The Need-Want Tension (November 9, 2011)

I'm feeling stretched.  Not financially . . . okay, a little financially.  But mostly emotionally.  There's a tension that exists between needs and wants, and those who are struggling to make ends meet are in the thick of this battle.

I see the world broken down into three camps of people.

#1  Those in Need . . . Depending on how you define "need", this could be 1.5 billion people or something much larger if you include everyone who does not have at least one of their basic human rights satisfied (food security, clean water, adequate sanitation, access to basic health services, access to basic education, and freedom from fear).  Wherever the border is defined, this group struggles with simply surviving . . . and fulfilling wants is pretty much out of the question.

#2 Those whose Basic Needs are Satisfied but with Little or No Buffer . . . These people are fed, clothed, sheltered, have adequate sanitation, access to health care, access to education, and are relatively safe.  Despite being only an unexpected happening away from crisis, these people are comfortable enough that they can start to look towards fulfilling other desires and being even more comfortable.  They can sometimes satisfy their wants.  This, too, is a fairly large group of people being everyone not the other groups.  I am in this group, not only during this phase of the project, but especially in this phase of the project.

#3 Those who are Well Beyond Satisfying Basic Needs and can Easily Satisfy Wants . . . While this group consists of a large number of people, mostly in the developed world, it is relatively small in size compared to the other two groups.  This group of people can weather many and varied crises while still having their basic needs met, and is able to satisfy a good number of their wants.

Both groups #2 and #3 feel the tension between need and want, but in different ways.  Group #2 feels the internal struggle . . . able to provide for their needs but being constantly tempted to succumb to their wants.  This struggle sometimes produces satisfaction, but often results in threatening the security of their needs.  Further, I would postulate that this inner tension actually fuels giving into wants from time to time . . . people trying to find some pleasure in order to forget about the struggle even for a little while.  On the other hand, Group #3 feels the external struggle . . . they have the means to meet the needs of others and feel the tension between helping others and fulfilling their own wants.  Neither of these struggles are easy.  Of course, neither group would want to trade with Group #1 who is struggling to survive.

I am going to make some decisions that are not the best financial choices.  I already have.  I've increased my debt by succumbing to the purchase of cheese slices, extra meat, potato chips and spices . . . definitely wants not needs.  And, I will be doing so again tomorrow evening.  A farewell celebration is being held at a local restaurant for a friend who is moving away.  The smart money decision is to take a pass.  The smart emotional decision is to go and join my friends . . . be part of community, say good bye to my friend, and be "normal" for a few hours.  Yes, there is a cost . . . less money for needs in the days that follow.  However, that is part of the struggle and one I am willing to pay in the circumstances.  It's all about balancing the entirety of the situation.

Similarly, affluent people will indulge themselves even though others are starving in the world.  I have no doubt that those who are starving would do the same thing were roles reversed.  However, just as I shouldn't be judged for making the occasional bad financial decision in order to satisfy a want as long as such is done only occasionally and in moderation; so too the affluent person should not be judged for indulging one's self . . . as long as such is also balanced, i.e. helping others in need as much as they can while still being comfortable one's self.

Here's the rub . . . and the thing I suggest we all ponder.  First, studies show that those who are in Group #2 (i.e. low income) have been found to be more generous than Group #3 (i.e. high income) in helping those in Group #1.  Is that because Group #2 has greater awareness of the struggles of Group #1?  Or perhaps Group #2 is less attached to comforts compared to Group #3?  Second, it would take only a fraction of Group #3's resources to elevate everyone in Group #1 to Group #2 (i.e. ensure everyone's basic needs are met in a sustainable fashion), while Group #3 could still be very comfortable.  Yet, despite the wonderful efforts of some in Group #3, it is not happening nearly to the extent that it could.  I suggest it is for both of these reasons we currently see overt tensions between Groups #1 and #2 on one side and Group #3 on the other (i.e. riots, protests, Occupy Movement).  Of course, the solution lies in finding ways to work together, and not demonizing or destroying one another.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

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Phase II - Struggles of the Working Poor Daily Report
Day 8 (November 8th)

Weight at Beginning of Project:  233 lbs
Weight at End of Phase One:  216 lbs
Weight at Start of Phase Two: 221 lbs
Weight at Start of Today:  218 lbs

Available Funds:   $2.00 (leftover) + $7.50 (new) = $9.50
Funds Spent Today:  $23.45
Remaining Funds:   $0.00 (see New Loan)

New Loan:  $13.95
Outstanding Loan: $13.95 @ 1.5% per day . . .  $14.16 due on Day 9
Loan Payment:   $0.00
Loan Remaining: $0.00

Items Purchased:   Dish Soap, Laundry Detergent, Black Pepper Seasoning, Head of Lettuce, Cheese Slices, Ranch Dressing, Discounted Steak (about to expire), 2 Bananas

Free Stuff:  Rotisserie Chicken, ½ Purple Onion, Gouda Cheese, 2 Apples, 1 Lemon

Gas Purchased* & Remaining:  $0.00 (i.e. 0.00 litres @ $1.129 per litre . . . 0.0 km @ 10 km/litre) + 2.29 litres (gas remaining) = 2.29 litres (22.9 km)
Driving Today:  18 km (i.e. 1.8 litres)
Gas Remaining:  0.49 litres (i.e. 4.9 km)

*Will not include any fuel or driving related to work that is paid for by work.

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