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You are given the ability to solve just one of the world’s biggest problems. Which do you choose? How would solving this problem change the person you are? Who exactly is affected by this solution? Would everyone agree with your decision?
My answer:
With so much negativity going on within our society in the present day, the one thing I would change without a doubt would be any type of discrimination. No matter what reason a person is using to act rudely or treat another human being in an unjust manner, I would create a way to make all people equal in EVERYONE’S eyes. When we are born, we are all born human, all created by life some way or another. When we fall and scrape our knee, the same color blood comes out. After we die and are buried underground, our skeletons will all look like skeletons. So, what really gives anyone the right to treat me or you differently than anyone else?
Lately we have seen many outbursts and media coverage pertaining to discrimination primarily due to race. Although this has been an issue that has been prominent for many generations, this is not the only reason people may fall victims to this horrible crime. Other factors that may set a person or group of people apart from others may include religion, sexual orientation, economic status, educational background, even their mental health status. There is so much stigma that arises when others see a difference. But why is the reaction to hate? Is it truly based on anger, or is it based on a deep seeded fear, a fear of the unknown and the difference, of the things that are not yet understood?
I know many people out there wouldn’t be supportive of my decision to somehow, some way make this possible but I also know a lot of people who are tired of being put in a box simply because of who they are. This decision would effect me personally as both a person living with a mental health condition and a father of a dark skin tone. I know who I am because of the progress I have made and all that I do to give back everyday. I know the type of man my father is because of his refusal to quit working hard for his family. If that isn’t reason enough to want to say enough is enough, what will be?
What would you change?
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Luz, I’m with you on your suggestion. There is too much hate in the world we live in so that is a great place to start. If we can get everyone together, we are on our way to making this place called earth a more enjoyable place to live. I honestly can’t think of a bigger problem than the disunity that is plaguing the human race.
Nevertheless, while this idea still strings into what you suggested, the current problem I would want to solve is the income gap. Income inequality and economic inequality to be specific.
For one, it would mean that I can afford a better standard of living and quality of life but it also means other things. Poverty is the root cause of a lot of community problems. While some families have the wherewithal, others don’t and that is a huge problem because we will constantly be fighting with each other for survival. There is so much wealth held in reserves all over the world, even in the poorest countries, while a significant part of those populations is living in poverty and absolute poverty in the worst case. And yes, this inequality is justified by the people in control using economic reasons. But situations like these open the door to disorder, inefficiency, corruption, crime, and violence and other social issues.
If everyone could afford to live a financially independent life, we could easily solve many of these problems. But that’s not to say, we won’t create other problems for ourselves, because time after time we learn that resources are scarce and every decision that has to do with the allocation of resources means that we are taking from one hand and putting it into another hand, which in effect is a trade off. That opens the door for conflict. We could end up starting civil and world wars at the end of the day. The truth is, some people, businesses, and governments strive off the idea that somebody has to stay rich and the mass has to be poorer for the well-being of the community, the corporation or the state. For instance, businesses can’t afford to pay high wages, they have to keep some people at the bottom of their payroll. And communities need someone in the most menial positions who will take up the least of jobs. So sometimes, income inequality is backed by ruthless intentions.
But can we solve it? While I know solving an issue such as income inequality, or any other social issue, requires a communal effort, f I had the ability to solve it, creating the least of added problems, I would do it immediately.