Ham Fried Rice

RICH

Definition: abundant

Synonym: abounding, ample, copious, costly, deluxe, elaborate, elegant, embellished, expensive, exquisite, extravagant, lavish, lush, luxurious, palatial, plenteous, plentiful, plush, posh, resplendent, swank, well-endowed

Antonym: poor

You never really know what you have until you see those around you who have even less than you. I think it’s especially true for those of us who reside here in America. Whilst watching American Idol’s Idol Gives Back special, I was treated to countless video montages of Hollywood celebrities traveling with their posse and cameras to Africa and poorer parts of the United States (in their private jets, no doubt…oh the irony.) They each did their best to convince Americans to donate “whatever you can.” Their pleas had conflicting effects on me:

Me, the Cynic: There is nothing worse than seeing a bunch of disgustingly wealthy people self-righteously parading around the world, asking the rest of us for our hard earned monies. How do they know that I don’t already donate 10% of my income to humanitarian aid and charitable causes? If these celebrities truly cared, why don’t they dig deeper into their own pockets and donate 1% (what’s that? a meager million or two?) of their earnings? Perhaps instead of shopping at Barney’s and paying thousands of dollars for a purse, perhaps instead of catering a post self-congratulatory awards show party, perhaps instead of flying off to luxurious resorts, they should consider donating “whatever they can” of their own dollars and help feed starving African children.

Me, the Humanist: Look at the white trash children in Kentucky. They don’t have any books, schooling opportunities or front teeth (ok, that’s Me, the Cynic, sorry.) Actually, I was very moved by an interview with one of the American children who said she wanted to grow up and become a teacher someday. I would love to support this child because she had a strong sense of purpose and desire to better her own life and help others. And, of course, I am always in tears by the end of the African montages. Life can be so unfair. Why was I born in America with a multitude of opportunities that I’ve received, when another Spirit was born to destitute poverty in a third world country? Sometimes it’s difficult to reconcile.

My five year-old returned from preschool one day telling me about a friend who had “tons and tons of Webkinz” and then came the self-pitying “and I only have one. Can you buy me another one? I want tons and tons of Webkinz.” I took a moment and explained to him that there are children in the world who don’t have food to eat, who don’t have a home to live in, and some don’t even have a mom or dad to love them. I realize poverty, humility, and gratitude are abstract concepts to teach a five year-old, but if I don’t start now, he may not care to understand when he’s older. He innocently replied, “Well, then we should give them some money and help them buy some food so they can eat.” If only it were so simple to conquer the world’s problems.

It’s hard for me to see the trials of my generation, with our lack of gratitude and humility. Forget about simple gratitude for basic necessities like food, potable water, shelter, or clothing. I don’t think many of my generation give much thought to their cars, jobs, or educational opportunities. There is a culture of entitlement and greed. You know you live in an affluent society when all women talk about are their favorite pair of “seven” jeans. 7 for all mankind. Hmmm… really? I didn’t know all mankind could afford $260 designer jeans.

As a teenager, I had the opportunity to live in China with my study abroad program many years ago. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I met a teenage boy who worked in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant by the student dormitories. He worked long hours and I asked him if he enjoyed it. He told me it was much better than his previous fourteen-hour day of laboring in the fields.

It gives you a little perspective on life.