As I look upon Las Vegas Boulevard, the flashing lights compete for my gaze. I scan the magnificent Casinos, built to awe their audience. From my hotel window I catch the fountains in front of the Bellagio, and the infamous Caesars palace. It is difficult to connect these images with other memories I have. Memories of children grasping for the food and water I have. The food warrants a break from their life lived in the landfills of Tegucigalpa. Here they live, sleep, eat, and do what they must to survive. I'm struck at the disconnect of such wealth all around me now, and yet having walked amongst such poverty. It is not that I live in the realization of these worlds. Often I am simply in the moment, oblivious to past experiences. Yesterday I spent some time amongst the miracle mile shops and casino. I lost thirty dollars in twenty minutes to the slots, enough for a child in Honduras to eat for a month. Why did I not remember these children then?
This brings me to another realization, I am not alone. It would seem that human nature is view our decisions based on our context. Perhaps the best way to reach out for aid is not to show a video of starving children and tell a sad story. That may reach a few empathetic souls, but it probably wont connect to most of us rich Americans. Perhaps companies like Toms Shoes or Kiva provide a better approach. Were may not be able to change human desire to focus on our self. However, if we provide a service that benefits ourselves and others, perhaps then we can bridge the disconnect that exists between those who have, and those who have not.
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