A Wheelbarrow Discourse

 Being on a high horse or speaking from a high horse is a simple English phrase meaning one does not understand because of their privilege or status.

There have recently been many arguments about wheelbarrows with some saying it is demeaning to give such gifts. Yet none of those goes to the recipients to ask why they are so enthusiastic when receiving them.

When I was growing up, only the rich could afford a wheelbarrow. I think I only knew one wheelbarrow when I was small. They were like radios where there was one in the whole village (or a few villages) where old men would gather to follow current affairs.

Before speaking from our high horses, we should go to the grassroots (that is what politicians always pretend to protect) to find out whether those gadgets make any difference.

Speaking to people down there you might be shocked to realize that that one wheelbarrow is what one requires to move up the social ladder.

Since the wheelbarrows (I hear) were primarily meant for hawking fruits and vegetables, what would you do if you were told that all the wheelbarrows in a certain place belong to one tycoon who then hires them out to traders for probably 100/- a day whether one sold anything or not?

Can you imagine the difference it would make to the trader if they had their own wheelbarrow? Do you think you will speak like you are doing?

And I am writing this because I speak to a few hustlers (the trending word).

Sadly, it is the same thing with trolleys and handcarts (mikokoteni). The pushers pay to use them.

I one time asked why someone insisted on carrying load I thought was too heavy yet he had a trolley and that is what he told me. He makes 100% heaving and puffing but only 50% when he uses the trolley since the owner takes the other 50%. And you want to tell people having his own trolley won’t make a difference in his life!

To a farmer a wheelbarrow is even more precious. And I am speaking as someone who farmed with and without one. Imagine the amount of time a farmer saves using a barrow looking for feed for his animals. And a peasant farmer (the majority of our farming community) cannot afford one.

Please do not use your stinginess to pour scorn on someone trying to make a difference in one person.

Unless you have something more empowering to do. And even then just do your thing. We have too many people to help that by the time you have touched enough you will realize that you have not even scratched the surface of need.

Stop politicizing need. It will backfire on you so badly as God is always on the side on the powerless.