The Way the World Is

I've been reading a book called Cheap: The high cost of discount culture. The title can probably clue you in to what it is about. It's a history of how "cheap" came to be the driving force behind the retail sector and how it has affected manufacturing in all sectors.

I feel a familiar anger and frustration and helplessness and guilt whenever I read books like these.

It's not very well written to be honest- a bit too dry and the chapters do not seem to make the book a coherent whole and the editing is quite shameful- but the author summarizes many interesting facts and researches her subject thoroughly and avoids being emotional which is exactly what I am being reading this book.

Enough about writing quality, and back to my feelings:

Anger and frustration: Why is the world so messed up? Why do we have enough food for everyone on this planet, yet people still starve? Why do we turn a blind eye to all the environmental damage we are doing just so we can drink cheap milk and eat cheap shrimp?

Frustration and helplessness: I would be willing to double my grocery bill if it meant a few more percent of the world population could be lifted out of starvation. I would be willing to pay an extra 5% in taxes if it meant that the unemployed and poor could get more help, the infrastructure in the United States could be repaired, and children could get a better education (And I can't even vote in this country!). And I know many many people who feel the same way. Democracy does not work! The market economy does not work by itself! But then non of the other available options seem to work well either. Argh.

Guilt: Sometimes I'd like to help make the world better but don't know where to begin. And sometimes I know exactly what would be the right thing to do but fail.

I've returned my parking pass and am taking the bus (and biking once the weather is warmer) this year. But I know I will still drive around when parking is free and take long distance plane rides a few times. So I may think I'm reducing my carbon footprint, but probably not by a noticeable amount.

I've donated some money to charity last year, more than I have in the past, and plan to do the same this year. But I know I could put in more- I know I could choose not buy that eyeshadow or that new yoga mat and have an extra $50 to give...

Ever since being in Ithaca and under the influence of friends who are vegetarian and vegan, I've had less meat in my diet compared to when I was in Taiwan. Although I am a huge fan of tofu, and I am well aware of the evils of meat on the environment, I've tried being a part-time vegetarian and failed... because meat still does taste good to me... and I have these sudden cravings for beef noodle soup sometimes...

And so I feel guilty. A friend once told me "You do what you can." But I know in my heart I could do more, lots more.

But I guess I can work towards more. And that's my very vague new year's resolution.