Monday, July 09, 2007
Long time no post...
A couple things:
1) kids are cool
2) america sucks
1) Despite all the numerous frustrations of raising a kid, it really is amazing to watch him learn, grow, and interact with the world. One of the things that particularly strikes me is how you can see the fundamentals of human interaction - before it is covered by layers of socialization and imposed morality. I tend to make far-reaching analogies, but it is cool to watch the progression of my son's development, and imagine a little society developing. From the caveman beginnings up to "modern" society.
My analogies aren't terribly solid, as i'm not sure where the pee stain on the couch fits in, or little headlocks on the (very tolerant) cat fit in, but i'm sure somewhere.
2) I've lived in 3 different countries, 2 continents, and 2 hemispheres in the past 3 years. It was an interesting rapid-fire comparison. America is, well... the U.S.and.A. Canada is almost neurotically friendly, and Ecuador es medio loco, pero muy bonito. Basically, the last 3 years has really taught me that the United States has really messed up priorities. Fundamental to that is rampant, unchecked capitalism and consumerism. Capitalism because i don't think everything should be left to free-market forces (health care and education as prime examples). Consumerism because... well, look around. How many people need to point out that the U.S. consumes a ridiculous amount of energy and is largely responsible for #2, China. A large part of that is due to our disposable culture.
Canada: Fairly socialized health care. Eli was born in Vancouver, and was 6 weeks premature. Total cost to us? $50 for a hospital transfer. Because the government is responsible for health care, they actually CARE about preventative health services. It is really a beautiful thing to see.
Ecuador: Almost the opposite of Canada and the U.S. No government care of it's people, no excess wealth, but incredible resourcefulness and an unwitting environmentalism forced by economics. If you can't afford a new car, you fix the one you got... any way you can. You can only make the environmentalism claim if you ignore the trash everywhere, though.
I really don't want to sound angry here, but most Americans live in an ethnocentric bubble and don't care that Chinese are put in awkward situations to make all our junk. I mean, like fatal work conditions for a buck a day. I don't really have a problem with over seas manufacturing. What i have a problem with is valuing a "bargain" over human life and working conditions we Americans would find unconscionable, if only it were in our consciousness.
sigh
But then you find nuggets of art made by high schoolers in the midwest.
There really is beauty out there, and quality things to buy. I'm just pretty sure it won't be found in either Target or Walmart.
A couple things:
1) kids are cool
2) america sucks
1) Despite all the numerous frustrations of raising a kid, it really is amazing to watch him learn, grow, and interact with the world. One of the things that particularly strikes me is how you can see the fundamentals of human interaction - before it is covered by layers of socialization and imposed morality. I tend to make far-reaching analogies, but it is cool to watch the progression of my son's development, and imagine a little society developing. From the caveman beginnings up to "modern" society.
My analogies aren't terribly solid, as i'm not sure where the pee stain on the couch fits in, or little headlocks on the (very tolerant) cat fit in, but i'm sure somewhere.
2) I've lived in 3 different countries, 2 continents, and 2 hemispheres in the past 3 years. It was an interesting rapid-fire comparison. America is, well... the U.S.and.A. Canada is almost neurotically friendly, and Ecuador es medio loco, pero muy bonito. Basically, the last 3 years has really taught me that the United States has really messed up priorities. Fundamental to that is rampant, unchecked capitalism and consumerism. Capitalism because i don't think everything should be left to free-market forces (health care and education as prime examples). Consumerism because... well, look around. How many people need to point out that the U.S. consumes a ridiculous amount of energy and is largely responsible for #2, China. A large part of that is due to our disposable culture.
Canada: Fairly socialized health care. Eli was born in Vancouver, and was 6 weeks premature. Total cost to us? $50 for a hospital transfer. Because the government is responsible for health care, they actually CARE about preventative health services. It is really a beautiful thing to see.
Ecuador: Almost the opposite of Canada and the U.S. No government care of it's people, no excess wealth, but incredible resourcefulness and an unwitting environmentalism forced by economics. If you can't afford a new car, you fix the one you got... any way you can. You can only make the environmentalism claim if you ignore the trash everywhere, though.
I really don't want to sound angry here, but most Americans live in an ethnocentric bubble and don't care that Chinese are put in awkward situations to make all our junk. I mean, like fatal work conditions for a buck a day. I don't really have a problem with over seas manufacturing. What i have a problem with is valuing a "bargain" over human life and working conditions we Americans would find unconscionable, if only it were in our consciousness.
sigh
But then you find nuggets of art made by high schoolers in the midwest.
There really is beauty out there, and quality things to buy. I'm just pretty sure it won't be found in either Target or Walmart.
# posted by Damon @ 11:02 PM 
