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Global Urban Trek 2008
Enough, Already!July 3, 2008
For our stay in Tulpetlac, Danielle, Katye, and I are living in the home of the Ramirez Martinez family, which consists of two parents, four daughters, four cousins (all girls), a husband-in-law and a grandbaby. Right now, most of the family is in Cancun where Don Abraham is working. Only Lucy, the 17-year-old daughter and her older sister Karol remain, along with Karol´s husband, Antonio, and their two-year-old, Zoe.
Living in this tiny cement home, which usually houses 11 people has brought up a lot of questions about wealth. How much is enough? What do all people deserve to have, and what is just luxury?
For example, this family doesn’t have much space. They have a bedroom the size of mine at home, which here sleeps 6 people. And everyone keeps their clothing in one giant closet. The room I share with Katye and Danielle holds hardly more than a bunk bed, a single bed, and a tiny table, but we are perfectly comfortable. Do I really need all the room I am used to having?
Further, while the house has electricity, it does not have running water. A water truck comes once a week to fill the cistern, and we use buckets to wash dishes and clothes, flush the toilets, and bathe. I honestly don’t think that the family would be any better off with running water – it would just be something else to pay for. They have easily accessible water, and a water heater made of coiled wire (physics in action!).
Despite living conditions that most Americans would find miserable, this family is comfortable and happy. However, there are things they don’t have, which I believe everyone should. They should have a roof that doesn’t leak when it rains every day. They should have a door that closes and window panes that aren’t broken so it will stay warm inside and mice will stay out. They should have books to read and a place to study for school. Antonio shouldn’t have to work 12 hours a day with a one-hour transit.
In contrast, I definitely have all the things this family lacks and more. So I then have to deal with the questions: how much is enough? How much space do I need? What about new clothing? Or CD´s? Or books? Or decorations for my dorm room?
There are a million questions to ask about wealth and what defines enough, not enough, and too much. I don’t think there are definite answers for these questions, but it’s important to ask them anyway.
I think that as a person who has plenty, I have a responsibility to help Karol and Lucy´s family obtain the things they need, and I need to be more thoughtful in my decisions about how to spend my money.
- Kara
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