In a disconnected realm where fear narrows one's focus and self-interest locks it in, nobody cares about their neighbour. They want jobs, they want security, they want to know what's in it for them.
Generally, politics feeds on fear and self-interest. Policy pitches are based around ensuring more money stays in your pocket, more bad or discomfiting people taken out of your way, your life get's easier.
But there's this thing that happens when the system doesn't work for all, when the infrastructure is selectively maintained - when the storm hits, everyone feels it. Rich or poor, when the power goes out and the cold sets in, you want someone to be there. Even if that means being there for someone else in return.
This is a theme I return to again and again; it's one of those simple bits of clarity that everyone is able to see, when they polish the glass. I'm hardly the first person to point this out.
Things always get worse the more we look to self-interest. They get better when we remember that communities are more than the sum of their parts.
Storm's getting worse.
We'll pass through it soon enough.
No comments:
Post a Comment