There's Blaming and DIY

For some reason in our affluent society on this continent, there is a rash of blaming going on. It seems as though most of the troubles are someone else's fault. And not only that, from what we hear, money is the cure. Some time ago, in my travels about the globe, I heard a tale about  remote island dwellers who were isolated in their poverty. There was no work available and only tourists such as we who savoured their home-made seafood treats during our brief time there, offered this unique group, any small financial resources. The islanders blamed their poverty on the closest regional government for its lack of attention to the plight of their people. Something, therefore, was said to be done about it. A shipload of laying hens was dropped off at the island so that they could be used to sell eggs in the mainland markets and to start the people into the business of raising more chickens. This, the city fathers and mothers, thought was a good way to improve the economy of the islanders. When the team of advisors returned to the island community some time later, there wasn't a chicken to be had. There had been, however, some joyous days of feasting, during which, indeed, the islanders revelled at their good fortune in having the chickens. I suspect this tale is fictional since it's one I've heard over and over again in different parts of the world. But while the story is but a story, it does speak.  Blaming is easy but it doesn't do anything. Also, asking for help isn't a one way street. Both the blamer and the anticipated helper, have to make a plan to fix whatever the problem is and both parties must be there and ready to listen, cooperate and often make compromises. There must be a plan of action. It's too easy to blame or make a demand  but how, realistically, given that there is only so much tax money, can it be carried out?  It's crucial to look at the "big picture". It takes patience. What can't be done immediately, may be accomplished in installments of both time, money and most of all, participation.  Blame doesn't work. It is merely an expression of emotional frustration, not a solution to a problem. It can be called, perhaps, the first step toward a solution. Sometimes, as has been proven in many Third World areas, what is really needed is working out a DIY plan and for the aiders to stick around and help get it started up and running well.  If the islanders of the story, had been mentored sensitively by those who "dropped off" the chickens, and that they helped the people to get the business going along with monitoring it, it may have been successful. Mouths are made to plan not whine and hands are made to work, not beg.