Sometimes when I am doomscrolling on social media, the world feels like a poorly written script. One minute you’re scrolling through food videos with cheese pulls, the next you’re bombarded with headlines that make you question everything you thought you knew about “humanity.” Today, we’re diving into some of those uncomfortable truths, the ones that often leave us scratching our heads and asking, “Why?”

When “Extra” Isn’t Enough: What’s currently happening in Indonesia?

Imagine this: You’re working hard, maybe barely making ends meet, and then, poof! An extra $3,000 lands in your bank account, seemingly out of nowhere. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, in Indonesia, this dream turned into a very public and passionate protest. Just last week, reports surfaced of a significant wage “correction” that saw some workers receiving a substantial, although unexpected, bonus.

Now, before you start planning your own “accidental bonus” protest, here’s the kicker: this sudden influx of cash, while a temporary relief for some, also highlighted the deep-seated issues of wage inequality and fairness. For many, it wasn’t a windfall, but a reminder of how little they were actually being paid in the first place, leading to widespread protests demanding systemic changes and a living wage. It’s a bit like finding a golden ticket to a chocolate factory, only to realize the rest of the factory workers are still stuck eating stale bread. Talk about a bittersweet moment!

A Silent Scream: The Dire Straits of Gaza

Moving to a far more somber, yet equally infuriating, corner of our world, I am thinking about the ongoing situation in Gaza. It’s almost unbelievable to think that we’re approaching two years since the most recent escalation, and the humanitarian crisis has spiralled to what the UN now classifies as Level 5 starvation. Level 5! That’s not just “hungry,” that’s a catastrophic level of food insecurity where lives are lost daily.

Why? Why, in an age of unprecedented global wealth and interconnectedness, are we witnessing such a horrific scenario unfold? and more than that, WHY IS NO ONE DOING ANYTHING? The complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are immense, rooted in decades of historical grievances, political power struggles, and deeply entrenched narratives. Yet, when we strip away the political jargon and the historical debates, we are left with a fundamental question: How can humanity stand by while an entire population teeters on the brink of famine?

This isn’t about taking sides; it’s about acknowledging a shared human responsibility. We are all, in essence, connected. The suffering of one group, regardless of their geographical location or political affiliation, diminishes us all.

The Great Divide: CEOs, Crumbs, and the Unseen Hand

Now, let’s bring it closer to home. You’ve probably heard the statistics, seen the headlines: CEOs raking in astronomical salaries while their employees struggle to pay rent. It’s the kind of disparity that makes you want to throw your coffee cup at the nearest wall (please don’t, your landlord will thank you).

Why is this the norm? Is there some secret science behind this colossal imbalance? Well, the “science” is often a mix of economic theories, power dynamics, and a massive dose of human greed.

• Supply and Demand (for “Talent”): After reading articles it is clear that companies argue that top-tier executives are rare and highly sought after, commanding higher salaries.
• Shareholder Value: The idea that a CEO’s primary role is to maximize profits for shareholders often leads to immense pressure (and rewards) for achieving those targets.
• Systemic Bias: Historical and societal structures often favor those already in positions of power, perpetuating the cycle of wealth accumulation at the top.

But here’s the real head-scratcher: Why is everyone so silent? Why do we, as a collective, often accept these vast inequalities as an unchangeable fact of life? Is it resignation? A sense of powerlessness? Or are we just too busy scrolling through those cat videos again?

The Elusive Pursuit of Equality

Ultimately, these examples – from the streets of Indonesia to the struggle in Gaza, to the corporate boardrooms – all point to one fundamental question: Why can’t we all be equal? Every human being is born with inherent worth and dignity. We share the same planet, breathe the same air, and fundamentally, desire the same things: safety, sustenance, and a shot at a decent life.

Yet, we’ve constructed societies riddled with hierarchies, where one group’s comfort often comes at the expense of another’s suffering. It’s a complex tapestry woven with threads of history, culture, politics, and economics.

Perhaps the “science” behind it isn’t so much about unchangeable laws of nature, but about the choices we make, the systems we uphold, and the voices we choose to amplify (or silence). Maybe, just maybe, the first step towards a fairer world isn’t about finding a magic bullet, but about breaking the silence and demanding that we all, collectively, do better.

What are your thoughts on these glaring examples of unfairness? Let me know in the comments below!

~Mallika ❤