Two seemingly unrelated events recently have left me feeling uneasy. First, a few days ago, our neighbor informed us of a burglary in the house next to ours. It was a Friday evening when the burglars broke in through the back door. Fortunately, no one was hurt as the house was empty at the time. Our neighbor attributed the rise in property crime to the influx of undocumented immigrants into New York city.
I'm not sure of that, though historically, society often sees spikes in property crime during times of economic recession, depression, or chaos, like a pandemic. The Great Depression in the 1930s is a prime example, when various property crimes, including theft and burglary, surged due to widespread poverty and hardship. It's difficult to blame people for resorting to illegal activities when their families are hungry, and they have no means to provide for them.
Modern societies, particularly those like the U.S. that claim to be humanitarian leaders, should do their utmost to alleviate hardships by meeting basic needs like food and shelter. Furthermore, if the government permits the inflow of undocumented immigrants, it should also provide comprehensive support, such as job opportunities and skills training. In addition to these measures, crime prevention efforts should not be neglected.
The second event involves a conversation with my son yesterday. He mentioned that his college classmate, who recently got married, plans to buy a six-bedroom house worth over $2m. I told my son that young people in China today prioritize experiences over possessions. Instead of acquiring large houses, fancy cars, or brand-name goods, they invest their money in enriching life experiences. My son responded that Americans want both.
At that moment, I thought of the many undocumented immigrants and the phrase "朱门酒肉臭，路有冻死骨" (zhū mén jiǔ ròu chòu, lù yǒu dòng sǐ gǔ). It means, "Behind the red gates of the rich are wine and meat that go to waste, while out on the road lie the frozen bones of the poor." This saying vividly captures the stark contrast between the opulence and wastefulness of the wealthy and the abject suffering of the poor. A story that perfectly matches this sentiment is "The Little Match Girl" by Hans Christian Andersen.
The huge disparities between these two extremes existed in the past and are still present today, even when we are supposed to be so much more advanced.
In reflecting on these events, it's clear that if we want a safe and secure environment to live in, we can't sit idle without addressing economic inequality and providing support for those in need, for no man is an island and the bell tolls for thee. The challenge lies in balancing the pursuit of personal wealth and comfort with a commitment to social responsibility and empathy for those less fortunate. Only by addressing these disparities can we hope to make real progress toward a more equitable and safe world for all.