<#323 Desk Column>

 

 

By Rigoberto Banta Jr., Head Student Editor

 

Walking around the back gate of my university, I can hear carols from a nearby coffee shop as well as chiming bells from the Salvation Army volunteers seeking donations with their bright red kettles. December has always been known as the ‘season of giving’. As the season kicks off, can we account what we have contributed to help people who are in need?

    According to statistics, Korea has a percentage rate of individual donations at 15 percent, one of the lowest amongst developed economies. The general perception of foreigners to the country is that Koreans, having experienced and knowing how to live in poverty, will try to extend their blessings to those who are in need. However, this is not the case and it is probably the understanding of a perturbed life that creates this egocentric approach which sadly has become an intrinsic value in Korean society. Added to this pervasive thinking, most would be passing the bucket instead and giving the better-off the responsibility to help others in need. It is sad to see how we continue to give the cold shoulder to those in need.

    However, it is interesting, almost inspiring, to know where the donations have come from. Most donations in Korea come from corporate assistance and surprisingly from the private donations of grandmothers who have been selling in the market for years. These grandmothers whose frail bodies walk to the market everyday to work against the cold and harsh weather do not think about themselves, but selflessly give to those in need. Not as much, yes, but relatively a huge amount for them. Giving because they know that there are those who are suffering from hunger and poverty waiting for someone to extend their help. Do we have a reason now not to give?

    As presidential candidates’ pledges for a more harmonious society through shared experience, we are skeptical about their motives and yet haven’t looked into ourselves.  This begs us to look at our own reflection. Let us not be bound by our circumstances and learn from the hardworking halmeoni who share their hard-earned money with those who are in need. As college students, financial circumstances might be an obstacle but we can maximize our talents and creativity to provide better lives to the needy. Not for noblesse oblige, let us extend the warmth to more people than our own without any strings attached.