Why do people often treat others who are different from them so poorly? I have asked myself this question and wondered why they are so cruel to those who are less fortunate. They might mistakenly believe that we feel inferior to them, but they’re wrong. We are all human, born into different circumstances, and ultimately, we all face the same fate: death. Those of us who have had opportunities choose to live life as we please, just as those who are struggling want to live their lives on their own terms. However, they may encounter numerous failures and unjust situations that can dissuade them.
It is particularly unfair that those who enjoy a comfortable life often look down on others. I experienced this firsthand a year ago when I was walking to the mall to buy some dog food. On my way, I encountered many beggars. I wanted to help them, but I was just 15 and had no money. As I looked at one person, he appeared casual and well-off, but I quickly realized that his mentality was poor. He laughed at the beggars and said, ‘Look at those beggars. What a pathetic sight!’ His comment infuriated me because it felt so unjust. These beggars lacked the opportunities that he clearly had.
In that moment, I approached him and said, ‘They are human beings just like you and me. Please don’t talk about them that way.’ At that point, he seemed to recognize his unfairness and ended up apologizing to them.
What I want to convey is that all people are fundamentally the same. Whether we are rich or poor, we all face the inevitability of death. Until that time comes, we should strive to love and support one another.