Here is Victoria's essay:
I was born in a developing country, that is, in the southern African country of Zimbabwe. It is a third world country, and so I am aware of the change that President Obama is calling for, for like other nations out there in the world, that are still in the process of development, they are all in dire need of help from developed nations such as the USA. Therefore, I see myself responding by placing myself into the shoes of those people from such places that I may be better able to make a contribution that will assist our brothers and sisters who don’t have, by giving them or providing the means for them to have what I have plenty of. It is easier for me to do so than most people because I have been on both sides of the coin where having next to nothing at all, to have fairly plenty is concerned.
Heeding this admonition to avoid “indifference to suffering outside our borders” will not be difficult for me to consider and/or even do. In other words, I am committed in my acquiescing of this request. Therefore, the question arises as the challenge becomes finding ways that I can assist as well as devising possible solutions that we as a nation can join hands together on, to contribute to the sufferers of those beyond our borders. Before we as a nation can step in, we must first focus on ourselves, in small groups, even as individuals to resolve within us the will that will motivate us to set out on this path of assistance, and ensure that we will stay on it and stick to our commitments to help.
Alma 37:6 states, “Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. This change can be brought about through personal evaluation of one’s self and other simple acts such as putting others first before ourselves. I, as well as every one of us, need to learn to stop being selfish and reach out to those around us who are seeking our help. We should each learn to expand our knowledge of what is going on in regions round about the United States, and not focus simply on what is going on here at home. Of course, we are currently going through an economic slum ourselves, but as we regain our footing and own strength, we will then be able to reach out and help those less fortunate countries than our own. Otherwise, whilst re-establishing our own stability, we can at the same time research and learn of the problems other countries are going through, before we can commence thinking up ways in which to intervene and solve their crises.
As far as what an individual such as I can accomplish, these are numerous. Some of these include changing our own personal habits with regards to, maybe, limiting the uneaten food that we throw away, when we can still eat it or put it to better use such as mix it into something else and then eat it. A few other examples of the things that we, as a people, can start doing now include eating less, restricting our innate and the portions we consume, thus reducing the amount of resources that go into food preparation that we end up wasting at the end of the day. In turn, what we would waste on a regular basis, we could save that money instead to purchase grains, canned goods and so forth that can be sent to starving people in countries throughout the world. Likewise, as we educate our own minds, we can find the knowledge we need to pass onto others and thus feed the hungry minds of people out there in the world that long to further their own education.
Therefore, I agree with Friedman’s assertion. We do need to develop within ourselves, first, a more “positive imagination”. And only then can we be able to encourage others to do so too. We cannot preach and teach to others that which we ourselves do not practice. It is only after we have somewhat mastered that technique ourselves, that we can go out and help our friends and family learn of too. This development of positive imagination gives people an inner hope that they can actually do something within their own power to make the world as better place for others to live and survive in. Personally, I can spread this optimism onto my friends and family and share with them the joy that comes through giving to- and serving- others.
Small and simple things, though we may doubt it, will go a long way if they are done in a manner of self-less service. This then ties into what Friedman exhorted about “exporting hope and not fear”. We can each accomplish this, and as we learn not to panic about our own “minor” issues and become more positive that the future will be bright, and that everything will turn out well, we can pass this hope onto other people outside our borders, who are suffering and having a hard time seeing or even finding that bright light that they need at the end of the tunnel. In turn, let us (myself included) look forward hopefully, and without panicking or fearing the unknown, and as we do so, others around us will find that light within them too, through the emanation of our own, thus replacing fear with hope. “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear…” (D&C 38:30).And Ben's:
The Scrooge Syndrome
The LDS missionary handbook of instructions, also known as “the white Bible," suggests that a leader cannot serve others unless he or she gets to know them. The truth in this statement extends far beyond the mission field. How can human beings help each other unless they understand the different cultures, thoughts, and beliefs that paint the earth? Can the purification of water and flourishing of farms that President Obama speaks of really happen if all we have studied from China is the basketball play of Yao Ming? Indifference to the suffering outside our borders will melt away and the avenues to help will open as Americans and those of all nationalities learn about each other.
A simple example of indifference or ignorance is the classic Charles Dickens character Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge was a property owner who was interested in making money. Making money isn’t an evil or even a bad thing. Scrooge was good at what he did. He made himself rich through hard work and good financial planning. To a degree he was aware that people suffered, but that was a distant problem that didn’t affect him immediately. A plea for mercy from an eviction probably crossed his way every now and again, but that’s just life and business right? From a third person point of view we can clearly see how heinous and bad Scrooge was, but could he himself see?
Scrooge of course would have a life changing night. But before that is discussed, can it be suggested that humans, especially Americans, have "Ebenezer Scrooge Syndrome"? The standard of living in America is among the world’s best. Americans have opportunities and many work hard and make a fortune. Sure, an infomercial about India’s starving children may interrupt "The Drew Carey Show," but that’s life and business right? Those are distant problems and somebody somewhere is taking care of them. Wrong.
Scrooge was taken from his home on a fantastic journey to see and experience life from different perspectives. He was taken to see how the poor live. He saw the suffering that existed outside his bank account. By seeing and understanding what was going on around him, he changed and began to help others out. Should citizens of developed countries be taken on Scrooge class journeys? Maybe. What is the answer to the problem? Who knows. Can eyes be opened by sending everyone back to Humanities 202? Somehow people must inform themselves to the world’s situation.
People should know that there are 800 million human beings suffering from chronic malnutrition worldwide. It should be brought to man’s attention that there are 400,000 homeless people living in London. People should feel that sick-to-your-stomach feeling by the China Blue documentary and know that there are little girls in China making our pants and earning just a few cents every day.
If a man knows what is wrong with his car, he can and will fix it. If he doesn’t take the time to find out or just doesn’t care, the day may come when his car explodes. If man can’t look down on his fellow man and extend a helping hand, how can he not be subject to that same condemnation that Scrooge was threatened by? The Lord said to Enoch, “Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands.” By opening eyes and understanding the real situations that are happening in our little world, the avenues for aid and service will be open and the charge to purify and flourish will be completed.
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