I went to a local fast food restaurant and because I was hungry ordered extra fries, which I ended up not being able to finish (BUT I promise you, they were extra generous with their proportions this time). I did not want to throw the fries away but knew I was not going to end up eating it either, so my friend suggested giving it to one of the street kids. As we drove home, we stopped at the one and only stop light in Mwanza, where there are usually street kids lined up. There I gave the bag of fries, to a small boy around the age of 8 or 9. I watched him eat the fries, while swatting away other boys.
I always choose to ignore these street boys as I pass by them every morning and every afternoon. Because of my friends suggestion, for the first time I was forced to confront the reality of inequality and the discomfort and guilt I feel in these situations of social injustice. It brought to light the fact that I need to learn to face humanity no matter how uncomfortable it makes me. I need to learn to understand and accept my feelings of guilt and inequality as a result of my own socialization, education and somewhat sheltered environment that strives to make the world a happier and simpler place. The brief few minutes at the stop light brought to light for me that I choose to ignore the inequalities present, however, if i choose to accept and face the reality, I will be able to move forward and look beyond what is at the moment but all the complex issues that create the situations that I become a part of.