blah_blah_nation_CopyImage: Hugh McLeod

Saturday I decided to make a spinach-strawberry salad. With gritted teeth, I was ready to pay $5.99 for a small box of strawberries at Whole Foods. Until the cashier asked me if I wanted to donate money to some cause. I clenched my teeth even tighter and just muttered “No”.

I had a long speech ready but I kept it to myself. (And I won’t bore you with it either.)

I never found out what the cause was all about out. One could hope it was for a cause like “Nobody should pay $5.99 for 4 strawberries.” but I’m sure it was asking me to be support the daily sunrise with my little donation. (I’m totally against such a thing.)

I don’t blame the cashier. That’s why I kept quiet. I just feel it’s a symptom of a sickness sweeping this country.

Not one day passes where I’m not asked to copy and paste a status update into my Facebook to show support. I’m supposed to “Like” another group for clean water. Or RT my awareness and opposition against some human drama in the world.

Let’s be clear here: I’m against cancer. I’m against wars. I want the world to be a loving, empathetic, innovative and stimulating place. I’m against everything that hurts people and other creatures.

But “liking” a cause doesn’t make a difference. Copy and pasting my disgust with cancer in my Facebook status doesn’t change a thing. Talking about all the bad things in the world has never made a difference. It reminds me of all the junky toys my kid has. Junky causes. Soon to be discarded and forgotten.

For that moment when you push the “Like” button, you can pretend you really care. You can share with the world how progressive and forward-thinking you are. That’s there more about you than the favorite basketball team or the check-in at Starbucks.

When your kid has a problem, there’s no “Like” button and any gabbing on Facebook won’t fix anything. You have to get your hands dirty and fix the problem.

Why would you think it’s different when it comes to work? Or causes?