Different but Equally Great

Exotic trips to Thailand, snorkeling in the beautiful waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and wild safaris in Africa were only a few of the incredible places my cousin Anisha had traveled, before she was ten years old. Similar to Sedaris and Hugh, I used to believe Anisha had the dream childhood. She had to move to India for my aunt’s job and there she had a maid, a driver, and a personal chef just like Hugh. Who wouldn’t want that? Sedaris writes, “When I’m told such stories, it’s all I can do to hold back my feelings of jealousy.” I connected with Sedaris, because many times I have envied my cousin Anisha.  To have the opportunity to experience a new culture on the other side of the world was something I had always dreamed of. Anisha could probably check ten things off my bucket list that she did before she even turned eight! What I failed to realize when I was younger was that she didn’t have the perfect childhood. I forgot how hard it must have been for a little girl to move half way across the world to India. She had to leave behind her family, friends, and the American lifestyle. Also, my Aunt is one of the directors at General Motors, which meant she couldn’t spend much time at home and she still had to travel. Sedaris mentions, “Hugh was sent back to Ethiopia to live with a beer enthusiast his father met at a cocktail party.” Hugh didn’t have the family love and support he needed. Sometimes we fail to realize how great our childhood is when we compare it to others. I feel blessed to know my mom was always there for me and still is. I also admire Anisha for how independent she has become and my aunt for how hardworking and determined she is. I love them both to death. Soon Anisha and I will be relaxing on the beach, snorkeling in the gorgeous waters of Cancun, and soaking up the sun. Our childhoods are both different but great in many ways, and I wouldn’t change that for the world. 

Innocent lives

Adults corrupt innocent lives. With the use of examples and various stories; this is one of the key points in “A Measure of Restraint” written by Chet Raymo. Raymo begins the essay talking about a tragic event that occurred when two desperate men in the search of money, sold a cylinder full of cesium-137 to a junk dealer. Soon after, the junk dealer’s niece decides to rub the mysterious and enchanting powder over her body. Raymo states, “The girl is dead. Others died or became grievously sick.” The needy men killed the innocent girl and many others, only because they were searching for money. Another example is when Marie and Pierre Curie became instantly famous from their experiments, and a craze for radium began. Though many did not recognize the after effects of radium, Raymo states “Many of these women were later affected by anemia and lesions of the jawbone and mouth; a number of them died.” Marie and Pierre corrupted and killed many innocent people; just to fulfill their selfish crave to become rich, no matter what the consequences.

The desire of money is very involved when corrupting lives. This reminded me of the sweatshops in China, where young innocent children are forced to work in order to supply adults with money. In the article, “In Chinese Factories, Lost Fingers and Low Pay,” the author David Barboza states, “Chinese workers, often as young as 16, face far more serious hazards…For example, factory workers lose or break about 40,000 fingers on the job every year.” That is a piece of evidence that nobody wants to hear. People are forced through suffering to fulfill adults with money no matter if they permanently lose their fingers. A 16 year old named Xu Wenguan (with hands covered in blisters) claimed, “I work on the plastic molding machine from 6 in the morning to 6 at night,” Asked what had happened to his hands, he replied, the machines are “quite hot, so I’ve burned my hands.” No child should have to go through this pain. These statements show the power adults can have, leading only to another’s corruption. Is the yearn for money worth damaging or killing the innocent lives of others?

Money can not buy relationships

True relationships are never based on  money , just love

Snickers! 

The best happiness comes from family

This past week we read the essay called, “On the Want of Money,” written by William Hazlitt. He begins his essay with, “Literally and truly, one cannot get well in the world without money.” I found this statement to be very true. Of course there are difficult ways to survive without money, but many of the people who do are homeless, starving, and miserable. Everybody has their own viewpoint on money, but I am one who believes that money can buy happiness, but only to a certain extent. We had to buy my dog Snickers, and he brings me happiness every single day! When donating items you had to buy, you have the opportunity to help people at homeless shelters, unwanted children, or struggling families to be very happy. A simple toy from the dollar store can make any little abused toddler feel cheerful again. Also many people enjoy playing sports or musical instruments. Equipment, instruments, and proper uniforms aren't free. We have to put money towards what we love. Another part of Hazlitt’s essay informs that we shouldn't let money become everything. There is a certain extent to when money becomes all a person will live for, and that is wrong. Money cannot buy real relationships. Friendships and true relationships come directly from love and care. When a person loves you, you will be able to see it in their eyes and their smile. Money can bring happiness with items, but you can never buy somebody's love. 

We Judge When We Don't Understand

We judge when we don’t understand. I saw that statement a while ago, and I have never forgotten it since. I know everybody has judged someone before, but for many it’s become a natural reaction or even an addicting habit. When you classify someone as a nerd, since they receive straight A’s, maybe they get severely punished if they received any less. You may notice a certain person who seems cheerful every single day, but maybe that’s their cover and they struggle with depression. Or what about the girl everyone knows because she’s not as skinny as a twig? Maybe she just defeated a year’s worth of a terrifying eating disorder.  We judge when we don’t understand. You never will know everything about a person. 

Similar to “Black Men and Public Space,” Staples is judged and mistreated, one of the reasons is because he is African American. He recalls the time when he was mistaken for a burglar at work and another occasion when the proprietor of a jewelry store brought out a Doberman pinscher to frighten him away. Though Staple’s appearance may seem fearful to us, it is not right to judge him. When I read this essay, I was very disappointed that people, without even talking to Staples, could treat him so poorly. It is never right to judge somebody based on their appearances. You never know what they are struggling with. It is our job, to be respectful and considerate towards EVERYBODY.