Los Angeles has recently been going through devastating fires leaving many people homeless.
“As of [Jan. 12], an estimated 12,000 houses, businesses, schools and other structures have been damaged or destroyed, at least 24 people have died and about 150,000 people were ordered or warned to evacuate,” the Calmatters Visiuals Team writes.
However, many U.S. residents have expressed that they have limited sympathy for the victims of the fire for various reasons.
One individual, an anonymous reader from cultura colectiva, mentions that they can’t bring themselves to feel sorrow for the homes being lost in the fire.
“These people- with their vast resources and access to the best insurance- will likely rebuild,” the anonymous reader wrote.
Social media posts about the fire have been met with large groups, including Californians, explaining that these are people who have plenty of money to rebuild– or have made the choice to move away from what has become a high-risk area for fires in recent years.
I am bewildered by the lack of empathy these people have, and their willingness to admit that they do not feel bad. These southern California residents are people; they did not only lose houses, they lost homes. Homes where memories were made and homes containing sentimental valuable items that cannot be replaced. A prime example is the internet’s response to Paris Hilton’s reaction to watching her home burn down on national television.
I’ve seen multiple people on social media comment on how rich people in Los Angeles can just easily buy a new house.
“I am finding it hard to have empathy for any of these celebrities crying about their homes being destroyed by the #LosAngelesFires,” user @DevThePatriot wrote on X.
He claims that these people are massively rich and that they can easily afford a new house within hours or days. Many others agree with him and claim to have zero empathy for such wealthy people.
However, not everyone agrees with this harsh outlook.
“Making fun of celebrities for losing their homes or deciding that you will not feel sorry for them due to their wealth is truly the height of cruelty. It’s okay to feel bad for someone regardless of their wealth,” user @meralee727 wrote on X.
We also must remember that it is not just wealthy people who live in those areas. There are also a lot of working-class members who cannot afford another home, and some can’t even afford to evacuate.
According to Time Magazine, over 57,000 acres (89 miles) have been burned by these fires. Including Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes.
At this time, numerous groups have begun working to gather supplies to help those affected by the fire start over. One campus example is the campus-wide school supply drive being hosted by the BHS Class of 2027; all supplies gathered will be donated to schools in the area impacted by the fires.
Not only have properties been damaged but lives have been lost. As of Jan. 27, at least 29 lives have been taken due to these fires. Yet people continue to dismiss the gravity of the situation.
Personally, I believe that no feelings should ever be invalidated no matter how wealthy the person may be. Everyone has a right to mourn what they have lost even if they can replace it.
