Forgetting What’s Important

Did you hear of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie? Probably not. Do you hear about Edward Snowden much? Old news, B-O-R-I-N-G. How about the 30,000 people living without a home as you’re reading this? Tragic. 

“Two things only the people anxiously desire — bread and circuses.” This is how the Roman Empire appeased the masses, with free food and grand spectacles and as they say ‘history repeats itself’. In the society we live in today a concert by Beyonce is more important than ___. Kylie Jenner giving birth is more important than the 830 women that die during childbirth or pregnancy. Conveniently stopping by the nearest fast food restaurant is more important than the fact the nice juicy piece of chicken we’re eating into probably lived in a space smaller than an Ipad. Distract them with food and games, distract them from the world.

Don’t take me wrong though, I am in no way saying that you are horrible for caring about a celebrity’s life or for eating conveniently or cheaply but I am saying that I’m sick and tired of the important issues being shrugged off. I am guilty of talking about entertainment as any person but what I’m tired of is the lack of awareness and the lack of caring. I am tired of the lack of discussion about issues such as Indigenous living conditions or the ongoing refugee crisis happening worldwide. I’m exhausted of pretending to care about Taylor Swift throwing shade at another celebrity when currently the Burmese government is throwing Rohingya babies in fire. And frankly my heart has had enough of trying to get people to care, of trying to get people to engage in discussions of issues that transgress human rights of issues that decide the future of the planet because if nothing else these issues deserve recognition.

There is nothing wrong with not enjoying food, shows, movies, or sports in fact to be a human is to be entertained but that does not excuse us from being aware. Maybe read up on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie she’s a great author and an amazing speaker who advocates for equality for everyone regardless of race or gender. Keep Edward Snowden’s name alive because the rights he fought for are still actively trying to be taken away from us. And research about why people end up homeless because understanding how they ended up without homes in the first place creates opportunities to help. Don’t forget to have fun but remember to always stay aware.