How can we make ourselves accountable? Ukulele Cover #2: What's Up - 4 Non Blonds

(Saying good-bye to one of my classes in China)

As I mentioned in my intro post, I am just returning to the United States after spending 18 months in China and South-East Asia. The culture shock is strong and I still my mind working in tourist mode. I have noticed one trend in particular that I want to talk about today. Please share your thoughts in the comments if you have any insights...

I hear a lot of blame. A lot towards Trump. Some towards the cost of apartments or food. Some towards other people. It seems that there is a sentiment that scary external forces are in control of everything. I want to question whether or not we should all be more accountable for our own actions. No one likes water shortages but everyone likes long hot showers. No likes child labor but everyone likes cheap smartphones. No one likes to litter but everyone likes products in plastic. At what point could the people make a substantial difference through a change in individual actions? How could we give this system incentives?

I keep coming back to the same argument in my head. If the world had less litter, less poverty, less war, and less inequality, would it be a better place to live? Particularly after my first travel experience, I have this sensation that all these different countries in the world aren't actually so far away. I feel that I share the same water and air with the people around the world. I was pretty glum in the winter in China last year. The pollution got trapped under the cold clouds and every day was just oppressive. I was even more disheartened when I traveled to other big cities in various countries to find the same thing. All of the capitols I visited faced visible air polluting: Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, and Delhi. It saddened me, I want to help make it better.

It seems to me that the only solution would be getting as many people as possible together to act in ways that make improvements. Shorter showers, less driving and flying, refilling water bottles, cooking at home, etc.... But how can we make ourselves accountable?

Enjoy today's ukulele cover: What's Up - 4 Non Blonds https://clyp.it/vciz5j02

More classroom pics in China!