I was in the central Oregon high desert last week when I heard the familiar, “Americans would never do THOSE jobs.” (This was a group of travelers, not Oregonians). I felt myself kind of bristle inside when I heard their remarks. I got to thinking… What jobs would an American not do? Usually this conversation is about picking produce in the fields. So let’s go with it. I found myself wondering what American would rather starve than pick produce in the fields.
In the midwest, teens de-tassel corn in the late summer for some cash. On the west coast, families sell their produce at the farmer’s markets. Same in the east and south. I’ve traveled throughout most of the USA. I’ve seen countless container gardens on high-rise decks in major cities. Backyard gardens abound nationwide where the growing season permits. Hold it for a moment… That’s about the only time I think Americans would be hard pressed if there was a poor growing season due to unruly or inclement weather for a prolonged period of time. Otherwise, growing food is a hobby. It can easily become a necessity. “Victory Gardens” abounded among Americans during World War I and World War II. Americans felt a sense of patriotism in aiding the war effort by growing their own food.
Americans rise to the challenge and do what needs to be done. I’ve seen it time and time again. We help each other. We help ourselves. If we had to do a job for a specific reason for a specific time, we would do it. And, we would innovate better and more efficient ways of getting it done. That’s Common Sense Civics and Citizenship at work.
