We have plenty of reasons to give thanks
Notes from Underground
Adam Roberts
Issue date: 11/24/08 Section: Opinion
It's Thanksgiving time, when we're all supposed to list all the good things that we are thankful for.
The fact that you're reading the Opinion section means that you know how difficult this can be. People usually don't argue about the good things. Opinion sections are for discussions on genocide, war, famine, tyranny, crime, unemployment and taxes. Things that people like go in Lifestyles and Sports.
Journalism might be the most depressing profession. The very nature of newsgathering forces a focus on the negative. Nineteen thousand college students making it home safely every night isn't a story. One student getting in a car accident is.
This is sad, because, although there are more than enough tragedies to go around, there are far more joys. For most people, most of the time, life is really quite good.
We're in an economic downturn right now, but the big picture really isn't that bad. Unemployment is only at 7 percent. I don't mean to trivialize the suffering of people who have recently been laid off, but most people across the globe would love to live in a country where 7 percent unemployment is considered "high."
My great-grandmother told me about the bread lines people had to stand in during the Great Depression. This weekend, people had to stand in line to see "Twilight."
I'm thankful to live in a country where our leaders are responding to our needs and where most analysts say the recession is only temporary. I'm thankful that I live in a country where I don't have to worry about a violent coup every time the economy goes south.
I'm thankful that the world is getting richer. Within the next couple decades, roughly 1 billion people will be lifted out of poverty and into the middle class. Even "communist" China is moving toward a market economy. With economic progress, people are demanding their civil and political liberties, and even the most oppressive governments are starting to recognize them.
I'm thankful that the abortion rate in the United States is the lowest that it's been since Roe v. Wade. I'm thankful that the country's divorce rate is the lowest that it's been since 1970. I'm glad that the violent crime and sexual assault rates have been steadily dropping for 15 years.
The fact that you're reading the Opinion section means that you know how difficult this can be. People usually don't argue about the good things. Opinion sections are for discussions on genocide, war, famine, tyranny, crime, unemployment and taxes. Things that people like go in Lifestyles and Sports.
Journalism might be the most depressing profession. The very nature of newsgathering forces a focus on the negative. Nineteen thousand college students making it home safely every night isn't a story. One student getting in a car accident is.
This is sad, because, although there are more than enough tragedies to go around, there are far more joys. For most people, most of the time, life is really quite good.
We're in an economic downturn right now, but the big picture really isn't that bad. Unemployment is only at 7 percent. I don't mean to trivialize the suffering of people who have recently been laid off, but most people across the globe would love to live in a country where 7 percent unemployment is considered "high."
My great-grandmother told me about the bread lines people had to stand in during the Great Depression. This weekend, people had to stand in line to see "Twilight."
I'm thankful to live in a country where our leaders are responding to our needs and where most analysts say the recession is only temporary. I'm thankful that I live in a country where I don't have to worry about a violent coup every time the economy goes south.
I'm thankful that the world is getting richer. Within the next couple decades, roughly 1 billion people will be lifted out of poverty and into the middle class. Even "communist" China is moving toward a market economy. With economic progress, people are demanding their civil and political liberties, and even the most oppressive governments are starting to recognize them.
I'm thankful that the abortion rate in the United States is the lowest that it's been since Roe v. Wade. I'm thankful that the country's divorce rate is the lowest that it's been since 1970. I'm glad that the violent crime and sexual assault rates have been steadily dropping for 15 years.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Becky
posted 11/25/08 @ 10:31 AM CST
I am thankful I have a son like you who knows the power of gratitude!!
Maren
posted 11/25/08 @ 12:17 PM CST
Way to go Adam! I agree--we have so many blessings that get overlooked in our modern society. A complaining, pessimistic attitude is way more "fashionable. (Continued…)
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