WHAT DO YOU GIVE A SHIT ABOUT?
Look, I love the irony of the “first world problem” meme as much as anyone.
Yesterday afternoon I talked to Geoff Hutchison the host of the Perth ABC radio drive program on just that topic. We were having fun, although I said the word “shit” on air twice. On purpose. Might not get invited back.
More on that later…
The Perth 720 ABC Facebook page has fabulous contributions about “First World Problems” like:
“The council won’t supply me with a bin big enough to fit in all the food I want to throw away.”
“3G smartphone reception at my favourite holiday resort is sometimes poor near the pool bar.”
“1 pillow too low. 2 pillows too high. Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.”
“The Internet on this flight is so slow that I can only read Facebook and watch YouTube… I am getting straight on Twitter and telling everyone how this airline sucks!”
All witty stuff.
My contribution to the on-air chat was the ad on the telly for poor old Laura with the itchy scalp.
OK, I know it’s crap when you have an itchy scalp, but when I’m watching some TV special about a massive natural disaster in which actual lives are lost – weeping until I’m a wreck – and it cuts to an ad about Laura and her struggle with flaking skin when she’s out on a date… I can’t help yelling WEAR A HAT, YOU BINT, AND STOP WHINING!
(And here’s some advice from a seasoned campaigner – if he dumps you because you’ve got an itchy scalp, he’s just not that into you!)
When I watch ads peddling remedies for BO, acid reflux pimples and sensitive teeth, I’m reminded of just how lucky we are in the First World.
It’s as is if every aliment has been attended to and now we’re down to alleviating the slightest of physical discomforts. Soon we’ll be seeing ads for products to cure that thing where your foot goes to sleep when you’ve been sitting on it too long.
I was tooling around the net recently and, as these things go, ended up reading a homily given recently by one Rev. Carl Gregg from Broadview Church, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland (and this is what I quoted on the radio):
He told his congregation about a sermon he heard as a young man and had never forgotten: “I have three things I’d like to say today. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don’t give a shit. Third, far too many of you are more upset with the fact that I just said the word ‘shit’ in church during a sermon than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night.”
He went on to say he wasn’t trying to make people feel guilty, but rather to be grateful, count their blessings and try to make a difference in the world.
Perhaps we need a remedy for not giving a shit.
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87 Responses to this article
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Lindy July 12, 2012
I care about death with dignity and not prolonging life in an obscene way that you wouldn’t do to your dog. I am assuming and hoping that this has more prominence as baby boomers cope with demented parents. And want a better end for themselves.
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Kylie L July 12, 2012
Fabulous piece- I definitely agree with you re the Margiris and (as I work in dementia diagnosis) very much with Lindy above also. At present we are staying in Broome, where we have lived before, and I very much give a shit about the continued HUGE divide between the white and Aboriginal population here- and probably in most of rural/remote Australia (actually, probably all of Australia). We’ve heard the speeches and see the programs promised and all felt good about the inititaives that are delivered, and still very little changes. I don’t have a solution. I know the issues are on both sides of the fence and can’t be reduced to simple statements. But the more I see of the situation the more depressed I feel. I honestly don’t know how it will ever be rectified- or if it will.
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Melita July 12, 2012
I give a shit about what Kylie gives a shit about and I also give a shit about some kids coming out of school with no education and that NAPLAN does not help at all. I don’t think you can blame teachers – teachers can’t address poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, etc etc.
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Rivka July 12, 2012
up to your usual high standard of cleverness and wit Rivka xx
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liza July 12, 2012
I feel sad that people are fleeing the countries where the banks have swallowed all their millions and it does not feel good knowing that we will gladly take them in through the front door even when they are mafia drug dealers.
Who cares about the terrorists really when we can carry on beating up poor people in leaky boats? -
Benison O'Reilly July 12, 2012
So many things:
Racism, as Kylie talks about. Andrew Bolt. Tony Abbott. Alan Jones and his anti-climate change propaganda. The destruction of Qantas by business interests. The fate of Fairfax and what it will mean for independent journalism. Nimbyism – especially the people who bought land at Badgery’s Creek near a Federal Govt designated airport site and then protested when they wanted to build an airport there! The fact that many of our richest citizens don’t give a cent to charity. The fact that the future of your child with a disability is dependent on your ability to pay privately for therapies. I could go on and on….Boy, I am a cross one aren’t. I?-
Matt July 16, 2012
The destruction of Qantas by business interests? I take it from your list of hated people that you are a died in the wool lefty. So I’ll slow down for you when discussing how a business works. In business you have competitors. When your competitors have lower costs than you for the same service, well then your business is in trouble. Unless of course you live in fairy land and blame such events on ‘business interests’ and of course we know its Tony Abbott’s fault.
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Rachel ward July 12, 2012
I give a shit about Australians losing thier democratic rights to corporate capitalism. That fuck-off shipping vessel is plundering our oceans despite the local/ individual measures to preserve our oceans. We all know our oceans are in trouble and governments should/could respond accordingly but huge fishing conglomerates are too powerful, corporate hedgemony and economies too entrenched. Individuals, no matter how united, have a voice or effective representation. Our Individual efforts to only eat sustainable catch are made a mockery. Why bother? We’re f*cked.
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Rachel ward July 12, 2012
That was supposed to say ‘no longer have a voice…’
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Judith Rubbish July 12, 2012
I agree with all posts so far. My thing is rubbish, in particular plastic, packaging and disposable crap that I see daily in my local area. What can 1 person do? I pick it up and make it into art that people are actually happy to purchase and hang on their wall. I give my artwork thoughtful and hopefully humorous titles to draw attention to the problem and the effect it is having on this beautiful planet, in particular the destruction of our oceans due to marine debris. I make up important sounding projects such as “The Milk Bottle Top Project” in my local community whereby I organise the collection of rubbish before it becomes landfill and make it into useable stuff. I support others that care enough to try and make a difference such as Tim Silverwood and his Take 3 campaign, a great initiative to get every visitor to the beach to take 3 pieces of rubbish with them when they leave, simple, clear, easy!!
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Leesa July 12, 2012
people dying of hunger, drones killing, wars/violence everywhere, rich ignoring the planet, Gina taking over the media, Tony as the possible PM, bullying, psychiatry/pharmacology dictating wellness, RCC hiding child rape, our pollies apparently not interested in what the people think anymore… Sometimes it all seems overwhelming and the whole darn thing keeps me up at night.
But most of all, what I consider to be a real first world problem is the lack of care…or is it apathy…or a sense of powerlessness…or just plain selfishness in so many folk. So often when I bring up issues I get asked why these things bother me so much. And I wonder…how is it that they are not bothered?
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Heather frost July 12, 2012
It annoys me that the Pope sucessfully stopped two Volunteer agencies from roviding contraception to families in the third world. Hence too many hungry children,
maternal deaths and orphans who are exploited. -
Laura Boon July 12, 2012
I care about women being shot (executed) in Pakistan because they have been accused of ‘adultery’. Nothing happens to the man, of course. I get practically apoplectic when it is excused on the grounds of ‘oh well, it’s their culture’ and I am even more infuriated that some of my tax payers dollars go towards supporting a regime which does nothing to stop it. They have pictures of the men who watched the last execution. Not one of them has been arrested for accessory to murder. We should have a total ban on aid to countries with human rights violations. It takes time, but it does work, a la South Africa.
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Jo Johnstone July 12, 2012
That our sons are not safe on the streets of Sydney at night – homefront terrorism really
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sami July 12, 2012
I give a shit about breed-specific legislation. Lennox was a dog who was killed yesterday by Belfast council. He was removed from his family two years ago as he looked like a pitbull and therefore was considered ‘dangerous’. He was a therapy dog for a disabled child and had been assessed by Victoria Stilwell of It’s Me or the Dog fame as being perfectly harmless and well trained. She even offered to remove him to the US to live in a pitbull sanctuary where he would be safe and cared for. Belfast council refused, and held Lennox for two years while his family fought legal battles to get him back. He was not adequately cared for in that time and ended up with health issues and mental trauma. In the end his poor family did not win the fight, and were not allowed to say goodbye to their boy before he was killed. They may receive “some” of his ashes in the mail.
I find it horrendous that in this supposedly educated day and age that humans need to exert their own supposed superiority over innocent animals. Lennox did NOTHING to deserve this. No dog deserves this. There is no such thing as a bad dog, only bad owners, and anyone who truly believes that certain breeds are dangerous is seriously ignorant.
Anyway, as I don’t live in the UK there’s not much I can do about this except sign petitions and hope for the best, but rest assured I will do all I can to prevent further breed-specific legislation when it is introduced to WA (there already is some, but not to the point where the council can remove and kill my dog because of his appearance, thankfully). No one would ever get my hands on my dog, I refuse to let it happen.
Lennox will always be remembered.
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The Huntress July 12, 2012
Completely agree, Sami. The case is a farce and a tragedy.
My heart goes out to Lennox’s family.
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Nicc Webber July 12, 2012
I give you the word “compassion.”
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annie July 12, 2012
i give a shit about homelessness . Its crucial to good health on all levels. I also give a shit about the government ever selling off aged care beds to private companies who think its ok to make money out of frail aged persons.I have no problems with not for profit organisations but all the others should hang their heads in shame.( and the share holders)
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Kerry July 12, 2012
I give a shit about a lot of things – what is the prominent “shit” at the moment is the boat people and Tony Abbott’s “christian” attitude. The moron is basically saying “let them all drown and our Navy personnel drown too”. And this person is going to be the next leader of our country?
My 2nd biggest “shit” is about dementia care and us baby boomers being in deep “shit” – I have a 92 year old mother who refuses to go into care – fire brigade arrived the other night because she forgot how to turn the oven off.-
Matt July 16, 2012
No that was Sarah Hanson Young who said, “accidents happen.” People are drowning at sea because of the policies of the Greens and Labor not because of the Coalitions policies. It sounds like you’d happily blame Abbott for anything and everything.
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Kirsten Garrett July 12, 2012
I give a shit about the children we see wailing and terrified in refugee camps, boarts, detention centres. Also about Muslim girls being villified and attacked by primitive fanatics for going to school. I care very much about the corporate power of the catholic church and the way it insists its God demands celibacy and turns a blind eye to sodomy of little boys.
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Ruth July 12, 2012
I give a shit about a whole lot of things. But the current shit-du-jour is for Youngcare. An organisation dedicated to getting young disabled people out of nursing homes, where they are locked in and fed and sleep on schedule, and into their own shared homes where they can play loud music and have dinner when they want to.
To that end I’m raising money by asking for sponsorship to run my first half marathon. Yep, lazy-arse couch potato is running 21.1km. Holy shit!
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Caroline July 12, 2012
Hospital wait times, traffic congestion, diabetes and obesity related illnesses, safe drinking water, the availability of pastural land for subsistence farming for future generations, and affordable housing.
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kerry July 12, 2012
I am scared that the Vic Government put out a document highlighting the issues for vulnerable youth and yet still leave everything as it is… education cuts, low priority for vocational learning, limited supply of alternatives to mainstream, 500 kids still in residential units rather than home-based care each night.
No solution focussed drive to solve this. As an educator and a foster parent…. this isn’t good enough. These generations to come might have all the info at their finger tips, but their impression of the world is jaded because the people that have the money to put in place change do not. -
Janelle July 12, 2012
Amen Ruth!!! That too is my concern… also elderly parents having to care for their adult disabled children. I may find myself in that group in the future and I want to know that those who should give a shit do and are getting on with fixing it instead of using the issue in a game of monotonous political tit-for-tat.
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Caroline July 12, 2012
Oh…and the wearing of fur should only be a fashion statement – on the animal/animals that originally owned it.
Corporations taking more accountability for how they conduct themselves, and how their managers behave towards their sub-ordinates.
I certainly care about the amount of deployed ADF members that are eating rations, whilst sending a care package to one of these people might cost less than some people spend on binge drinking on a Friday night.
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Sarah July 12, 2012
I give a shit about the lack of care for the vulnerable and mentally ill people we see wondering the streets of our cities without homes and hope.
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Charly Lindsay July 12, 2012
Employment relations: We may have gotten rid of work choices in name, but many of the same policies remain. There is very little protection for workers in Australia, and our employment figure is just a lie. 1 hour a week does not equal employed and the government don’t treat you as employed if that is all you work. For you to receive benefits they will force you to look for more work, even if is at the sake of your one hour a week ‘job’, but then for the sake of a good statistic they will call you ‘employed’. Sadly we can now add the lack of care that injured workers in NSW will receive should they be injured at work, and the thousands of contracts the government is making null & void through making the legislation retroactive. Which is leaving thousands of workers across NSW desperately out of pocket with no real way to pay their new medical expenses.
I have attended a number of the union protests in Sydney and consider myself an active unionist. I do all I can to try and improve employment relations, from protests and letter writing, through to the simple but very effective, telling some what their rights at work are.
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rache July 12, 2012
wendy, spot on. yes, yes, yes!
it gives me the absolute shits that tony abbott calls himself christian and shows not one ounce of christian compassion.
same for george pell and the whole catholic church. how dare they place the church’s reputation above the lives of children. how dare they.
oh, and gina rinehart. she is the zenith of first world problems. the posterchild. the obscene manifestation of bloated self-interest.
phewie. i feel better now…. -
sharon July 12, 2012
Crikey, so much to agree with already posted. Most of my “givng a shit” is boiled down to personal selfishness. It seems we don’t want to get involved in so many areas anymore as it’s time consuming, expensive, controntational, difficult and in no way convenient. That other much (ab)used word too ENTITLEMENT encapulates alot of what is wrong with us these days too.
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Dee-Anne July 12, 2012
I care greatly about what the continued abuse of alcohol is doing to our society and in particular to our young. I care when sporting clubs continue to accept sponsorship from alcohol related companies and the mixed messages it sends to young players and spectators. I care when parents provide alcohol to their underage teens in the mistaken belief that they will consume less. I care that ‘Celebrity’ is mistaken for HERO and is so often associated with poor behaviour and nothing of true value. I care that RESPECT seems to be a rapidly dying value. I am the mother of 4 young people.
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The Huntress July 12, 2012
My real first world gripe is how little money we have in our health care system. You know stuff like elderly people being dropped off at hospital emergency departments because family can’t cope anymore and there are no community services available. This elderly person then spends months taking up a valuable hospital bed and not receiving optimal care (because they’re not actually sick, just old) because there are no beds in a nursing home.
Which leads me to the lack of high quality carers and nurses in nursing homes. Without any money to pay for staff and equipment (I recently spoke to a nurse who complained about a nursing home where staff had to bring in their own latex gloves) our elderly are living in conditions we wouldn’t allow our pets to live in. How is it in my state that we can allegedly afford a stadium that is going to run into the billions of dollars, but nursing home staff have to pay for their own protective equipment?
And in our nice little first world city we forget that there are so many living in third world poverty in remote communities. Health care staff are driven into the ground with no money for resources, very little pay and virtually no support, while they try admirably to close the gap between European and Indigenous Australians. How is it acceptable that the premier of my state spent 22 million dollars refurbishing his parliament offices last year (not to mention he only had approval to spent 15 million, when he knew it would cost 22 all along), when the Indigenous people in our state can expect to live 17 years less due to a lack of healthcare. How is this ok?
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Jacklyn July 12, 2012
I care about the old fashioned things – law and order, health and education. There are three occupations (at least) that are totally undervalued and yet are integral to the wellbeing of our society – teaching, nursing and policing. The loss of that poor boy at King’s Cross, it encompasses all three areas, which should be national priorities. His parents described him as a “good boy” with a career ahead of him as an accountant, and yet he was “king hit” on his way to a party. A health professional at St Vincent’s then had the job of calling his parents in Bowral who, upon arrival, had to turn off his life-support system. Meanwhile, “first-world” thinkers are worried about the next Kardashian drama or some such. It is sad beyond words.
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Paula July 12, 2012
I give a shit about civic engagement. We have freedom and democracy in Australia, but most people couldnt care less about politics or the fact that it would be improved if they learned something about it and got involved. We should be teaching political philosophy in high school and how governments work so that we get a better standard of voter, and thereby a better standard of politician.
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Penny July 12, 2012
I give a shit about the massive divide Kylie L noted between indigenous Australians and the rest of us, in health, education, life expectancy, infant mortality, numbers in prison – you name it. The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation are making a difference by improving literacy in remote communities – only 1 in 5 kids can read at the basic level – donate here https://wallofhands.com.au/
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katesaysstuff July 12, 2012
I give a shit about the increasing diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
I give a shit about the 18+ month waiting list to access early intervention, which makes it more ‘sometime in the distant future if you are lucky’ intervention.
I give a shit about the fact that access to funding is nonexistent for children diagnosed over the age of six.
I give a shit about the fact that only the independently wealthy are able to access necessary services in a long term capacity, and I give a shit about the postcode lottery that is access to government funded services.
What am I doin about it? I co-founded an Internet community where parents can find support and information, and we hope it will become a place to springboard advocacy programs as well.
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Annie Also July 12, 2012
I give a shit a about all of the above. No I am not being Lazy…I just am so pleased I am not alone in all this ‘shit’ giving.
I care (give a shit) about;
political apathy
voluntary euthanasia
aboriginal life expectancy
homelessness
help for the disabled who parents are aging
aged care and lack of support
over fishing of our waters
environmental degradation
health care
education for the poor
blaming the dog breed NOT the owners…it is AWAYS the owners
the rise of the religious in interfering in our politics and in my life choices.But right now I give a real shit about Asylum seekers and the fear of Abbott becoming our PM and his lack of heart on all things that matter to me including the treatment and attitude of those on disability allowance ( like my husband). When Howard was in power my man became chronically depressed and bordered on paranoia because of the ‘threats’ from Centrelink at the time. His shame was papable that he was on a pension.
So I really really give a shit. (sometimes it is exhausting)
What am I doing?
I join social media and make comments, join Getup and sign petitions, I talk and express my concerns, I read and educate myself on the facts. I do as much everyday to make sure I am part of the solution and not part of the problem. -
Jo-Anne July 12, 2012
I think all of the postings are relevant Wendy bringing to my attention that ship that rapes the ocean – God that makes me angry! WHY IS THIS ALLOWED? I don’t get it! There are HUGE and almost unbearable amount of
injustices that go on… everywhere… in every arena of life it seems ….. I often wonder how really have we evolved beyond barbarism? We’re really just a little less barbaric than previous races that left their traces – seems to be a lot of truth in the words.. we inherit the sins of our forefathers – The Romans left the weak young & old out in the cold to die! The rich & (“in their minds”) powerful have always been arseholes! And Governments Lie & are controlled & have power agendas.. BUT…. if there is something that bothers me to the core, even more that the rainforests been burnt down @ a rate of knots & the loss of habitat for it seems every animal lucky enough to be alive – the blasting of holes through the very land that supports us & our poor oceans been plundered & the greed …. & that is sexual abuse of children. I wish I could wave a magic wand & fix things! I think the first thing I’d do is snuff out that ship! Then …… hmmm I wonder. x -
Jo-Anne July 12, 2012
I must have done some crap typing …. a word is missing it comes after ..amount of INJUSTICES
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Sam de Brito July 12, 2012
I have a feeling Rev. Carl Gregg would get on very well with our own Rev. Graham Long of Kings Cross’s Wayside Chapel.
From his “inner circle” email sent out today:
“Yesterday while among a large group, a woman sat in front of me who had no teeth and wouldn’t win any prizes for grooming and another woman who takes pretty good care of herself stood close to me and whispered, “Wouldn’t you think that woman could at least do her hair!” I said only something like, “She’s a survivor” but I wanted to say, “That woman had a baby to her own father at 12 years old. She lived on the street from 14 years old. She worked on her back for years to fund the heroin that dulled her pain and now she sits here in front of us with no teeth and no interest in looking attractive to men. She also now has no drug dependence and she’s not trying to imply that she’s any better than you or me and I think she looks rather beautiful.”
Kapow.
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Kirrily July 12, 2012
Not excluding any of the above worthy mentions, the one I want to add to this discussion is :
ANIMAL TESTING.
Why why why are so many companies still able to get away with this barbaric practice??? I’ll bet they’d stop a heck of a lot sooner if the public were informed more overtly about their standards of testing and wasting animals’ lives.
We DON’T come first just because we are the “superior” life form on this planet and we want an oven cleaner that isn’t too toxic.
A simple (gut-wrenching) search led to these, for starters, for anyone interested in spreading the word:
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David Johnston July 12, 2012
oh look, shiny thing
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Wendy July 12, 2012
I give a shit about the fact that we have useless governments that constantly take away health care, aged care youngcare, the whole bloody lot,it can be any party , they all look after the big money men, not average aussie, I have no objection to asylum seekers, but it shits me when our own get less, an empty detention centre at Nauru, stupidity at its extreme,and claims it would take 2 billion to fix it up, i’m sure the homeless would be happy there,I am working with a group to obtain 100 blankets for homeless in July, it is so hard to get people to donate, yet in Vinnies, Salvos, there are blankets for sale, why cant the homeless just get them for free???so many issues could be fixed, just by using commonsense. What shits me the most is that to try and better things we then have to be branded a shit stirrer, or try and form a group to support each other, its hard to battle every day. My local council recently allocated $289 thousand dollars to community projects, not one was to aid or help people directly, the orchid society got $28 thousand, for who knows what, we are losing jobs every day , surely money for health, roads, employment etc needs should come first ??
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David Johnston July 12, 2012
But seriously, am I supposed to care about a species (Homo sapiens) that try to educate their young only to see them drown their brains in alcoholic drinks, drugs, greed and narcissism ? Hatred of learning seems endemic. Maybe this is only Australia that does this. Maybe it’s only Sydney that does this. Very depressing.
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Louisa July 12, 2012
I give a shit about problem gambling on poker machines. These machines are designed and programmed so certain vulnerable people become addicted. There are too many machines disproportionately concentrated in low socio-economic areas and they cause untold misery and hardship for addicts and their families. Getup! Are running a campaign with woolies shareholders to force the company to make the machines less dangerous.
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Jay Sanders July 12, 2012
I also give a VERY big shit about the increasing rate of youth suicide. 12 youth suicides in our local area (shire) since March 2011. What is going on? See Coming Together to Prevent Youth Suicide FB page: 17,000 likes in two weeks. . Kids desperately need out help and actually many of their stories on this site include sexual abuse as children.
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Lady Penelope July 12, 2012
I give a shit that Indigenous Australians are living in third world conditions in this first world country.
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Rose July 12, 2012
I give a shit about kids. Especially kids in care. Especially about kids in care who have disabilities – physical, intellectual, social and emotional. I give a shirt about the people who care for these kids. I really give a shit that there are more kids in care and fewer carers each year. I think this is a reflection of our sense of community. It is certainly a reflection of the quality of political leadership in this country. Woe is us!
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Margaret Clark July 12, 2012
I agree with almost all above but have a few additional things on my first world shit list:
We prioritise women and girls on international aid programs because we know it has thegreatest returns on investment but investments in remote Indigenous communities focus on boys and men- think how many times you have heard about football as the solution. When the NTER first invested in infrastructure upgrades almost all communities had a run down footy oval which was upgraded but there were virtually no softball, netball etc facilities to upgrade.
I also care that even if we have a miracle and the recommendations of the Gonski review are implemented, it will not change the fact that we have one of the most class segregated education set up in the world. We our millions into giving the rich a better education- this is fiscally inefficient and divisive and affects rhe social capital of communities; and
I give a shit that most of the wicked problems in Australia will require comprehensive and complex policy and program responses yet departments in the Public Service work as isolated silos – even work areas in same group dont collaborate to the detriment of better solutions. I dont know how we will ever chamge this.
Phew. I feel much better now
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Ally Carolan July 12, 2012
The lack of government consideration for anything not vote worthy, the lack of honesty amonst politicians on all sides
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Kathleen July 12, 2012
Homelessness. Volunteered in a refuge centre/home for the displaced. Most amazing experience. Do it.
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Kathleen July 12, 2012
Also, starvation & poverty in 3rd world. Too, too depressing that nothing ever changes much. Especially for women. Now sponsor a child (girl) in Africa through World Vision. A drop in the ocean but no better place to spend my money, I s’pose.
Great piece, and great responses.
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Katherine Basher July 12, 2012
I give a shit about the manipulation strategy that is dumbing the masses down ie the idiot box..in order to keep the pedestrians occupied & from questioning the real issues as mentioned.The bombardment of useless information & celebrity worship which offers no enrichment of lives…..just keep em “bizzy”.Don’t worry that the next generation won’t be able to afford a roof over their heads or a tertiary education…Jobs what jobs? Casual part time with no income security….pffft….who won? (insert moronic reality tv show) that gets a dialogue going….when asked if I know, I simply shrug & say I don’t watch TV….you would think I just told them I clubbed a baby seal by their shock horror…..I’d rather read or listen to music….
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Samantha July 12, 2012
I give a shit about poker machine reform.
Today an 11yo will see her mum go to jail because not one venue worker gave enough of a shit to tap her on the shoulder to ask her if she needed help.
Too many lives are destroyed by these machines.
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Georgie July 12, 2012
I give a great big shit about the lack of neighbourliness in my local community. Forget about the big picture issues for a moment. Until we all set an example by practising being a bit kinder to our neighbours; a little more caring to those in our communities; and goodness me, demonstrate some basic courtesy and respect towards those in our surrounding streets, we no have hope of living in a nation that shows those attributes to the rest of the world. That’s what gives me the shits …
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Trish July 12, 2012
I give a sh*+ breast cancer patients have to wait or pay huge out of pocket costs to have surgery in a timely manner , then pay for hundreds or thousands of $ for treatment even if public patients . Yet other first world illnesses and smokers get subsidized for Nicotine patches …still a good thing but just saying ..
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Amanda P July 12, 2012
Excellent post! I give a shit about excess. Too many of us eat too much, drink too much, sit on the couch too much, use electricity and fuel too much and at the same time don’t think or care enough to make a change for the better.
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Tandah July 12, 2012
I give a shit that the State govt is making noises about privatising health and transport – when we know if they do and there’s the inevitable stuff up the govt will blame whoever is the contracted agency. we should speak up loud now and we shouldn’t allow them do it because it is the state governments responsibility it will always be the state govt responsibility and no f*n excuses about friggin’ costs – own it and sort it out without looking for some cheap scapegoat.
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ash mackinnon July 12, 2012
I give a shit about cancer care in this country. I lost my wife to cancer and was left a single dad of 2. Then we lost everything as my wife had been forced to USA for treatment as we dont have it here in Oz. I was left with the debt of the costs. Now I help others get this treatment overseas (still happening 6 yrs later) and I assist them get Fed Govt funding to get the treatment. As it only takes 1 day, no surgery or drugs so no side effects and treats kids of course they have approved it. But they refuse to pay to get it here. I hear its coz the drug companies will miss out on some money. 40,000 aussies will die from cancer each yr and we still dont have what 300 hospitals world wide are offering (incl India, malaysia, Turkey & of course USA, Europe, Japan etc) You can help save a life
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Australian-Cyberknife-cancer-treatment-information/105566542806361 -
jill July 12, 2012
Thank you for giving a shit Wendy. I give a shit about Australia meeting her commitments to the UN convention on the rights for refugees. I give a shit about the death penalty still being applied in too many countries. I give a shit about women’s reproductive rights. I give a shit about the global distribution of food and clean water. I give a shit about people paying their fair share of tax. I give a shit about cuts to public education and health.
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Tom July 12, 2012
I give a shit about poker machines; designed not to entertain, but to attract and ensnare the vulnerable & the susceptible.
I give a shit about the multi-billion dollar industry that relies on poker machines, that spreads lies to protect them and spends millions to keep them humming along. It hides behind the fake respectability that not-for-profit clubs supposedly have, while the gamblers who feed it are left high and dry.
I give a shit about the governments that refuse to act, either because they’re too scared to go up against the industry or because they’re also addicted to the tax revenue that poker machines provides.
Lives are being ruined, families torn apart, all because the uncaring self-obsessed bastards who run the industry want to maintain the status quo.
What am I doing about it? I write about it. I challenge the industry every chance I get, on every forum I can find. I’ve told my own story of gambling addiction, let my name and face be put to it, in an attempt to break down the stigma. I’ve spoken on radio, written in the papers, fronted up at government inquiries and told them what it’s really like to be a poker machine addict.
And yet sometimes I feel like I’ve done nothing at all… days like today, when I read about Leanne Scott who will go to jail because no one saw the signs of her problems… or if they did, they kept their mouths shut.
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Samantha July 13, 2012
Well said Tom. And so many of us appreciate what you do. One day we will look back on this and you will surely be counted as one of the heroes of reform.
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Amy July 12, 2012
My issue for today was reading and hearing about the Family Planning Conference taking place in The UK, where Melinda Gates and others have pledged millions towards a plan offering contraceptive help for overburdened women over a large part of the developing world.
How wonderful I thought, then wished us all luck on this as we remember that in so many places East and West from Afghanistan to the U.S., fundamentalist religion is never far away, reminding women that their bodies are not their own.
I think a lot about women’s struggles past and present and so wish patriarchs would get over themselves, because in the end backing off and letting women take control of their fertility will lead to better outcomes all round.
Not holding my breath, and it’s f*cking depressing.
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Amy July 12, 2012
PS Wish our billionaires cared about things like these. Can you imagine Gina giving a rats about just a few things like these?!
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Kate S. July 13, 2012
I care about many things but am numbed by this story this morning: http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/general/pokies-cost-a-life-ballarat-women-speaks-out/2622935.aspx?storypage=0
as well as the story on last night’s 7.30 Report about the young single mother soon to be sentenced for pokie addiction.
As Tom Cummings said in a comment above, the rapaciousness of the pokie industry and the prevarication of Governments which have a conflict of interest have played a part in these terribly sad situations.
Our society has a responsibility to care for its most vulnerable and the world in which we live. How do we deal with the greed of uncaring profiteers, emerging at every opportunity, whose activities are sanctioned by community indifference and Government dithering?
I do believe there is much kindness and goodness in the world and in our personal circles of influence and support, however, and I think we should affirm and celebrate this.
This belief keeps me going, along with the knowledge that we can make a difference and need to keep working steadily on positive actions, individually and collectively..
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George July 13, 2012
Boom. Thanks for the smelling salts Wendy that was just what I needed. So true.
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Trisha July 13, 2012
I give a shit about how our democracy is being taken over by the wealthy few who control the media and have the money to advertise, coerce and control the debates. I am terrified of Tony Abbott and whoever is behind the LNP being in charge. They have no concern for us, assylum seekers, the indigenous, the environment, the aged (unless you are wealthy).
The US Big Business control over our government Big Pharma, Defence, controlling our freedom of speech. Ignoring their abuse of human rights….
I give a shit about a lot of things, and I am afraid for our future, only glad I never had children to inherit this mess!-
Matt July 16, 2012
My god try to keep the emotional hyperbole down just a tad. Your hate for Tony Abbott is obvious but your list of things he apparently doesn’t care about exists only in your mind. Seriously talk to the man himself. See what he actually does with his personal time and stop making up fantasies to justify your hate. Hate him all you like but don’t just make stuff up.
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Motherhugger July 13, 2012
I give a shit about our wasteful lifestyles. We live as if everything is disposable, not caring where things come from and where they go, when nothing is disposable for the earth. I worry about every straw and bread bag tag. I worry about tvs and lounges and furniture left out on the street for curbside clean-up that are there (in the rain) because fashions change, peer pressure to update, or inbuilt obsolescence. We complain about the cost of living when clothes, toys and electricals have never been cheaper. We in this country have no perspective about what is going on in the rest of the world. I recommend reading The Guardian Weekly for a quick dose of perspective – if I had my way all politicians would read it – it shows great ideas that are never discussed here, and how desperately people in other places are trying to survive.
I give a shit about religious division in schools. I give a shit about religious interference in secular institutions. I give a shit about the inequity of education funding.
I give a shit about how women are treated. I give a shit about women being forced to sell sex. I give a shit about women portrayed in the media as sexual objects. I give a shit about women in developing countries having access to health care, education, and a means to make a respectable living.
I give a shit about taxation rates: the very rich should pay more.
I give a shit about the prospect of Tony Abbot being our PM. I’m afraid.
I give a shit that progressive action is happening too slowly. We know what needs to be done to solve many major problems, but still the solutions aren’t coming. I don’t understand why, knowing best policy (we have meta-studies on just about anything – academics and advisers galore), our govt chooses policies that are shown to not work. I give a shit that people who give a shit are mocked as bleeding heart, lefty, latte sipping do-gooders (as if that’s a bad thing?!?).
For an intelligent life form, often humans beings aren’t very bright.
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kid July 13, 2012
I give a shit about how deluded we are. That we actively supported and participated in the invasion of two sovereign countries, with the accompanying slaughter of their people and wanton destruction of infrastructure and culture, and have managed to convince ourselves we are the good guys and we did it for them.
The only thing that makes me angrier is that this warmongering has not been an issue at any Federal election. We are as selfish as we are ignorant.
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Carli July 13, 2012
I give a shit that there is still no Royal commission into the catholic church and it’s handling of paedophile priests.
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Amy July 13, 2012
I give a shit about feeding our kids, and maccas being cheaper than veggies. I give a shit about the struggling families who Don’t have the resources or money to feed their kids well, leading to problems at school, leading to a repeating poverty cycle.
I give a shit about inequality, refugees, pokies, NDIS, dishonest politicians, dishonest media moguls and that idiot who wrote the OMG diet book, and targeted our young girls. And anything else above that I missed.
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Mortisha July 15, 2012
Reading these comments just seems to highlight what Australians really care about in their heart of hearts. Deep humanity and empathy for those around us and the natural environment we live in. We are (mostly) good people looking for an opportunity to show that we care, love and can make a difference.
Why aren’t our politicians & main stream media reflecting these positive values as passionately as they are held?
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Marnie July 16, 2012
There are so many humanitarian and environmental things that I would like to give a shit about but to be perfectly honest – i don’t. I do give a shit about the things that have a direct impact on my children and grandchildren and they are the things I try to change. If we all took care of our own little corner then eventually all the corners would merge together and we would have a better world. I really can’t see any benefit in getting into a tizz wozz about trying to create utopia. It can’t happen – remember the butterfly effect?
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airdre grant July 16, 2012
I am equally outraged at that rapacious trawler. Also the amount of plastic chucked inot the ocean and the way the Government is enabling coal sems gas to race head. Terrifying.Why is it so hard to get a bottle refund system working? I really give a shit about the environment AND all of the above.
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Julia July 16, 2012
As a mother I give a shit about issues I see in my kids future. Aggression on the streets, sexualisation of girls at a young age. I give a shit about the complete dumbing down of the media. I give a shit about the cost of a decent education, and decent healthcare. I also give a shit about Oscar’s Law.The loss of compassion in people keeps me up at night.
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Juju July 21, 2012
I give a shit that our politicians all seem to be pushing our education system towards private schools for the majority and public schools for the poor old leftovers who can’t afford to pay. And, that little thought is ever given to making sure that kids in schools behave respectfully to each other and to teachers – an issue that receives a lot of talk and very little useful, practical action. All of this comes down to money, mostly.
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Rhoda July 23, 2012
There’s a lot of things. Women and how they’re treated in the third world, the plight of Aboriginals in this country, the waste – sheer waste – and the plundering of taxpayer’s money. Most people work hard for it. There’s not enough to go round. Makes no sense to allow three tiers of governments to get their sticky fingers on it without some serious accountability.
And they dare point their fingers at the single mother or the pensioner who has a bit of fun at bingo or whatever. People on the bottom rungs are continually harped at for wasting taxpayer’s money when it’s a pittance compared to what bankers and governments waste. It’s a game they play – keeps all heads looking the other way while they treat themselves to the till. Never ceases to amaze me that we let them get away it.
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TMT July 25, 2012
I give a shit that a conversation of this type still uses terms like first world and third world. I give a shit that Australians don’t seem to recognise or value leadership. I give a shit that Australians don’t believe that we are doing very well economically in a world where most other countries are struggling and refuse to share our wealth and opportunity.
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Rhoda July 25, 2012
Didn’t realize it had become offensive to refer to the third world. I always took it’s meaning in the same context as the author – that the ‘third world’ is exploited just as the ‘third estate’ was in pre-revolutionary France. I am always on the side of the exploited.
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TMT July 25, 2012
The terms first, second and third worlds originated during the cold war where the terms were used to describe alliances with all countries seen as neutral or non-aligned being designated third world. Since then the terms have evolved to describe economic circumstances and often used patronisingly and judgmentally. If there is a genuine point to be made that would use those sort of decisive labels then developed and developing are the more commonly used terms.
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TMT July 25, 2012
And that should be divisive not decisive. We need an edit facility ;(
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Rhoda July 25, 2012
With due respect. The term ‘third world’ was first penned by the Frenchman Alfred Sauvy in 1954. He was drawing parallels between the impoverished of France before the storming of the Bastille and the poorest of poor countries around the globe. The ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ if you like.
I know the term was picked up by cold war strategists who needed a label – capitalism, communism and one for the rest which were neither. But I was referring to it in the same way that the NY Times does still and indeed the UN.
But you’re quite right. Communism has imploded and only two labels are needed if indeed we need any. And besides the poorer countries of the world have their engines revving and are contributing to the world economy even if the aid still flows.
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TMT July 25, 2012
Ah, my apologies, I am totally ignorant of Alfred Sauvy. That ignorance aside though, the use of 1st and 3rd world to describe countries often implies and judges the 3rd world to be less than the 1st and not just in economic terms.
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