It is said that what make us weep is the
truth about us, whether we know it, or like it, or not, and the same is true of what we instinctively laugh at.
After reading (and viewing) this thread yesterday, I couldn't get it off my mind; it disturbed me, and it still does.
If we are worried about the fact (?) that people elsewhere don't respect Americans, and I'm assuming that refers to all North Americans, I sincerely doubt that it's because a few overweight people don't have enough self respect to dress modestly.
I find more cause for shame on our part in that not one of us asked
why those people (yes, they're people) are morbidly obese and so obviously lacking any knowledge of social propriety.
It is difficult to believe that anyone would
choose to commit slow suicide and endure a severely limited and diminished quality of life, so... what went wrong in their lives? What
is wrong in their lives and why aren't we helping instead of laughing?
Perhaps outrageous 'fashion' statements are the only way the desperate have to say, "I'm here and I matter." Or perhaps they have no hope or joy in their lives and simply don't care anymore - who knows? I don't, and you don't, but
why don't we know? Why don't we who
know better care?
We're failing to 'Love thy neighbor,' ladies and gentlemen, and in so doing we're failing to love God.
If Americans have lost the respect of the rest of the world then I should think it's because we're guilty of neglecting (failing to love) the weak, the desperate, and the needy amongst us. Many of these people may only need a kind word or two, or someone to listen, or a sincere smile.
How would you view (judge) these people if you were blind? Would you listen for a hint of kindness in their voices? A trace of sadness or despair? Would it matter to you if the person who let you skip ahead of them at the checkout were overweight and/or dressed outrageously?
If all we can see is the outer shell then I submit that we
are blind by choice, and for that we should all be ashamed.
I'm reminded of Moses who stepped out of the palace and did not notice the splendor of Egypt, but rather the suffering of his people. And also of the two brothers walking down the road and seeing an unwashed child ravenously devouring a wedge of stale bread. One of the brothers noticed the bread; the other one saw the hunger....
No wonder indeed.