The reductive seduction of other people’s problems

Chris B. shared this, an interesting essay in how we look at other cultures and other people and their seemingly uncomplicated lives. From the essay:

If you’re young, privileged, and interested in creating a life of meaning, of course you’d be attracted to solving problems that seem urgent and readily solvable. Of course you’d want to apply for prestigious fellowships that mark you as an ambitious altruist among your peers. Of course you’d want to fly on planes to exotic locations with, importantly, exotic problems.

Which is not to discourage voluntourism or people traveling to perform good works, but…