Thursday, November 27, 2008 A closer look at hoarding By Noemi C. Fetalvero Two empty bottles
The government monitors the rice inventory to prevent hoarding of the basic commodity. Hoarding is a marketing strategy, which is considered illegal if not immoral.
That is the kind of hoarding familiar to us. However, there is a more serious one that globally affects individuals relying on our goodness and mercy.
If you are one of the several in the habit of accumulating collectibles, welcome to the club of hoarders.
Oblivious of what is happening to the rest of the world, we showcase things that end up in our shelves and gathering dust at home.
One-half of the world’s population is suffering from hunger and deprivation. The hobby of collecting Barbie dolls, Marvel figures, Mickey Mouse, Hello Kitty stuff, etc. may seem harmless, but we need to see the bigger picture to have a closer look into our priorities and values in life.
A nephew of mine showed me his expensive collection of die-cast cars. These are called toys, but they do not come cheap. A staggering number of schoolchildren from a Third World country walk to school with an empty stomach.
Our collectible Barbie dolls at home can be put to good use and provide breakfast for these children. A Marvel figures, collected privately, can already finance the education of three orphans.
Our African brothers walk miles to get water. If we do away with collectibles, we can provide them with wells. The hundreds of Mickey Mouse collections by a single family can surely rebuild shanties destroyed by a typhoon.
If we were to put together the die-cast cars collected by enthusiasts all over the world, we could collectively purchase medicine for poor patients who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome and cancer.
Taking note of the situation worldwide and with consideration for the impact it may have, shall we then resolve to convert our collectibles into cash and to fill our two empty bottles with concerns bigger than ourselves?
Christmas is the season for giving. I think this is the best time to start a project, which will benefit our less fortunate brothers.
With the advancement in technology, the world has become a neighborhood. Shall we make it a brotherhood as well?
