When I read opinion pieces that call for less complaining and more gratitude, I, like a lot of people, get turned off. A letter (Be grateful, July 30) by Bruce MacIsaac called for Islanders to start complaining less and instead start showing more gratitude for what they have. Mr. MacIsaac went on to list the many things in life he is thankful for; however, what I and many of my fellow Islanders have pointed out is that he was grateful for privileges and luxuries many of us are fighting for (or perhaps, are “complaining” about not having).
For instance, he is thankful for access to medical assistance, but many Islanders must choose between rent and medication each month. He is thankful for being able to own or rent a home, but affordable, accessible housing is at an all-time low in P.E.I. He is thankful for feeling safe while walking down the street, but many Islanders who have dealt with racism, sexism, fatphobia, transphobia and/or homophobia do not have these same feelings of safety. He is thankful for knowing police will always be there to help him, but many Islanders are not made safer by police presence. He is thankful for being able to drive to the beach at his leisure, but Islanders working long hours at multiple jobs or who are without access to vehicles don’t have this same luxury.
I could go on. While I appreciate that Mr. MacIsaac is thankful for the life he lives on P.E.I., I’d encourage him and all Islanders to reflect on the ways in which their lives are made easier by the social systems they are a part of. And although gratitude is important to recognize and express, calls for social change should not be interpreted as complaints or as a lack of gratitude. Instead, we should all strive to recognize our place within systems of power and aim to change these systems so that the same privileges we are grateful for can be equally accessed by all of us. I know we will be much better because of it. Good luck!
Alex MacDonald,
Mount Stewart
