Cultural Paradox

Happy Thanksgiving!

As I've spent the morning enjoying a tasty breakfast of waffles, sausage and Khmer coffee with my family I'm thankful for spending the day with loved ones. As my mom, grandma and I make pie (cherry, pumpkin and citrus meringue)I'm thankful for foods that not only nourish my stomach but my soul as well.

But not everyone has enough food, even in America. Last week I was listening to an intriguing broadcast on NPR (http://www.whyy.org/cgi-bin/newwebRTlookup.cgi). In the city I now live, 15% of people are food insecure. Food security encompasses more than just food; it involves transportation, seasonal availablity, cost, income, housing, bills, family structure and nutritional value.

On this day of planned gluttony, what happens to those who will go hungry tomorrow because of the excess of today? What happens to me if I just ignore it? The hunger doesn't go away. What happens in February when food pantries aren't on the top of the list for 'giving back'? What happens when the symptoms of a broken system are addressed but not the disease?

laughter

I decided to walk to campus today. Along the way I saw a sign. It said "Republicans wear tighty whities."

I laughed.

It made me think...I really enjoy laughing. And smiling.

There are no awkward laughs or smiles here...just cold stares.

I miss the Asian smile.

reverse culture shock sucks. just in case you were wondering...