The world is, sometimes, a worrisome place. Ron and I were talking about how humanity seems to have lost its way when it comes to what is truly important. We've become distracted by bright glittery advertisements and the pursuit of some impossible ideal. It's become about "what's in it for me?". We've lost sight of our fellow man.
Then Ron reminded me of a beautiful, selfless story. Well, not a story, a truth.
The (mostly) women who make Ecuadorian paja toquillas (also known as Panama hats) come from a long line of hat makers. Their craft involves, not only the production of hats, but the harvesting of the fibres, washing, smoking and bleaching/dying. The very final step is the weaving. Most hat makers earn less than $5 a hat...less than the cost of the process I just mentioned. Some Panama hats can be sold for $1000's, or even $10,000s, depending on the quality of the weave, the "straw" and the shape and colour. I bought mine for $25. The hat makers do it more to preserve their traditional arts than make money, at least for the most part. They are also farmers, vendors and personnel.
An enterprising importer decided to offer the manufacturers a really good deal. He offered to pay them more, cut out the middle man and improve their financial lives. Great deal, right? Who wouldn't want to earn more money for their craft?
The hat makers turned the offer down. They were incensed at the idea of taking a living from the "middle man". They asked how those people would earn money to help their families, how would they provide? And they turned down the higher income, a chance to improve their lives, so that others could also feed their families. Incredible, right?
This is the thing we've forgotten: a concern for others. I'm not the best example. I am patently self-concerned, but that doesn't stop me from wanting the best for others or trying to do better. I, for one, think this is revolutionary; that those with less are willing to sacrifice "more" to help their fellow man. Just a little something to ponder.
