Imagine that you’re walking down the street in a large city, such as NYC. Now, imagine that you’re on your way to work, and you’re running a bit late.

In a hurry, something manages to catch your eye. Nothing huge, really, just an advertisement. “THEY’RE RICH! THEY’RE SPOILED! THEY’RE HOT! AMERICA’S FAVORITE T.V. SHOW IS BACK!”. In this advertisement, you take note of 2 young women that seem to be half dressed, and surrounded by material objects. Cars, money, a huge house, etc. Now stop and think about what those material objects mean. Nothing. But wait… They seem to be important to everyone around you, no?

Take a look around. While walking in this city, you notice a seemingly rich couple scarfing down some shrimp. The man stuffs 2 or 3 in his mouth at a time, right before guzzling down a glass of wine, spilling some on his lap in the process. The woman laughing obnoxiously at his side while checking her $600 phone for any messages she might have received in the last 5 minutes.

As you turn your head away from this sight, you can’t help but notice a 17 year old girl talking on the phone about how her parents won’t let her buy the new iPhone, even though you notice that she already has the older model.

Now, take just a few more seconds to imagine that as you look to your side, away from all those advertisements and people, you see a young girl. This girl seems to be maybe, what… 8? 9? She’s covered in dirt, and laying on an old blanket with holes in it on the sidewalk. She is clearly in need of a home, and in need of food. Try to see the world around you from the eyes of that little girl. Try to think about what is going through her head as she sees the advertisement, the 17 year old girl talking on her cell phone, and the rich couple. 

Oh wait, you’re late for work! You don’t have time to actually see the world around you. You have to go work for your boss just so you can afford your bills, and maybe even that new laptop you’ve been wanting.

You forget about everything you’ve just seen. You pretend like your eyes weren’t actually open for those few minutes. You continue to live life with your eyes closed. 

This is the world we live in.