Aaron Saray's Diary

The key to getting Americans to help less fortunate

So little Americans actually give to charities and other's around the world that have it far worse than us. That isn't to say that we don't entirely, but there is so many more chances to give and to do right. However, I think that with our society, a lot of the time we concentrate too much on our own issues - and less on those who are really suffering.

I'm guilty.

But why is this? Do I not care about other people? (no...) Do I not have easy opportunities to help? (eh... maybe?) Do I not trust organizations to help others? (somewhat...) Do I not have immediate experience with the suffering? (yes...) How likely is it that I'll go to a third world country to see? (not very likely...)

Why? Because it sucks - and because it sucks, its easier to ignore. But what if... it sucked less?

The key is how we observe the suffering. Do I want to travel coach, then on a dusty old bus for miles and miles without A/C, to travel in a jeep to the refugee camps? Hell No. So I submit:

We have to travel like the government or Paris Hilton.

I want to take a trip in first class - or a coach seat that doesn't suck (see: virgiin american) to an airport, and take an A/C hotel rest to an A/C car. Then, for the last 2 miles, switch to the jeep - so that I'm not sheltered. Then travel to see the people. Drive through the area, stop and talk to people. Take time to see the suffering, the wisdom in the old men, the beauty in the young people, the fun in the children. Then head back with pictures. There must be pictures.

I think if this type of trip was easier, I myself as well as most Americans would be more likely to give to these areas - because we had first hand experience. I'd have to say that I'm so spoiled that doing it any other way than this is not going to happen at this point in my lifetime (whether it be me being spoiled, immaturity of being under a decade in years, whatever it may be). I mean, its a struggle though - understanding one's flaws and not yet having the wherewithall to apply the fixes.

So, now I probably sound like a bad person - which I'll take on myself if thats the case. I just see this as an issue with many more people than me - and I wish I knew how to proceed with fixing it.

I welcome any comments and your thoughts on this idea.