One loss is no more important than another

Something has been on my mind since the news of Paul Walker and his friend and driver of the vehicle, Roger Rodas. I have seen many posts in the social media world such as, "A celebrity dies and everyone makes such a big deal. What about all those children that die every day." Etc etc. I get what these people are trying to say... people die every day and no one talks about them or cares... soldiers, children, a mother, a father... but when a celebrity dies then it's national news and everyone in the world mourns. I get it.

First, I would like to say duh.

     ce·leb·ri·ty

     səˈlebrətē

     noun

1. a famous person.

     fa·mous

     ˈfāməs

     adjective

1. known about by many people.

A lot of people know of famous people. Of course, many people will have a reaction. That does NOT make their death any less important. A celebrity is a person too. They have family and loved ones just like each of you. Part of being famous means that you have an impact on others. Many people probably don't know Paul Walker (for example) personally; however, he might have impacted their lives in some way. I have many examples in my personal life (one that I'll share). There was a little boy by the name of Lane Goodwin. I never met this person, but his life impacted me in so many ways. The night he passed, I cried in bed, begging God for answers of why things like this happen. My heart ached. Death is sad for those left behind. People watch movies and celebrities and it feels like part of your life. You feel like you know them, even though you don't. It's part of it.

Second, (and I could be completely wrong about this) the people posting those things are probably trolls. I highly doubt you mourn the loss of every person on this planet that dies. It's impossible and you would be the most depressed person in this world if you did. We can't solve all of the problems in this world, nor can we stop death. There is still no cure for life, as far as I know. I think there are so many important issues out there with children being slaughtered and soldiers dying that have fought for their country. There are "regular" people that have died, and there could have been something extraordinary about them. It's awful. The media cannot report on everything (not that they always report on the important things either). Every time that I find something new about how someone is dying or has died, my heart aches for them. 

People post and are so public about celebrities because people know them. People can "relate." Naturally, most people aren't going to read the news and then post about a little boy dying in Africa. It's not the popular thing among people. It's a sad fact. We live in a world filled with sheep. People are afraid to step out from the pack. People are afraid of their own voice. They are more comfortable speaking with the group. I know this does not hold true for every person, but you tell me that this does not hold true for the masses and I'll call you on your bluff.

If you want people to know about the little boy that died in Africa then speak up. Let your voice be heard. Tell people about the little boy. You take the step. Don't bash people for mourning the loss of a celebrity. It's wrong. Like I said, I know what you're really trying to say when you're doing it. However, do so in a positive way. Educate yourself. Educate the people.

| c.l.s | 2013

R.I.P. Paul Walker and Roger Rodas and Tyreece Jordan Naicker (little boy in Africa).

May your loved ones find the strength to cope. <3

A Blind Man & Humanity

I have been meaning to write this post, but haven't really had the time. Hopefully I'll get all the facts correct.

I suppose it was a couple of weeks ago or so. I was studying in the library, when my boyfriend came in to tell me about something that had just happened. I can't really remember where he was headed, but he saw this guy, a blind guy, that had dropped his walking stick. The guy was trying to search around for his stick. Keep in mind, that this happened in the middle of campus. The guy was on his way to class. From what I was told, there were many people just standing around staring at the guy. My boyfriend said he just looked around at everyone standing there and decided to help the guy. He goes over and gets the stick for the guy and hands it to him. I guess the guy asked Clint (my boyfriend) if he would walk with him to class. Of course, Clint said sure. They talked on the way to the building. From what I remember, they guy has been blind most, if not all of his life. He lives on campus and uses some sort of tapping and counting with the stick to get around campus. I was told that he's a pretty fast walker. The guy also tells Clint how he can hear really well. That's not surprising because when you don't have one of your senses, the others are heightened. He said that he can hear people always talking about him and that it hurts his feelings. People usually don't know that he can hear them. He also said that he doesn't have many friends because people are scared of him, or whatever the reason be. Well they make it to the building and they guy says thanks and that he can make it the rest of the way. They then go their separate ways.

Okay... first, I am completely amazed. Yes, I didn't actually meet this guy and I wasn't there to experience this. However, I can imagine. I can't believe he can get around so well. I have never really known someone that has been blind their whole life so I don't really know what they go through. Obviously, simple tasks for people that can see would be hard for people that can't see. I'm amazed that he lives on campus and walks around by himself and goes to class, etc. I just think it's so great. We complain about the dumbest things in life and take so much for granted. This was just another eye opener for me.

Second, I am extremely disgusted, so much so that it's hard to put into words, with humanity. We supposedly live in the "Friendliest Town in America," yet people on campus can't take a second to help a person. People were just standing there looking at him and probably talking about him. It's just rude!! People need to stop being so self-centered and selfish. Try helping someone else for once. It could make their day or even their life. A simple act of kindness can go a very long way. I am tired of having to lower my expectations for people; people need to start raising their standards.

Next time you see someone in need, think of your father, mother, brother, sister, or someone that you are close to. Better yet, think of your child (born or unborn). How would you feel if this person was your child, frantically searching around on the ground? Would you want someone to just pass them by or laugh at them? I'm guessing no. Well then stand up and start doing something about it. Making the world a better place starts with you. If you want your children and grandchildren to grow up in a better or safe world, then YOU make it that way. Let's make kindness epidemic.

Lastly, thanks to Clint for helping this guy and being kind. I'm glad kindness isn't extinct yet.