Experiences in Fraternity

Ordinary experiences I encountered in France

Fraternity is a theme that is part of many of the national constitutions, religious literature and ethical discussions. Since I already wrote how fraternity is played out in the interaction of certain French with refugees, today I write about some ordinary experiences.

• Many French cities and villages have weekly-markets (once in a week), which sell products directly from the producers. The pockets dry a little faster than when you buy from a huge supermarkets. But many people choose the option of buying from these markets. I don’t know whether all of them do think of it as an option of fraternity, but I think it is…
• Many French (like many Europeans) take a lot of vacations. The people from the huge cities move to the villages or regions, which are calmer, less inhabited. They have to choose on where to buy the raw materials. Some do buy things from a supermarket which is more convenient, and much cheaper. Though costlier and more inconvenient, a few others make the option of buying from the local markets, which will help the local economies. It also helps to enjoy the local delicacies. For me, this is another expression of fraternity.

It is interesting to see how simple ordinary people (who may or may-not do other forms of charity) do practice fraternity in ways that seems ordinary…. many of them may not even think that they are doing an act of fraternity…. but many of those actions do make a big difference in the lives of others.

I wonder…. Buying local…buying from the small players…. Is it fraternity in action? What do you think?