| By ali,
on 27-11-2006 23:32
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Published in : , Articles |
The world in which we live is a fabrication of two unrelenting polar extremes- wealth and poverty. In our world, beggars live alongside billionaires, the famished alongside the full- a result perhaps of the unethical, selfish and reckless ways in which we have become accustomed to live.
The gulf between these two separate entities- rich and poor- is forever widening; the equilibrium of our world being left in dispute.
Wars, natural disasters, corrupt leadership, lack of education…the factors leading to world poverty paint grim pictures of death, hunger and ignorance.
In the West we live in developed countries; we have access to free education, high life expectancy and a good standard of living; however, on the other side of the world the majority live in very different circumstances. Infant mortality rates are high, one in ten people suffer from malnutrition or starvation and every year eleven million children die as a direct result of poverty.
It is a disgusting and horrific truth that if the rich nations wanted, they could eradicate the problems of poverty entirely, yet despite the efforts of several organisations and meetings such as the G8 nothing effective is done to ensure that this happens.
One might question why this is so: it is at the expense of the developing world that the developed world makes profit. Farmers of the “third world” provide us with the crops we need for food, child labourers provide the trendy branded sports labels that have become a necessity and call-centre workers boost our economy and supply a market in which we can buy and sell goods.
Things changing, trade becoming fairer for example or child labour being banned would mean a decrease in the profits of the rich nations.
Each and everything we do has a direct or indirect effect on the life or livelihood of someone, somewhere else- where we choose to shop- from where do the goods we buy originate and under what conditions were they produced? Perhaps by buying certain items of clothing we are supporting the unjust, cruel, and depraved acts of wealthy businesses that profit from the blood sweat and tears of developing country workers.
When we vote, the government of rich nations hold huge amounts of political power that effect trade, war and conflict; we must ensure that our vote is given to a support a party that would deal with such issues with fairness and justice.
Also, as members of a modern, fast paced society that depends on the burning of fossil fuels to feed its necessary requirements for travel, electricity and and advances in technology; our actions affect the volume of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. These emissions contribute heavily to the greenhouse effect that is a major cause of the natural disasters and global warming that effect millions each year.
The fabric of the modern world is indeed a tapestry woven from the thread of the developing world’s delicate industry of child labour, deprived citizens and unfair trade. Consumerism holds no place for the ethically mined and good are brought and sold at the expense of the poor who struggle to earn but a fraction of the market value of their products. Most people give next to no thought as to where the merchandise has originated, or about the circumstances in which it was produced. This whole business has a major part to play in the problem of world poverty and the escalating gap between rich and poor. Fair trade movements and brands that strive to maintain justice between producer and consumer need support if things are to change.
Another factor leading to world poverty is global warming. As I have already mentioned, global warming and deforestation are the prime causes of the natural disasters that have in recent times shaken our planet. Some of the worlds richest and most powerful nations are guiltiest of this crime against Mother Nature. Replanting the trees that we cut down and finding alternatives to fossil fuels are positive steps towards helping to restore the currently fragile state of the environment.
I think the blame for world poverty rests heavily upon each and every one of us capable of making a change. We live in a democratic society and have the power to decide who we follow and what we wish to see changed. I do not think it is solely the rich who are to blame for the position of the poor- having more money than someone else doesn’t make you a “bad” person. The people who are really responsible are us ourselves. We must first change ourselves if we wish to change the world, each of us is responsible for our own actions. We are in powerful positions where it is possible to make change. We should take advantage of this. We must support just causes and bring the reality and desperation of this situation to the attention of our leaders so that changes are made and justice does prevail.
There is a dire need for world development because no human being deserves to suffer whilst there is enough food and water for us all to live comfortably.
I have so far mentioned the problems of wealth and poverty on a global scale alone. It is perhaps here that that the gap is most obvious and evident. However the chasm between rich and poor is forever widening on a more local scale also. Although it isn’t as apparent, it does exist.
Today the face of Britain is riddled with segregated communities, inequalities and a general division of those who can and those who cannot. Our society is ruled by our social class system- we all know where we belong. Rich and poor live in pockets of seclusion, an invisible line isolating each of them.
Crime stems from desperation; in areas of poverty, unemployment rates are high, drug abuse is common and street crime escalates. Not far away, the scene is quite different. Britain’s middle class live quite a separate existence compared with poor, debt ridden working class man or woman.
Perhaps we should try to bridge these differences at home before trying to change the world. Charity does after all, begin at home.
Last update : 27-11-2006 23:32
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