Things are rarely what they seem!

About three years ago, I wrote an article for Conservativehome, in which I alluded to the cultural difference and our understanding of the difference between need necessity and luxury across different parts of the world.

All over the world there are as many things that separate as there are that unite us. Understanding, appreciating and respecting that difference is the key to world peace and harmony. As clichés as it might sound, it is that simple notion that is the cause of many avoidable wars and conflicts.

Listening to news about the Commonwealth games and the issues facing the athletes and the hosting nation, from suitability of the venue, its readiness, its hygiene, and of course the issue of security, are all genuine and sensible concerns. But with eleven days to go before the start of the games, and with a little optimism and positive thinking, all is not yet lost!

However, all of that I have very little concern with, my issue is with the sudden focus on child labour, and the cries from some to boycott the whole event, this late in the game, because pictures has emerged showing young children working in the Commonwealth site to ready it for the game. This is India, some children in India like some in Africa and South America work for a living. The reasons are obvious; they need and have to work, not because the parents don’t but because every member of the family have to work so they can keep a shelter over their head and put food on the table.

Sad, of course it is.

Child abuse, depends on the alternative.

Without a doubt, we are a very caring and compassionate nation; but measuring everyone with one measuring stick based on our own level and understanding of compassion can be very insulting. Because people, even those in the west, are not all the same and it is unkind, narrow minded and somewhat arrogant to assume that they are.