Global Stratification

The stratification that takes place in the world is a crime against humanity that can't be punished. The reason for this pessimism is that the victim has no voice to cry for justice and the bystanders are too comfortable to get involved. Those of us who are privileged enough to have been born in a first world country take what we have for granted. We have no idea how bad most people in the world have it and quite frankly, we don't care.

We can read all day about what the perceived cause of global poverty is, but let me give it to you simply: IT IS YOU! AND ME! Everyone of us that basks in the glow of our privileged birth, is giving the apathetic finger to all of those in the world who live, in spite of being absolutely impoverished. In his article "The Duty to Eradicate Global Poverty: Positive or Negative", Pablo Gilabert argues that it is the responsibility of the wealthy to aid the poor, because it is the system of the rich that has caused the poverty.The full text can be found at http://www.jstor.org/pss/25733600.  I agree.

In a comedic, yet vivid look at the need to help end global poverty I recommend that you watch an interview of Peter Singer by Stephen Colbert. http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/221466/march-12-2009/peter-singer. The humor really helps reflect how ridiculous the apathetic outlook of many Americans is.

It is only too simple to say it is too large a problem, and your small contribution couldn't possible lead to any real change. However Anne Frank said "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." It may seem cliched, but it isn't! DO SOMETHING!

If you feel so inclined, here are two websites that can help you find an outlet to give your money or services to help alleviate world poverty and be sure what you give, actually will help:

http://www.endpoverty2015.org/
http://aidwatchers.com/

 

Across

   1.     The total output of goods and services produced by residents of a country each year divided by the population.

   3.     This is the type of poverty in which people live on less than $.75 per day.

   4.     The term used to describe an individual who is not receiving adequate amounts of food, water, vitamins, etc.

   7.     The process of benefiting at the expense of another, due to their weaker or inferior state.

   8.     The money or goods given from nation to another to alleviate poverty.

9.     This is the type of poverty in which people live on less than a $1 per day.

   10.   The process by which the world delineates into rich and poor countries.

  Down

2.     Poor, under-developed periphery countries.

5.     The process whereby a powerful country controls another, but without direct military or political involvement.

6.     The type of poverty is compared amongst others within a nation.