African-Australians give an interesting insight into wealth, people and happiness.
The Australian documentary series You Can't Ask That asks "misunderstood, misjudged, or marginalised Australians" questions we don't usually ask. I find most of the questions appalling, or at least incredibly insensitive, but that's kind of the point of the show.
This episode features African Australians. Coming from people who have lived in two vastly different cultures, their responses were a fascinating insight into poverty, community, happiness and what's really important.
Thelma White admits "I grew up with it as my normal life. I later learned it was called poverty. ... I grew up very materially poor but spiritually wealthy. And now, with just very basic Australian life, I am the wealthiest I've ever been materially and also the poorest I've ever been spiritually.
It's interesting that even in Darwin (not known for material wealth) she is the wealthiest she's ever been. But even more interesting is that her spiritual or emotional wealth is much lower here.
Ojulu Wan, originally from Ethiopia, says that "here everybody's divided", that people have become "money hungry" and do things that benefit themself rather than the community.
The author of the report found that happier people have close relationships, "where they can confide, where they feel like they belong". She also discovered that it's the "little things" that give the biggest happiness boost, rather than the big expensive things that we spend so much time and money pursuing.
My wife sings in a local choir. The simple act of singing with a group of people gives her great joy.
The Australian documentary series You Can't Ask That asks "misunderstood, misjudged, or marginalised Australians" questions we don't usually ask. I find most of the questions appalling, or at least incredibly insensitive, but that's kind of the point of the show.
This episode features African Australians. Coming from people who have lived in two vastly different cultures, their responses were a fascinating insight into poverty, community, happiness and what's really important.
Poverty
"You wake up, you go to school, you have no shoes, and life continues and you are happy." says Dr Casty Hughes in a matter-of-fact way.Thelma White admits "I grew up with it as my normal life. I later learned it was called poverty. ... I grew up very materially poor but spiritually wealthy. And now, with just very basic Australian life, I am the wealthiest I've ever been materially and also the poorest I've ever been spiritually.
It's interesting that even in Darwin (not known for material wealth) she is the wealthiest she's ever been. But even more interesting is that her spiritual or emotional wealth is much lower here.
Individualism
In Zimbabwe the word "Ubuntu" apparently means a sense that we are all one. By contrast Australia has a "very individualistic culture" and Thelma sees the struggles that come from that.Ojulu Wan, originally from Ethiopia, says that "here everybody's divided", that people have become "money hungry" and do things that benefit themself rather than the community.
Happy with little
Fari says when she compares Zimbabwe and Australia, "Zimbabweans are much happier people". Keith says that "we are grateful for the little that we have. So if you go to Zimbabwe you will find people who are struggling. But they are kind. They care."Is America proof?
All of this reminded me of the article Americans most unhappy people in the world. Despite being one of the richest countries in the world, anti-depressant usage is up 400%, and 1 in 10 adults report being clinically depressed.The author of the report found that happier people have close relationships, "where they can confide, where they feel like they belong". She also discovered that it's the "little things" that give the biggest happiness boost, rather than the big expensive things that we spend so much time and money pursuing.
What do you think?
What has brings you the most happiness? Is it the stuff you have to be wealthy to afford, or is it found in the simpler pleasures?My wife sings in a local choir. The simple act of singing with a group of people gives her great joy.
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