Disrespect

A relatively wise man is quoted as saying “the root cause of all our problems today is overpopulation.” Some might say that’s a bit of an exaggeration but it’s also hard to argue as clearly our founding fathers never imagined there would be as many of us roaming the earth as there are today.

However I truly believe most of our problems are due simply to man’s inhumanity to man and our lack of respect for one another. Think of all the things that go wrong and there’s a pretty good chance the bottom line is that somebody’s concern for only themselves played a role.

To an extent we have always been divided by our differences….race, religion, nationality, economic background. That’s something that will probably always exist which is why there will never be complete peace in the Middle East and other places around the world. However we don’t have to even look or sound different to mistreat one another….we do that to our own neighbors.

Of course when I say “we” I don’t mean all of us. It’s just that people have such disregard for others when it comes to everyday stuff that it’s no wonder we can’t solve the real big problems. Drivers routinely think of themselves as the only ones in a hurry so they’ll weave in and out of traffic, blow by yield and stop signs and ignore common rules of the road…all without a trace of quilt. Nobody likes waiting in lines but watch what some will do to avoid them, again because of the feeling that their time is more valuable than others. Why is there so much litter? The answer is laziness…I mean why walk 20 feet for a garbage can when you can just throw it out the window.

You want more? How about those who blast music from their homes at 3AM…they don’t have to get up for work so they don’t care if you can’t sleep. How about those who in routine conversation in a public place will spew obscenity after obscenity even with children around. Or what about those who park in handicapped spaces and deny someone who really needs that spot.

I could go on and on and so could you. The fact of the matter is we have trouble co-existing with those who we think of as just like us so how could we imagine getting along with those who are very different. Man’s inhumanity to man…it’s really our biggest obstacle.