We seem to live in a world these days where we are all becoming so isolated and disconnected. It's not uncommon for people to live next to someone for year and not even know their names. It's a world of cubicles and units and little compartments. People now have hundreds of "friends" on facebook or twitter or other social networking sites, but instead of making us closer, these sites seem to be dimishing the true meaning or value of a 'real' friend. A prime example is of Simone Back. Her story was widely reported after she declared on facebook to her 100+ friends that she was "going to kill herself, goodbye". For hours, not one of these 'friends' tried to contact her to stop her, even though they posted on her facebook wall. Hearing stories such as this makes me wonder sometimes if this is the way society is destined to be.
There have been so many natural disasters around the world this year - devastating earthquakes in Christchurch, tsunamis in Japan, floods in Queensland, tornadoes in USA, etc. Whilst these stories were always horrifying to read about or to witness to tv, it was the courage and sense of community that always blew me away. Reading stories about strangers reaching out to other strangers in times of need was so inspiring. Instead of reamining isolated and cut off, people started to reach out. I felt it most strongly when the Christchurch earthquake happened. People gave $$, the youth of Christchurch rallied round and started the xx army to help the council clean the city up (they also went on to Tokyo to help them out after the tsunami). People in other cities offered accommodation anyone that wanted to move out and people contacted each other via the radio to offer things such as baby formula to mothers that couldn't get to shops and were running out.
The true extent of strangers love and support for one annother was brilliant to witness and be part of, this sense of community that was created by the simple gesture of reaching out to one another.
However, for the last 4 days London has been under attack. People (locals) have been rioting and looting in London - creating havoc and fear in so many areas. They have destroyed buildings and cars and seem unrelentless. Friends in London have been talking about hearing sirens non-stop and seeing or smelling smoke and it is as if society or communities have turned on themselves are imploding.
But then today, some of that brave, compassionate and community spirited attitude that I admire so much came shining through. Articles have begun to appear about local communities (local heroes) fighting back. Not with violence, but with strength and determination. Neighbours, fellow shopkeepers and business owners are helping each other protect their businesses and homes from these hooligans, and they have also begun cleaning up the mess.
Sometimes there is so much chaos and havoc and wickedness in this world, but these brave people and their stories inspire me and give me hope. For our society and most importantly, for our future.
worldblog.msnbc.msn.com
No comments:
Post a Comment