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A Society of Scrooge
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Phillip Hong
December 3, 2010 |
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It's the time of year when Santa Claus (or representations thereof) runs
around and gives everyone gifts for the anniversary of the birth of Jesus.
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It's also the time of year when copious amounts of money are being spent through
smart chips and/or magnetic strips, benefitting retailers that depend on the
revenue.
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According to the Christian religion, it's been 2010 years since the lord was
born to humble parents in humble accomodations. What I don't understand is the
relationship between such a morally important event and those twenty percent
interest charges consumers get by the end of January.
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What happens when a holiday strays away to such a point where the entire point
of our celebrations has turned into a copious gluttony that doesn't seem to
wane, despite the belt tightening families are forced to do in these economic
conditions?
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Charities and food banks are definitely feeling the pinch, and the Salvation
Army is a well known cause that is facing a particularly tongue-dropping
shortfall this year, thanks to the economy. Yet they've been asked to shut
down their bell ringing in a certain famous district of Downtown Toronto,
because's it's... "annoying to customers"?!?
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What is the point of Christmas if a charity that gives dignity back to people
is being forced to stop using an important part of their kettle drive to
assist the citizens of this city to continue on one very obvious deadly sin?
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Gluttony doesn't necessarily mean that people are eating too much. Although
the spirit of the season might be better with a gift or two, we need to think of
people are who are really suffering.
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Buddhism, for example, teaches people to find a spiritual way to end worldly
suffering.
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The truth is, in my honest opinion, is that I think we should be thankful for
our lives, our health, and our belief in hope. Can things like this be
symbolized in a video game that causes lineups or a new cell phone that
replaces another new cell phone?
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This is a holiday where a baby was born, who grew up to be such an important
figure to this world because of his humility and compassion. Please, for the
sake of the holiday itself, think about those who will be spending Christmas
trying to live their lives with much less.
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Whether or not you are religious in any regard, I believe there is a bit of
heart in every single one of us; let's find ways to bring out the best in
ourselves without ringing up the register.
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Phillip Hong, a resident within suburban Toronto, is a constant tourist. Check
out the interesting experiences of his journeys on The Travelling
Briefcase.
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