Catastrophes, they have the ability to polarize the two extreme sides of society and force us to deal with who we are as humans.
On one side we see the good in each other as strangers reach out to help those in need, with no ulterior motives, just a simple desire to help make a terrible situation just a little bit better.
Then in stark contrast, we see the ugly side of human existence, the ego, the greed, the selfishness that makes us turn a blind eye to the needs of others and take advantage of a negative situation.
Currently, with the impact Hurricane Harvey had in the southern United States we see these two opposing sides of society as people risk their safety to help those in need, while at the same time others are looting and stealing from those who have lost just about everything.
We see the ugly manifestation of this two faced society over and over as people give up what little they have to help those who need it more, while at the same time some covet what little assistance is there for themselves unconcerned about who is left without.
Some of these ugly sides come from fear, as we see survivors, tired and scared, lash out in desperation, but ultimately that ugliness comes from selfishness and greed, something that is within all of us but is usually superseded by decency and kindness.
In times of trouble human nature kicks in and we are left with the raw emotions of those around us.
When tragedy hits we learn a great deal about those we call neighbours and the truth isn’t always something that leaves a good feeling in our hearts.
Although in times of trouble it is easy to lose hope and focus on the bad, I hope that the good in people outshines the few that choose to negatively impact the many and society continues to use the positive side of our human spirit to help weather the storm.
Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody. ― Mark Twain