I hate the phrase “we’re all in the same boat.” It indicates we are experiencing the same unfortunate circumstances.
The phrase is an illusion that promotes passivity. It eliminates any sense of responsibility or care. If we’re all in the same boat, we are equally enduring the same miserable experiences. But conditions are never truly the same for everyone.
We may be in the same ocean, sometimes battling the same storm, but we’re all in different boats.
Some people are in yachts, laying on their lounge chair, sipping a martini. While others are alone in their simple makeshift rafts, anxious the next wave will turn them over.
But I’m not here to compare boats. I can’t be jealous that someone is in a cabin cruiser, and I won’t feel guilty that someone is in a canoe.
All I can do is see if I am capable of taking aboard someone in need.
There may be larger ships with larger capacity than me, plenty of room and supplies to spare for every castaway they come across. But not everyone lowers their lifeboats.
I can make comments about the need for more humanitarian assistance or the lack of government programs. I can criticize capitalism generating inequality with its disparate distribution of wealth.
But ultimately, I have to ask myself, what can I do? I can’t do it all, but I can do something.
Every ship can only carry their intended capacity. I understand I can’t carry it all. Maybe my little sailboat only has room for one extra person. But that might mean everything to the one person I see clinging to driftwood out in the open sea.
We’re not all in the same boat, but I want to be willing to share my boat if needed.
Beautiful imagery. I get excited when my email says you posted. I’ll now think about this when I or someone else says “in the same boat” and I’m not mad about it. ☺️
“I get excited when my email says you posted.” ouch, my heart, but in a good way. thank you!
I agree with Ashlyn, I love when I get an email! Great thought Janele, thanks for sharing!
Thanks Megan, I feel very loved.
I loved reading this. I’ve never personally thought about the analogy as having a flaw; I’ve used it fairly often and it is always understood clearly. Even so, it lacks the weight that describes reality. Ignoring that is just an easy way to deal with the variation, like the difference between assimilation and accommodation. I feel the need to pay closer attention to my words from now on to expand on what I say. :). The passenger analogy is also beautiful! What’s lovely, is how contagious it seems to be when a small boat picks up a passenger, it does stop there. We help in quiet, but it becomes apparent and others dive in to join with helping hands. It’s miraculous how God has instilled in us the desire for community and help and I love to see that grow. ❤️
You’re so right, it’s contagious. When we see other boats pick up a passenger, I think it gives us permission to do the same.