An age of self-absorption and intemperance is upon us. You might be reading this while snuggled into the armpit of a fellow commuter on the way to your dissatisfying job, or on the screen of your cracked iPhone. Whatever the case, you’re reading this, and that’s a start. You are ignoring the embedded desire to play ignorant.
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘refugee’? Maybe you’re a bit cynical about the idea of people wanting more for nothing? Maybe you’re not sure that these people are truly fleeing danger? What you should be hearing, is desperation. Think about it – A person is willing enough to leave their home, friends, and often the place they grew up in, to seek safety from war or a better life for their family. What’s wrong with that? I’ll tell you a fraction of what’s wrong with that – They shouldn’t have to, but they do. We should help them, but we don’t.
We were born on this island because our Mothers pushed us out of themselves onto this piece of land as opposed to that one. You did nothing to deserve the head-start you have been given. So use your privilege. Use it to help others who weren’t so lucky. Of course, you can’t know the situation of every person that’s ‘seeking refuge.’ “Maybe they’re just after a better lifestyle…” So what? My friend George is moving to Leeds because he doesn’t want to pay London rent prices. Are we tarring him with the same brush as a refugee?
Why do we feel so entitled?
I write songs and sing with a band called Drones. When writing our latest album ‘Exiled’, we were having a lot of the thoughts that are fuelling this writing. It became quite clear to us that we should use our artistic platform to spread a message about the importance of empathy. Our new album ‘Exiled’ is about the current refugee crisis, and voices the opinions and stories of both real and fictional characters.
The aim of our album is to remind people that everyone is struggling in their own ways. Some hate their jobs, while others’ homes have been blown to pieces by a bomb dropped by their own government. Perspective and compassion are required in equal measure here. However, I don’t agree that everyone’s problems are relative. As previously stated, you do not deserve the head start you have been given any more than anyone else. So why them, and not you? Does the idea of World War Three scare you? Open your eyes. It’s happening. Children are being murdered, and Britain’s argument against immigration is that the influx of population might put pressure on our schools and transport systems? I’m sure our kids will be proud…
The ‘lack of funds’ our country has to cover the cost of those seeking refuge is a farce. Everyone knows it, yet we pretend like it’s a solid reason to send innocent people back to a war zone, or let them starve slowly on the borders of a country that’s pissing money away. It’s barbaric at best. We’re not asking you to be Mother Theresa, just please; think, gather perspective, and show a little empathy.
Drones’ album ‘Exiled’ is out now. Visit the UN Refugee Agency for more information about the crisis, and how you can help.
