The SquizLog

Contrasting Fortunes

The difference between living standards of people in lucky countries like Australia, where I live, and many poor throughout regions like Asia is stark enough at the best of times.

The terrible tsunamis the day after Christmas have brought this imbalance into even sharper focus. For me the disaster has evoked a mixture of emotions. Shock, sadness and helplessness.

I think what sickened me most was that on the same day as I saw the horrifying scenes of the tsunami carnage, the television news also showed images of scores of Sydney shoppers rushing to find bargains. I suppose I shouldn't begrudge people their pleasure at the Boxing Day sales but it just seems to me that we've lost perspective.

Speaking of distorted perspective, there is also the sad fact that ridiculously large sums of money are spent on war whilst aid from rich to poor countries is sadly inadequate at the best of times, let alone in times of natural disaster.

Still, personally I'm glad to have the opportunity to contribute my little bit to the crucial aid efforts over the next few days through appeals such as that by Oxfam.

Update (31/12): Changed ABC News link to ongoing special presentation.

Posted to Personal, Politics, Social Justice by Keith Pitty