jxavier
TMF Novice
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2010
- Messages
- 74
- Points
- 0
I was just having a discussion with my friend earlier tonight. This guy we were talking to was telling a story about a roommate he had who was pretty much the absolute stereotype of a horrible roommate, plus some. He never paid rent, was always dirty, etc... The guys mom actually paid for the other roommate to move in with her son for a couple months (because she's an insanely generous person), and the roommate--being the terrible person he is--never paid her back, and actually started ignoring all her calls.
After hearing the story, I talked about how my mother would probably never pay to support somebody else in a situation like that. Not that my mother isn't a wonderful person, she's an absolute angel, but still. My friend, who was also listening to the story, responded to my comment by saying, "Why not?" He then started to explain that he thinks it's a very good cause to support the young people in this country. I told him I agreed, but to that extent? He responded with, "Of course!" and then talked about how people who have the money should consider supporting a "young person," college level type kid, because maybe supporting a brilliant young college student through their rent and food troubles can invariably lead to a greater country.
Now, we are both the "young people" he's talking about. We're both 21, in college, living in Denver, trying to figure out our lives etc... and I suppose I agree with him to a certain extent, but personally, I think that mine and his "financial burdens" are somewhat our own fault. We go out and drink, we eat out, we go on vacations and camping trips--I always figured that to have all of these things, you just have to compromise stuff. Honestly... I could probably save up some damn good money over a long time if I learned how to control my finances better.
I mean, look at history... look at the freaking tiny god damn minority of people throughout all of history that is privileged the way ours are. I, in no way live a glamorous life, but still... I have all my limbs. I can see out both eyes, I can hear, I can speak, I have healthy teeth, I have constant access to a private shower and I never go a single day without food. Really, really think about the 12 million people who died during The Great Depression, let alone any ten-year long span of time. So many people are born, live horrible lives, then die. Our society is INSANE, in the sense that it just seems to be stepping out of the muddy, toxic waters.
I think that the reason for him believing this (and for me sort of agreeing with him), is because we're just still kind of use to being handed things. Are we really special in any way just because of our age and position? Do we really deserve to be considered, "a good cause?" I definitely do not doubt that given the chance and the opportunity, my friend and I (and so many other young people I know) would do some good for the world, but should we really expect the world to meet us halfway?
After hearing the story, I talked about how my mother would probably never pay to support somebody else in a situation like that. Not that my mother isn't a wonderful person, she's an absolute angel, but still. My friend, who was also listening to the story, responded to my comment by saying, "Why not?" He then started to explain that he thinks it's a very good cause to support the young people in this country. I told him I agreed, but to that extent? He responded with, "Of course!" and then talked about how people who have the money should consider supporting a "young person," college level type kid, because maybe supporting a brilliant young college student through their rent and food troubles can invariably lead to a greater country.
Now, we are both the "young people" he's talking about. We're both 21, in college, living in Denver, trying to figure out our lives etc... and I suppose I agree with him to a certain extent, but personally, I think that mine and his "financial burdens" are somewhat our own fault. We go out and drink, we eat out, we go on vacations and camping trips--I always figured that to have all of these things, you just have to compromise stuff. Honestly... I could probably save up some damn good money over a long time if I learned how to control my finances better.
I mean, look at history... look at the freaking tiny god damn minority of people throughout all of history that is privileged the way ours are. I, in no way live a glamorous life, but still... I have all my limbs. I can see out both eyes, I can hear, I can speak, I have healthy teeth, I have constant access to a private shower and I never go a single day without food. Really, really think about the 12 million people who died during The Great Depression, let alone any ten-year long span of time. So many people are born, live horrible lives, then die. Our society is INSANE, in the sense that it just seems to be stepping out of the muddy, toxic waters.
I think that the reason for him believing this (and for me sort of agreeing with him), is because we're just still kind of use to being handed things. Are we really special in any way just because of our age and position? Do we really deserve to be considered, "a good cause?" I definitely do not doubt that given the chance and the opportunity, my friend and I (and so many other young people I know) would do some good for the world, but should we really expect the world to meet us halfway?
