The children and families working there know they would probably be safer and more secure working in a factory, even — they just don’t have those opportunities now. They need food and medical care, which is being offered but not on a daily basis.

But you’re very right to point out that our reactions are strongly based on what we’ve known, what we are used to. But I also think we are capable of consciously changing those reactions.

@ Bamboo – Being able to share new perspectives is what makes me love blogging

@ Detlef – That is exactly what struck me too! To see that they took control where they could — that dignity. Thank you for sharing your impressions.

@ curiousjessica – I think the key is to be aware of how much we have, while embracing our opportunities. If we are aware and therefore making the most of them, we are not wasting what we have been granted… and we can work to spread opportunity.

curiousjessica´s last blog post..How to prepare for a marathon writing weekend

curiousjessica´s last blog post..How to prepare for a marathon writing weekend

what strikes me most: how clean are these children! No dirt on their faces nor even on their clothes. Someone is working very hard there and putting a great effort into dignity, probably without a washing machine, probably with an excruciating long work day. That really touches me on a deep emotional level.

There is love and dignity to be found at the garbage dump, and there are shabby, neglected, overweight children to be found in first class homes in front of 42″ plasma TVs. What does that tell about values?

Detlef Cordes´s last blog post..Caring, Sharing, Weird Dialogue

I feel that before we can judge these young children as being “uncared for” and “unloved” we must realize that this life is all they have ever known. If there is nothing to compare it to, then your life can be good or bad. Ask any of them about living in a home w/ 3 bathrooms and a tennis court, and they will give you a blank stare, not knowing what it is you speak of, because their lives have never been lived that way.

If we take our comfortable little selves and place it in that dump, there is no idea in my military mind that we would be unhappy and would spend the rest of our lives bemoaning our fate. Since these youngsters have never known an affluent lifestyle, they can hardly miss it. I am sure that they don’t sit in front of a 42″ plasma TV and watch “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” They would undoubtedly find great humor in that if they did.

Granted, conditions here are deplorable. I cannot help but think that seeing these happy faces means that they are comfortable with their station in life. Not everyone needs “saving.”

Peace,

Alden~

@ Trina – No need to apologize for the typo — happens to the best of us . I think it’s great that Urban Panther brought those issues to the discussion as well — they are real, and relevant.

(Wow! That last sentence was confusing!)

Hard to put into words, because it is based on my reactions to people I have encountered in my life.

Urban Panther´s last blog post..Ruined dinner