photo credit: ssedro
So I’m reading Eat Pray Love
I’m at the part where she is in Bali, Indonesia. And she is describing some of the customers that come to see the Medicine Man. One family is very poor, and come to him because their 1 year old has been crying for days. They bring him 25 cents and a few grains of rice of which he graciously accepts. Later that day a wealthy family comes to him and brings him a huge basket of fruit, and flowers, and a roasted duck of which he also graciously accepts.
It just seems so… what’s the word? Humane! To live in a society where everyone works and pays what they can. Sure, there is a caste system there that would make any American cringe. But really, is it any different from the informal caste system we have here? Yes, we live in the country where dreams come true. But for how many people? Face it, for most of us our destiny lies in the socioeconomic status we were born into.
Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone paid what they could, and there was no animosity that “Why should I have to pay more than that person? I work hard for my money!” or “Why should that person who cannot pay as much money as I can get the same medical services I get?” or “Why should their kids get a high quality eduction like the one my kids get which I pay extra for?”
Instead, can we just have respect for the work that people do and the realization that we all work hard, even if we are not all born into privilege? But that we all deserve certain humane services such as medical care and a quality education?
“You may say that I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one.”
-John Lennon
Jill says...
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August 17th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
The Dad says...
I have not seen the movie, but the book was incredible…
August 21st, 2010 at 6:56 pm
feefifoto says...
It would also be lovely to live in a society where those who could afford it paid a little more so those who couldn’t afford it might still partake.
August 21st, 2010 at 7:02 pm
Cathy Jo Cress MSW says...
I read the book a yaer ago and my husband just started it today. I actually really loved the movie especially Richard Jenkins who is a brilliant actor. Julia Roberts held her own against him.
We still have this system in s sliding scale, which many non profits use.
Cathy Jo Cress
http://momlovesyoubest.wordpress.com/
August 31st, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Heidi says...
I agree with Cathy. Richard Jenkins is fabulous in the movie.
September 9th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Anne says...
Jill that was beautifully said. You have a great heart! Your eyes and heart are open to the world! I am proud to call you my sister <3
September 23rd, 2010 at 1:34 pm
November Grey says...
I love that book so much!! I have not seen the movie (ya, I’m a mom… I don’t go see movies anymore) ~ but I heard it doesn’t come close to the book anyway. I read it on my last vaca with the hubs in Costa Rica and have such fond memories… I’m new to this whole mommy blog world and happy to have found yours!
Stop by sometime ~ I love to remind my mommies that being fabulous does not have to stop once we answer to the name “mom!” Remembering what’s truly important (the love surrounding us) and not forgetting to cherish ourselves and our feminine wiles at the same time!
I’m all about mixing designer with great (money saving!) vintage/thrift finds, as seen here, here, and here. Would love to see you there!
xx
November Grey
$70 makeup giveaway!
October 9th, 2010 at 11:13 am
Cheryl Pope says...
I have not seen the movie but definitely would like to check it out. I love all Julia Roberts movies. My favorite is My best Friend’s Wedding, but I digress. It would be great if you can pay for things based on what you have. It wouldn’t be so profitable for the business owner, though. LOL.
November 17th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
early years resources Mary says...
Lovely post,
Love Mary
December 9th, 2010 at 8:05 am
william sawyers says...
Great picture from a children author of Concord, Ca.
January 10th, 2011 at 6:32 pm
Mary says...
I love the movie but I haven’t read the book. Hope to get my hands on it, pretty soon.
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Stacey says...
the completely new mac selection is getting unveiled soon, yay
March 9th, 2011 at 5:00 am
Leslie says...
Hi, I just found your blog through another blog that I read and I’ve been enjoying it! I read Eat, Pray, Love and liked it a lot! Haven’t seen the movie and actually don’t care to. Just wanted to say hello and let you know you’re not the only dreamer. And tell you I think I’ll try out that brownie recipe you posted too. yum!
March 20th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
Leslie says...
Oooops, had to fix my link too! I’m technologically challenged sometimes
March 20th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
elizabeth says...
There was a man who was featured on one of the Philippine TV programs (I’m a Filipina mom:)) who goes to at least 1 hospital every year during Christmas season and graciously pays the hospital bill of anyone whom he thinks couldn’t afford to pay.
Mom Blog
March 26th, 2011 at 7:25 am
Renee says...
I loved the book and the movie. I thought they did a pretty good job putting the book on the screen. If you cry at movies, you will be needing a box of tissues.
March 29th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
Tina Modotti says...
Just give me a ragged copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul!
May 17th, 2011 at 6:00 am
Kim Mack says...
Eat, Pray, Love is one of my most favorite books. I have read it 3 full times. I keep it in the van with me so I always have something wonderful to read when I’m stuck waiting for the kids to finish up.
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:35 pm
Laura says...
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July 18th, 2011 at 9:22 am
No Drama Momma says...
I have to say, I haven’t read the book. I did attempt to see the movie, but I couldn’t get all the way through–it was awful! So narcissistic. How could anyone take themselves that seriously?! Let us know if the book is better! Maybe something was lost in the translation?
July 19th, 2011 at 9:29 am
Jill says...
No Drama Momma
If I remember correctly the book was also narcissistic. But it didn’t bother me because that is what she was going through at that time in her life.
Jill
July 20th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Jan says...
You are a dreamer
I haven’t read the book, but I have seen the movie. I thought it was pretty good.
September 24th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
frugal baby says...
This looks like a great read.Dreamers are the ones who change the world.Preserve your dreams by making them realities.
October 18th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
MondoMOM says...
Beautifully said!
October 22nd, 2011 at 8:00 am
Michelle says...
I agree especially when it comes to health that we shouldn’t have to go broke to stay alive. You should have to pay what you can. You said it sister!
February 22nd, 2012 at 1:12 am
EmmaK says...
Yes that would be wonderful if we all helped eachother out when we were down on our luck. I believe that kind of socialised system is pretty near perfect in Germany where no one needs suffer a loss of dignity when they are out of work.
March 13th, 2012 at 6:39 am
shine @ Party Plan says...
the books is very inspiring and amazing for me. The movie? not that much into it but overall yes I do believe that what we can share for each other that stops any stressful or problems in the future is RESPECT. If we can learn to respect each other whatever we do then the world will be a better place.
June 6th, 2012 at 11:23 pm
kole says...
I’ve heard the movie is pretty crappy, but I really should check out the book.
January 14th, 2013 at 10:48 am