HED: Generosity in recession

BY JACKSON ROHRBAUGH

THE DAILY

Don’t let this recession persuade you away from generosity. It’s easy to assume that the end of the world is nigh, everyone is going to lose their job, and we’ll never recover. The wailing rhetoric of the media can take our focus away from our continual prosperity and our responsibility to help others.

The economy is not actually doing that bad. You may laugh, pointing to massive job losses and decreases in consuming, spending, and producing. But compared to history, we are not doing so bad. Auto manufacturing has seen a decrease of 25 percent during this recession, but plunged by 90 percent during the Great Depression. Granted, we didn’t have as big of an industry back then, but we need to be aware that things aren’t always as dour as the media paints them.

Most of us still enjoy all the relative comforts of abundant wealth, even if we’ve lost our job. If you can still afford to eat once a day, you’re doing better than many in the world. Recession-plagued America is still prosperous royalty compared to the slums of Mumbai, where not everyone grows up to be a millionaire, or East Africa, where some resort to piracy for work. If Americans are still dying of overconsumption and obesity, I submit that we have some learning to do.

Our pursuit of luxury still runs rampant. We balk that car sales lots are empty, and that freshly-built craftsman neighborhoods go uninhabited, while we should be thankful for food and peace.

This American sense of entitlement to flat screen TVs, new cars and frequent dining out is something I need to repent for. I forget that I am fed and fortunate. If you live long enough in our culture, you’ll begin believing that you deserve everything you see on TV, or in Fremont. Not everyone needs an iPhone and a Prius to complement their REI outfit.

Forget money and our pursuit of it for a moment. What if we were to stop focusing on our own comparatively meager losses, and try to meet the needs of others? The consequences of greed, as exhibited by the failures of Wall Street and subprime lending, should startle America into a new lifestyle. One that isn’t concerned as much with putting furniture and rims on credit as it is with seeking out needy neighbors.

I don’t mean to guilt trip anyone for not knowing the needs of those less fortunate. Rather, my hope is that we learn from the history that is taking place right now. When business leaders and corporations pursue the greediest agenda, and individuals do too, it will leave us broken. Personal and corporate growth should be balanced out by a willingness to feed, clothe and shelter the needy.

This sounds very idealistic and unrealistic, but even those whose jobs are in danger have demonstrated philanthropy. Last year, Boeing employees tripled their cash donations to Northwest Harvest, one of our largest local food banks.

Make widespread generosity a reality by stepping up your giving. Be willing to decrease your own standard of living, which is a far cry greater than most of the world. Even if your own income decreases, find ways to share your limited resources.

I am not calling us to give a little, but a lot. Even giving a small amount is difficult with a student’s income, or on unemployment.

But the change of heart that takes place when you sacrifice a little of what you have is worth foregoing a few lattes each week. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised how it feels to give instead of get.

Reach columnist Jackson Rohrbaugh@opinion@dailyuw.com.