A Tale of Two Resiliencies
The LA fires as seen by a third world mind
I watched the news about the fires that swept parts of Los Angeles. I was astounded as I saw affected Americans, devastated by the loss of their homes, wondering how to pick up the pieces. I think about my own country, how in my lifetime, I have experienced two earthquakes, three volcanic eruptions an annual dose of five to ten typhoons, and monthly monsoon rains that bring about flash floods, whether in the city of Manila or the countryside. I realize the striking contrasts in how different parts of the world respond to calamities. My third-world life prompts me to reflect on our resilience compared to Americans who are not as accustomed to natural upheaval.
Resilience is a quality born out of necessity. Oftentimes, it is forged out of the crucible of hardship. In my country where hard is normal and survival is key, floods, typhoons, droughts, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions are made worse by scarce resources, limited access to government aid, and basic infrastructure. It is natural then to develop that instinctive ability to adapt to scarcity, face adversity, and rebuild from ruins. The shared struggles allow us to create an armor against any form of natural distraught.
In my limited experience and information about America, disasters are often exceptions than norms. With robust infrastructure access and a relatively efficient emergency response, the safety net is more available. But even this kind of stability and precaution can breed fragility. When natural calamities arise, the mental and emotional toll can be immense. Resilience is acquired in real-time, abruptly and urgently through the pain and sudden orientation. Resilience is reactive rather than preemptive.
I watch the communities of LA come together to help each other. Firefighters risking their lives. Neighbors helping neighbors. People opening homes to fire victims. These scenes are a testament to the human spirit’s universality. Kindness, generosity, and compassion are signs of a shared humanity. From these LA homes, there are similar scenes across the globe. While pain and loss are similarly felt, so are hope and strength. The LA fires remind us of how we are all part of each other. The same vulnerability each of us experiences reminds us of our common capacity to rise again.
Third-world rainbows bring the same hope promised to the rest of the world.
Claudette Chenevert is one of the reliable writer-coaches in stepmotherhood and blended families. She consistently appears in my inbox with the most practical tips for a stepmom. Read one of her more practical advice on resiliency here.
