'tis the joy of consumerism

Christmas in Harlem by The Beat Juice

The song is dedicated to the joys of consumerism. I will admit this song is a guilty pleasure. But this morning I went on a spree on a lot of articles about Haiti. I read this one article that discussed how since the earthquake, the dependency on rice has risen by approximately 80%. In other words, 90% of the rice that is being consumed by Haitians, (especially after the earthquake) is coming from this ONE area in the states. The earthquake = business as usual.



When I was younger living in Haiti, for as long as I can remember, I've always liked to receive gifts on Christmas, not from people, but just from my parents. One year when we moved to Canada, things were a little bit different, and things were a bit harder, and I remember when I was in grade 1 in a school in Montreal, I was introduced to this concept of Santa Claus. I remember leaving school that day feeling somewhat annoyed and confused, because there were no chimneys in Haiti. So this idea of this fat old man giving gifts to everyone around the world in one single night by dropping down the chimney was absolutely absurd. So I went home discussed it with my sisters and brothers and of course we all couldn't make sense of it had a laugh and dismissed the theory. I was 7 years old. lol



I'm almost 22 years old. I've had the opportunity and the blessing to learn a lot not only from people around me, but in University, in hearing people's stories, in reading them and in some cases simply seeing them unfold before my eyes. The point of this post is not say that I figured it out faster than all these kids but to acknowledge the power of privilege, and the blessing of perspectives.




Who You Are by Xesxpress

I think the most valuable thing I've learned so far in my life. Is the value you get from perspectives. There is one thing that stayed constant regardless of these perspectives, is the feeling of being with family. The food, the jokes, the sharing, the endless nights of dominoes, and more food. Though there are a few things I would like to have this holiday season like (i.e. Groceries! socks! CDs!!) I know I have more than enough. But to be honest if I could have one thing for christmas it wouldn't be for me, it would be for the thousands and thousands of people who are still in those tents, still under the rubble. It makes my heart hurt. I know enough to know that I can't have that. But I will keep praying for change. (I can't believe that it's almost going to be a year since this earthquake).



So for the first time in more than 10 years I will spend Christmas in the east coast. I hope I'll finish this project soon, so I could enjoy this break. There is power in the perspective I'm getting for being where I'm at. There are things money can't buy, and I call those blessings. lol. So cheers... Thank you Toronto for Everything. Thank you for your awesomeness. I've consumed all the joys and all the experiences of your corners with the little I have. You robbed me through your means of transport (TTC), and yet I found myself smiling. It's cold now and I haven't seen you in like a month because of school... So I'm not smiling like I used to, but I am always reminded that it could be worse (see Edmonton & Calgary). So thank you.


1loveTO