People and Bees

I was driving on Rhode Island Avenue a few days ago, just as school was letting out in the area. Children and their parents filled the streets. While the light in from of me remained red, a plump crossing guard stepped out into the traffic, guiding children across the city street. She was smiling ear to ear, making small talk with the children as she hustled them to the other side. She seemed happy to do her job, even though her job description is to step in front of danger so that others don’t have to, just like Officer Pozell did. Although most days I don’t, on Tuesday I noticed her.

On that same drive I was listening to talk radio, and a caller was critiquing our celebrity obsessed culture. The real heroes, she insisted, the ones who should be celebrated and venerated, are the workers of our world: those who make things, those who fix things, those who respond to emergencies –whether that emergency is a clogged toilet or a clogged artery. Without people willing to do our essential dirty work, our civilization would crumble.

I found myself in complete agreement with the caller. I was humbled by the work that people do for my benefit. At least, I thought, they deserved my acknowledgment. How can I thank the nameless lady who sewed my dress? What can I do for the man who built my car? What can be said for the workers who paved the road, who cut the grass, who attached those highway signs to their posts?

Then, when I finally arrived home, I signed online and visited People.com. What was Britney Spears thinking with that outfit?

Today it’s the bees.

For whatever reason, they’ve stopped doing their job. And that, apparently, is very bad for civilization. These elusive creatures are dying, and so far, the reason for their mass destruction is a mystery. Ever find a bee soaring towards you? Every time I see one headed my way, I run squealing in the other direction. Maybe they’re tired of our ingratitude.

By Elizabeth Tenety  |  May 3, 2007; 10:51 AM ET  | Category:  Campus Catholic
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