Yesterday’s post How we view the suffering we cause others today versus 200 years ago prompted me to think of a different view on our culture’s double standards of whom we consider when we do things that harm others versus when others do such things.
When I say I don’t use air conditioning, people respond, “But what can I do when it’s hot?”
About not flying, “But I have to see my relatives” or “But I need to for my job” etc.
About not using a fridge “But I don’t have time to cook.”
In other words, regarding perks, they concern themselves about themselves. They might say flying is for their kids’ education or other distraction, but it’s always how it affects them at the root.
By contrast, when they say they do use air conditioning, they never ask “But what about the people in Cancer Alley whose suffering I help pay for?”
Nobody asks about the people whose consent they violate when they pollute or deplete. They just like their perks.
They never think about the inevitable consequences of their choices that make their lifestyles comfortable for them but cruel.
