Not only do we often buy unnecessary items we also "go with the trends" of buying designer brands. I agree that we often exceed our needs and we don't realize that there are others who are living in poverty. It is sad to see ourselves living our lives consumed with our own busy lives and our own problems that we don't take the time to be grateful for what we DO have and how fortunate we are to have a roof over our heads and food on our plate.
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