Wants And Culture

Someone suggested an interesting exercise.

First, make a list of what you really want.

Next, make a check next to the items obviously generated by cultural norms.

Finally, mark the items that represent actual needs.

How much of what we want actually flows from our cultural ideas? How often do we let the culture turn “wants” into “needs?” And…are we even aware it’s happening?

Culture can mean a lot of things. Advertising. Politics. Organized religion. Peer groups.

I thought about this notion related to the kids the Home of Hope. They go to school with kids from the surrounding community, and they’re subject to the same cultural influences as other kids.

But…I’ll bet for most of them, that list of wants might look a little different.

For many of them it includes things like freedom from abuse. Safety for their mothers. An opportunity to grow up and be accepted in society.

I want a new van with all the latest bells and whistles.

They want a chance to be free.

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Will you help me help them?

To support our kids, I’m riding in the FREEDOM TOUR CLASSIC on June 17th.

In addition, I’ve committed to crank my handcycle 2000 miles in 2023.

I started handcycling in 1999. This year I hope to push my overall total past 46,000 miles. But this isn’t really about miles.

Your donation will make a real, tangible difference in the lives of children who were destined for sexual slavery, but now live in freedom.

Want to support these kids through my ride?

DONATE HERE

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