Becoming human

Becoming human, of course, is the title of a book by Jean Vanier, the founder of L'Arche homes for the disabled. But it is also a humble cry to remember that for most of our lives, we ourselves in fact embody that vulnerable other, dependant on others to provide for our needs.

I couldn't help but reflect on this today. Today is an age where we throw away people, satisfied to blame those who land on the streets or in shelters with "bad lifestyle choices" and haughtily assume that we, the deserving, will never fall to that level.

I'll never forget what one of my sociology teachers said quietly once, after a heated discussion about poverty:
"We're all just one paycheque away from poverty."

One day you or I could get an accident, become disabled, and never work again.

We could lose our job in a recession, and be caught between mortgage and car payments.

We are all just one paycheque away from poverty.

And yet, for some reason, we are happy to blame the other when personal strength and ability fail.

"If he would just get his act together, he could make it" we say.
"If only she had got an education, she wouldn't be struggling like this" we say, blaming the individual for the cruel forces of a society unwilling to take care of its vulnerable and weak.

Becoming human means remembering those times when we too, were unable to care for ourselves. When we were young. When we get old and frail. And when, for whatever reason, our paycheques fall through the cracks or just can't keep up with the most essential things of life; rent and food.