Today I am starting a week long blog writing challenge. The idea is for some self discovery, to uncover value systems and get ideas onto ‘paper’ to give them space to grow. Today’s prompt is ‘What really makes me angry about the world?’
This is in itself is a challenge, as it is not something I would normally dwell on. But I can see that it is a good tool for throwing up my opinions and beliefs, to highlight what really matters to me.
The findings may then point to future possibilities – signposts – to see where I might be able to make a difference in the world. This is a different angle for me to explore, and I am looking forward to a new way of looking and seeing.
The first thing that comes to mind is the inequality that exists for people in terms of education and job prospects. Globally of course but specifically here in the UK. It is of course a gross generalisation to say that those with a more privileged background will have better opportunities in life. Furthermore there will be countless examples of people who have achieved great success financially and personally through sheer guts and determination.
This however, is not the area I want to concentrate on. What concerns me most emotionally is the attitude that most of us have towards those who may not have the motivation, the means or the wherewithal to keep their heads above water, and to those who actually fall below the radar.
It makes me angry when these people are sidelined, rejected or dismissed. They are seen as less than, unimportant and can be treated with scorn and derision by those in positions of power and authority. Them and us. Not we. Not seen as individuals who could be skilled, intelligent, productive, creative, fulfilled in life. Not seen as those who could do with compassion, support and encouragement in addition to practical and physical leg ups. It is an irony that those who have more resources can access greater resources – to funding, information, job opportunities, advice, learning, support and development while those who don’t have qualifications or a high earning capacity struggle to access information, education and financial independence.
What is so often forgotten, or not seen, is how poverty, in all senses of the word, affects a person’s sense of wellbeing. Unable to imagine having a better life, living with debt, making poor choices in terms of physical health, and having little or no sense of achievement or purpose can have a debilitating effect, making people feel helpless and powerless to change.
This is an enormous subject and there will be many who will use political, philosophical, and economic arguments to defend the status quo as it is. But it is the personal arena of life that I am interested in – how we can all change our attitudes and outlook to see everyone as equal in terms of potential, to enable us all to feel good about ourselves. In that way we can create a more cohesive society which is abundant, productive and creative for everyone.
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