The Problem

I think the major problem with our country today is apathy. The general lack of caring and compasion that has lead to the different subculture we know today. Last night I saw a movie set in the times of the Great Depression. The class separation was an overtone of the poorest vs. The wealthiest of the time. I kept wondering to myself how it was possible, in those days, for the wealthy to just not care or even attempt to do do anything about the bottom of the dregs, the poor, who lived in cardboard boxes in zero degree weather. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how there are similar situations today. Albeit there are a multitude of help groups and charities, I am willing to wager not even ten percent receive the assistance needed. I myself am single and what you may consider to be middle class, but I put myself on the block and see I don't do as much as I can. Then, I wonder if this realization will change my attitude and willingness to help or if this feeling will only disapate after a couple of beers. Here again apathy takes effect and does nothing but perpetuate the problem.

I also see it in my friends on a more "in your face" level. Unwillingness to do what it takes to the job done. Or to even do a job correctly. I remember when I was young, my parents would always get on to me about the half-ass way I would do things. I was never able to see what all the fuss was about, until I became older. Now I can see why they complained so much. When you put great effort into doing something or achieving something, only to have someone who just doesn't care come by and idly stand by or not put there all into it, it gets frustrating.

But what do you do? Do you quickly change your ways, alienate those people and become a self sufficient hermit, living in a tent in the mountains. Eating grubs, squirrels and the occasional badger? Do you reach the breaking point were you yell, fight, and become the asshole who no one wants to be around? Do you gradually change your ways and focus on respectable yet firm ways to change the people around you. Although the latter of the three is probably the best, it is also the most difficult to do. Mad Eye Moody, a character in the Harry Potter books, has the phrase "Constant Vigilance." This, combined with a positive attitude can render the desired outcome. But at what expense, your version of what you should become. Is that what you search for over the years, and when, if at all, do you achieve it. Is it worth it or should you sit by and not care at what the others think or do as long you get what you want. Apathy what a bitch of a stance on life.