In the midst of our fast-paced lives, I often find myself pausing to reflect on the state of our society. Is the way we live today truly the norm? Where are we headed as a collective? It’s disheartening to see the ease with which some treat others poorly, passing judgments without a second thought. Is this behavior a result of the belief that no one will notice or care? Or is it an indication of a more profound shift in societal values?
In an era where external appearances seem to dominate perceptions, I fear that ‘pretty privilege’ might overshadow the genuine beauty that lies within individuals. Will we become a society that values superficiality over substance?
A particular incident comes to mind, which restored my faith in humanity amidst these concerns. I was waiting under a tree, preparing to volunteer as a Medic for the NYRR races. The skies opened up, and a gentle drizzle began. Nearby, an elderly black woman was at a bus stop. She left momentarily, seemingly offered a ride by a friend. However, when the bus arrived, she returned, not for the bus, but to offer me an extra umbrella she had. She had noticed me, a stranger, and felt compelled to ensure I wasn’t drenched. “I told my friend I had to come back. There’s a young man about to get wet under a tree,” she said. This simple act of kindness was one of the most heartwarming gestures I’ve ever experienced.
I’ve often pondered why I’ve consistently been treated with respect and kindness by Hispanic or black individuals. Is it because of my dusky skin tone? Do they see a reflection of their own experiences in me? Perhaps they understand the pain of prejudice and choose empathy over perpetuating the cycle of judgment.
It’s alarming how quickly we, as a society, jump to conclusions without attempting to understand or communicate. The world is indeed on fire, and now, more than ever, it needs compassion and empathy. We cannot afford to exacerbate the flames with our prejudices and hasty judgments.
Amidst these musings on societal values and travel, I’m often taken back to the simple, everyday moments that shape my perspective. When women at stores affectionately call me “honey”, “sugar” or “sweetheart,” it brings a smile to my face. It’s these small gestures of warmth that sometimes make my day a little brighter. I’ve never been one to seek or expect perks based on my appearance. I remember once turning down a free beer at a local bar, even though the bartender insisted it was “on the house.” It wasn’t about the cost of the beer, but more about the principle. I’ve always believed in supporting businesses, especially when they’re just trying to make ends meet.
Yet, on the other end of the spectrum, I’ve seen the stark contrast. I recall standing in line at a Starbucks, watching as a particularly attractive individual ahead of me received a complimentary coffee. What struck me wasn’t the free drink, but the air of superiority she exuded afterward, casting dismissive glances at the rest of us waiting. It made me ponder: Is the privilege of good looks just a matter of genetic luck? My father, a compassionate doctor, taught me the value of treating everyone with equal respect, irrespective of their race, color, gender, background, socio-economic status or appearance.
I’d like to emphasize that these reflections are purely my opinions, not definitive truths. However, the questions I pose are genuine, and I can’t help but wonder if there’s a kernel of truth in these musings. At the same time, we live in a world where everyone talks about unconditional love while treating everyone conditionally.
