Compassion
While this is a bit of a different approach from what I normally post, I wanted to bring light to something important that I constantly find my mind wandering back to. Writing a series of “Gen Z Diaries” means giving a voice to those who don’t have one. So, here goes.
Over winter break, I went to India for the first time. While my parents warned me that there would be beggars and homeless people on the street, they did not warn me about the feeling that comes with seeing these people suffer. Every time a child or mother came up to me, asking me for food, my heart broke. Before leaving for the trip, my grandparents, who grew up in India, warned me not to give attention to the beggars. But how could I not?
I have a vivid memory of eating street food in the dusty, cold streets of Udaipur. As I was enjoying my Gobi Manchurian, an indo-chinese cauliflower dish, I saw a group of hungry children huddled next to their teen mothers across the road. I was unable to finish my meal, as I got full. Instead of throwing my food out, I gave two full containers of my unfinished meals to those families. Watching their faces light up as I handed them the containers is a memory I will never forget. My heart filled with contentment; I thought I made a seemingly insignificant impact on just one family at one time, but to them, my small act of kindness is something they will always remember.
But why should this family, and so many others like them, have to deal with this? They are constantly seeking help from bystanders who shun them away. They always have to think about what they are going to eat next. They cannot get an education or steady work. They do not have access to medical care that they so desperately need. Simply put, these families are dehumanized.
It feels like we cannot do much to help them. Other than giving my food away, there is not much I can do as a young individual who lives in another country, under the roof of my parents. And where does this problem end? If I traveled to Nigeria, China, Bangladesh, Syria, Egypt, and so many other countries, I would find a similar scene. How can we help so many suffering individuals?
For now, all I know is that I can pick up my pen and tell you about it. Do what you will with this disturbing reality. Simply take some time out of your day to reflect on how these words and images make you feel. Or, you can find tangible ways to help suffering individuals: volunteer, donate your time or money, or promote organizations who are doing hands-on work.
Just remember, some of your fellow GenZers can’t even afford to eat.
Some charity and non-profit organizations to get you started: