Contrast in Values: Community Care vs. Self-interest

A Tale of Two Videos: Heartfelt Giving and High-End Indulgence

This weekend, I came across two videos that couldn't have been more different, both in theme and in the responses they garnered.

Over fifteen thousand people showed up for Ugly Potato Day at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds to collect free produce, waiting for hours in heavy rain. The farmers distributed 250,000 pounds of vegetables. Tyler Heppell expressed his regret for the thousands they had to turn away, saying, “My heart breaks for my community.” By the end of the video, he promised to hold the event again, emphasizing that it needs to be bigger. He opened the video by stating, “I don’t usually cry, but yesterday I did…The fact that people are willing to wait in a line up for two hours in the pouring rain to get 20 pounds of free produce just goes to show how broken our system is and how no one can really afford to live here especially in Vancouver," he said.”

In the comments, Sleepydragon66 wrote, “You and the rest of the farmers and volunteers are heroes for sure,” a sentiment that garnered over 4,700 hearts. Watching the video, I felt how deeply it affected the farmer. Understanding the psychology behind giving reveals the profound feelings of fulfillment and purpose that it brings. The joy and happiness from seeing the positive impact you have on your community are truly astonishing. The most beautiful part is that this fulfillment isn’t fleeting; the feedback creates a strong desire for repetition, which he already mentioned at the end of the video.

I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to the farmer and everyone involved in organizing this incredible event. You are shining examples of community spirit! You can check them out here: @potatoty .

The other video was about a candle - specifically, a limited-edition candle by Beyoncé that comes with an $85 price tag, plus $12 shipping to Canada, where I live. It’s described as “the perfect off-the-grid gift for yourself or loved ones. With rich and complex notes of oud, Australian sandalwood, warm musk, night-blooming jasmine, Haitian vetiver, and violet leaves, our limited-edition TEMPLE OUD CANDLE scents your sacred space with decadence." It sounds divine, doesn’t it? I love candles, and this scent truly smells like heaven.

When I was studying English, I came across the expression “money to burn” for the first time and didn’t understand it. We don’t have such a saying in my mother tongue, so I had to picture it in context. Now I can vividly see it. Based on the reactions I've gathered, there seems to be a strong opinion about this product, similar to other items she has released. One poll suggests that 93% of people will not be purchasing this candle. As I mentioned, I absolutely love candles, but I won’t be burning $85 plus $12 for shipping on this gift for anyone - not even myself!

TikTok is incredible. My For You Page serves up a diverse array of content, and these two videos perfectly reflect what’s happening in our society right now - one featuring a person dedicated to serving their community and the other focused on self-interest. I’m not here to judge anyone; that’s not my place. I’ll let you see for yourself.