Haves and Nots

Thanksgiving is an interesting time of year with its plethora of connotations. Most people in the U.S. seem to think about food and family. There are others who think of the colonial implications of the holiday. And of course those who drum up their list of things they are thankful for.

Perhaps people cling to Thanksgiving as a symbol of plenty and comfort whether they are nervous about the global economy or if they are an ex-pat. Our lives are--as always--rife with uncertainty. When talking about the recent debates about money distribution in the U.S. I can't help but think about a few things.

I am thankful to be of a socio-economic level, nationality and education level that allow me to voice my discontent. Those people most affected by wealth distribution in the U.S. are too busy trying to survive not to mention those outside the U.S. who are so disproportionate affected by wealth distribution that the average person in the U.S. could not fathom their experience.

Maybe it is momentarily easier for me to compare myself to others who have not and will not have the same opportunities as me. I'm writing a blog on my blackberry in a community in which the majority of adults would not even be able to write let a lone own a blackberry.

I know I sound preachy. I don't think there is anything wrong with expressing discontent or personal hardship, but I think it is important to think of others whose voices are not heard. The majority of the world population's experiences lean toward those in Burkina Faso more so than those in the United States. It is a fact I can't get over.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone from Airtel Burkina Faso.