"You gon’ eat yo’ cornbread?"

Mar 25, 2011

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Sometimes I sit and wonder about things like:
  • how can an entire friendship end over a borrowed 7 dollars and some change?
  • or why do rappers fail to give back to the hoods they so vehemently claim?
  • or why asking for a piece of someone’s food means you automatically owe them something later because they'll definitely bring up the time they let you hold som’n. Nigga, I ain’t even hungry no more. Keep dat cornbread.
Then it dawned on me, today actually, that altruism is dead.
Altruism– selfless concern for the welfare of others.
They say chivalry is dead but that sounds like a personal problem. The collapse of altruism truly concerns me though. These young g's out here living life by the mantra, “I’ll be nice to you if you're nice to me. I’ll do things for you if you’ll do things for me in return.” College campuses, the workplace, organizations, and “friendships” (I use that word lightly) are all full of superficial exchanges between people who aren’t willing to do for others without an immediate return on their investment.

I think it’s so important for people to realize how fortunate they truly are and then pay it forward. "Helping others" doesn't have to be monetarily. You can simply volunteer your time (which, often times, is much more beneficial).  But the kicker is doing for others without expecting something back. Because sometimes people aren't in a position where they are able to return the favor. So, just take advantage of the opportunities that YOU have to help others in need. That's all. Altruism is on life support ouchea, g. But it ain't gotta stay like that.

Also, I just wanna shout out my family, my friends, my girlfriend and her family, and many others who have all done something for me out of true altruism. I am fortunate to be surrounded by people who do for others just because. It doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated.

1 comments:

Adina Renée. said...

I wonder about these same things.

 
Don't watch me, w-w-watch my feet....