Recently, I had the privilege to visit NYC during the American Thanksgiving. Ever since I was a little girl and discovered the movie “Miracle on 34th Street” I have dreamt of seeing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Finally, as a full-grown adult, my dream was coming true. The parade was as impressive in person as it has been viewed on the television. The money which must have been poured into this parade is unreal. Some of the highlights were the celebrities who were on some of the floats which included Lucy Hale, Nick Jonas, KISS, Megan Trainor, Good Charlotte and some other musical groups I was not familiar with probably due to my age. Taylor Swift performed but was not on a float and I was not aware that in order to fully view the Macy’s Day Parade, you had to purchase tickets. So, yes, I was standing between 5th and 32nd or something like that, but the view was spectacular. The Black Friday sales began almost immediately after the parade closed, and the folk of New York City were dying to spend their money on these sales.
You see New York City during Christmas in the movies and it is over the top and magical, and it is exactly like that in person! You see NYC at Christmas time in the movies and it is surreal and magical, but then when you see it in person it is exactly like that, but more! With a light show on Saks 5th Avenue playing every few minutes with Rockettes dancing across the building, and window displays which are more than less works of art. It is amazing and something to see. So much opulence and wealth, but then you turn a corner and there are people sleeping on park benches and in card board boxes.
This particular trip had an impact on my admiration of wealth and having “nice things”. I realized even more so than usual how blessed I was despite having to share an apartment with a good friend as it is less expensive, and despite having to go without a car as I try to pay debt off from over consumerism (much being shopping for clothes) and traveling to exotic places such as Thailand, South Korea and Germany (just to name a few….). I realized just how wealthy I am. Although I am not dripping with diamonds nor do I have a luggage set by Louis Vuitton, I am so rich in comparison to many. It broke my heart to see such extraordinary wealth on one street, and utter poverty on another street. It struck me as wrong and believe me I am no socialist by any means, but something isn’t right with the world when this is going on in North America. There is no excuse for it. No one should live in a cardboard box even if they are a drunk, or most likely someone with a severe mental illness who cannot cope with life . In 2014 are we really so self involved that we can ignore our neighbors who are suffering?
What do you do? What can I do to help make a positive change and share my wealth, if not my time? Well, I have a few ideas I will write about later.
Peace out for now x RLCJ
You Know Jacques! 