discussion

Discussion 1

3a. Inequalities

1. Which of the stats shocked you the most?

- “almost half the world lives on $2.50 a day” (Shah, 2013)

- “Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their name” (Shah, 2013)

- “1.1 billion have inadequate access to water, and 2.6 lack basic sanitation (Shah, 2013)

- “121 million children out of education worldwide” (Shah, 2013)

- The global priorities in spending in 1988 (Shah, 2013).

2. 5/10  

3. If I am being honest this was a more difficult question for me to answer as this is something just introduced to me and I may have not received the right ideas. Iceland states “the argument goes, rich countries preserve their dominance by imposing an international division of labor, with “core” countries focusing on high skill production and “peripheral ones” concentrating on lower-skills, labor intensive, production and extraction of raw materials” (Iceland, 2015,78). Part of the issue with measuring relative poverty, it does not consider that the united states is doing well. Because the United States economy is a meritocracy the individuals that contribute more to society get more and the people who don’t get less, and in a capitalist economy you are expected to contribute and be rewarded. We do not have the same social safety nets that more socialist countries have.

3b. Should we be saying “no” to donating to charity organizations? No, I do not think we should stop but I think individuals should be looking into what or how the charity organization will impact the town/city/country. For example, with Toms shoes, when you buy a pair of shoes you donate a pair of shoes, but what isn’t thought of it how it effects their local economy and local business owners. I understand at first you may not be able to see the impact a new company has whether it is negative or positive but there has been no significant change with a solution to this, so we should be learning and changing out ways when donating. From this, Toms opened factories in those countries to create jobs to try and help, but it does not solve the issue. This is the same situation for the solar panels that were seen early in the film, along with the rice. Ultimately, we should not stop donating because when there is a need for aid it is helpful when sending over resources, but as said in the film “no country was developed on aid” (Miller, 2016) and the “best way to help people is to get them on their feet”(Miller, 2016).

4b.  I think the best place to start to solve global poverty is through education. When watching this film there were many well-made points and from different points of view that I have never thought of before. Having the information from this film already has me thinking about the companies I donate to and the impact that it has had on somebody else whether it is negative or positive. There are many ways this information could be spread, but I think a place to begin is with youth. Bringing this kind of education to schools and educating children and young adults is a start in spreading awareness and can also inspire new ideas for a solution. Films like this bring to light the realities of where our money goes and the impacts it has. I think the world needs a reality check for things to happen and it can be done through educating earlier rather than when it is too late will be more beneficial.

5. World Hunger:  As stated in the article “hunger is an effect of poverty” (Shah, 2010). People find themselves hungry because they cannot afford the food, it is not because of a lack of ability to get it. This is important to recognize as a possible solution of addressing poverty first, in return helping solve hunger issues. From the video we watched for question 4, there was a theme of “dumping” resources to countries. In the video, a church sent over eggs to a small village who needed aid, the individual who was selling eggs in that community ended up selling his chickens and business because there was no need for it anymore. Dumping food is not a long-term answer but has have long term impacts.  What the article provided as a solution to this was that some countries “need improved skills in farming and more access to markets, they need information on how to prepare nutritious food for their children and how to protect them from disease” (Shah, 2010). By building up the small communities, the more you can build a country, and not be as dependent on imports and can be dependent on themselves. It is about investing in the poor so there is more stability, which leads to less poverty and leads to less hunger issues.

Iceland, J. (2013). Poverty in America: A handbook. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Miller, M. (director). (2016). Poverty, Inc. TubiTV. Retrieved from  https://tubitv.com/movies/387154/poverty_inc

Shah, A. (January 07, 2013). Poverty Facts and Stats. Global Issues. Retrieved from  http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats

Discussion 3A Inequalities

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Of the various statistics listed on Global Issues (Poverty Facts) it was hard to find one that I would call ‘shocking’. Personal money and power have been the primary goal for so long for those in positions to make positive change in the world that the entries on the site are sad and frustrating but, unfortunately, more expected than shocking. I think that the information about the inequality of consumption was the most surprising. We all know that people who have more money have the means to consume more so that being true per the website data made sense, but seeing the graphs really made an impact compared to just reading the numbers. The inequality of access to goods and services based solely on a person’s income includes not just fun or luxury items, but basic essentials like food and clothing. For so few to consume so much while knowing how many go without, and to be okay with doing so, is almost unbelievable.  

 

  

I took the Poverty Quiz (World Poverty) and scored 9/10 correct, missing the question on absolute poverty but getting it right the second try. I found the last question interesting. It shouldn’t be surprising that Scandanavian countries that use their tax money to help ensure the wellbeing of their populations end up having people who both have more money to donate to others and who choose to do so. I think the lack of a nationwide social safety net for basic needs in the US greatly contributes to people sharing and donating less. Even those who have enough that they could donate to others don’t do so. Many of us feel we have to horde and protect whatever we have because if we hit a financial rough spot there is a good chance we will not get assistance and will need those resources for ourselves. I think that the US government providing less aid to lower income people than other developed countries do accounts for both absolute and relative poverty measurements in the US being higher than they are in those countries. When more aid is given to lower income people it helps raise those people up and close some of the gap between them and the higher income citizens. (Iceland, 2013. pgs 71-72). 

 

  

Should we be donating to charity organizations? Possibly in the immediate aftermath of a large scale, serious disaster but the charity/NGO method of “helping” should not continue beyond that. As they are now, I would say that we should choose not to donate blindly to charity organizations. If an organization worked within the country where a need is identified to find a local solution to that problem and then provide assistance with education, supplies, business plans, start-up costs – whatever is needed to allow people to help themselves and become independent – then that group is worth donating to.  

 

If we want to solve global poverty then our aid should be to help build someone up into who they want to be, not force them into a worse situation or make them give up their independence and hopes in exchange for assistance. The current model that causes people to be “chained by loans” is a method of economic colonization (Miller, 2016, 34:03-34:30). The funds should be going to the people in need, those at the end of the aid chain, not to all the people along the way who are profiting off of others and have no incentive to solve the problem and end their personal gravy train.

 

 

One of the best ways to solve global poverty is to provide a way for people to produce and/or acquire the things they need in a way that empowers them to be able to provide for themselves instead of just giving them goods and leaving them dependent on others. As the makers of the film Poverty, Inc said, “Poor people are poor because they lack the institutions of justice that enable them to create prosperity for their own families and their own communities.” (Say No) 

 

The Global Issues website discusses many inequalities the keep poor countries poor. Corruption is an interesting facet of this because it is both a cause and a result of poverty. It can be found at all levels of society in both rich and poor countries and gets in the way of progress for everything people try to do. It interferes with politics, economics, health, environmental issues, and all other facets of people’s lives. Our global economic system exists in conditions that encourage corruption from the way trade agreements are negotiated to how natural resources are used and who profits from them. Bribery, destabilization of democracies, and even the illegal drug trade are forms of corruption used to further the goals and profits of the companies, governments, and individuals who are able to profit by them. For developing countries this corruption of the various systems that should be aiding them through encouraging and supporting them instead helps to support the “neo-colonialism” which prevents poor countries from growing and flourishing on their own terms. Globalization and interference from multinational corporations lowers the level of accountability making it easier for corrupt organizations to do business without being caught, or even to make what they are doing legal by changing rules or forcing nations to agree to deals that are against their best interests (Corruption). 

 

References: 

  Corruption. Retrieved from  http://www.globalissues.org/article/590/corruption . Accessed 5/27/2019. 

Iceland, John (2013). Poverty in America, A Handbook, Third Edition. University of California Press. 

Miller, Michael Matheson (Director). (2016). Poverty, Inc. Accessed from  https://tubitv.com/movies/387154/poverty_inc  on 5/27/2019. 

Poverty Facts and Statistics. Retrieved from  http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Facts.asp  redirects to: ( http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats ). Accessed 5/29/2019. 

Say No to Charity? Not Exactly. Retrieved from  https://www.povertyinc.org/filmmaker-qa/ . Accessed 5/27/2019. 

World Poverty Quiz. Retrieved from  https://leap.mercer.edu/poverty/world-poverty/. Accessed 5/30/2019. 

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Discussion 2

Discussion 3B

1b. According to Third World Debt Undermines Development by Anup Shah:

1. The legacy of colonialism which is debt that has been carried out to developing countries (Shah,2007).

2. Odious debt which is illegitimate debt incurred when wealthy countries loaned for insignificant causes (Shah,2007).

3. Mismanaged spending/lending in 1960s and 1970s (Shah,2007).

2. I agree with “debt relief” and “debt forgiveness” for HIPC because third world countries that do not have a stable economy will never be able to pay off their debt therefore making almost impossible for economical development. Debt in third world countries ensures poverty.

3a. The most surprising thing I learned about life in a slum was there is no real jobs. I was shock to hear about people who graduate from universities work as street vendors (Davis,2007). This is a clear representation of the level of poverty in the slums.

3b.

· Carol does not have a permanent job and she has a family to raise on her own in order to feed her children she goes out every morning looking for casual work (Davis, 2007). She goes to slum to find a job doing laundry (Davis,2007). Carol has very little education therefore finding a job is difficult. Carol is HIV-positive which means she has a weak immune system, and no one was supportive of her situation, her way to better herself was depending on facilities so that she would become healthy (Davis,2007).

· Dennis had to return to slum due to inter-tribal fighting, he was suffering from poverty and his way out was committing robberies (Davis, 2007). Dennis wanted to change ad his approach was by distancing himself from gangs (Davis, 2007).  Instead of robbing he started cutting wood to build homes and for firewood although this is also considered a crime, he knows it is less harmful (Davis, 2007).

· Mburu suffers from poverty but instead of taking the easy route (crime) he decided to be self-employed (Davis,2007). Mburu did not have supportive parents and he had to look after himself ever since he was young (Davis,2007). His business makes money and his goal is to provide an opportunity to an education to his kids (Davis, 2007).  Providing his children with higher education or basic education for them to live a brighter future.

4a. Microfinance provides small loans to women to help develop small businesses (Breaking Through, 2009). These loans do not have interest rates like corporate loans (Breaking Through, 2009).

4b. It is believed to be the most powerful tool anti-poverty strategy ever because it gives the opportunity to create businesses that supports families (Breaking Through, 2009). The loans allow for women to get greater profits to keep growing their business (Breaking Through, 2009). This strategy has reached so many communities which has given hope to many.

4c. Women are the target to microfinancing and poverty programs because they are the most underserved and unrepresented (Breaking Through, 2009).

5a. I agree with Jeffrey Sachs and do believe that it is possible to empower the poor. In the video of Three Challenges for the Planet, Sachs states how we have the necessary resources we just need to find a way to correctly organize them (Sachs,2008). Correct distribution of money can help families in Africa to help provide basic needs (Sachs, 2006). Providing basic livings needs will allow for the African communities to focus their attention towards economical development not just surviving another day in a world they live in, that is faraway from infrastructure (Sachs,2008). If we use our resources wisely with intentions to help third-world countries to eventually help develop a foundation for economic growth, then poverty has higher chances to eradicate poverty. I agree with Sachs that Africa’s future should not be left to the politicians (Sachs, 2006). Politicians are corrupt and as history shows that the core motivation of most politicians is to grow their wealth. I do agree with Sachs regarding empowerment of the poor, but after watching Poverty Inc. it has become clear to me that providing foreign aid will not allow for countries like Africa to develop economically in fact is has more negative effects in their economy (Miller,2016).

References

Davis, M. (2016, April 23). Slum Survivors - reality in Nairobi's Kibera. Retrieved from  http://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/video/2007/10/24/slum-survivors-reality-nairobis-kibera

 

Davis, M. OneWorldTV. (2008, January 15). IRIN - Slum Survivors - video dailymotion. Retrieved from  https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x42739

 

FORA.tv. (2008, October 22). Retrieved May 31, 2019, from  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH5Pe2AYvvE&feature=related

 

Foundation, G. (2009, November 05). Breaking Through. Retrieved May 31, 2019, from  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67sobWLgY4A&feature=related

 

Magazine, G. (2006, October 23). GOOD Mag Presents: Jeffrey Sachs, An Interview. Retrieved from  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlqryI7SH8s

 

Shah, A. (n.d.). Third World Debt Undermines Development. Retrieved from  http://www.globalissues.org/issue/28/third-world-debt-undermines-development

3B-International Poverty

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1.   According to Shah in Third World Debt Undermines Development (2017), the three causes of the debt crisis are: a legacy of colonialism, odious debt, and mismanaged spending and lending. In colonialism, states would transfer a portion of their own debt onto the countries they colonized. When that country gained independence, they would have a large inherited debt burden made worse from high interest rates. Odious debt was debt taken on by illegitimate or dictatorial governments, the funds often used for personal gain or oppression of the people. Countries are paying on this debt long after corrupt leaders are out of power. Mismanaged spending by the US in the 60s led to more money being printed, leading to the devaluation of the dollar. This led to mismanaged lending. As the dollar lost value, global as oil prices increased, interest rates fell, and banks lent money indiscriminately. Countries with soft currency that fluctuates significantly in value had to pay off debt in hard currency, making it harder to pay down debt. The poor suffers the most in  this debt cycle as precious resources are diverted to debt repayment (Shah, 2007).

2.   I absolutely agree with the concept of “debt relief” or “debt forgiveness” for poor countries with one caveat: I am not an economist and I am not sure how the sudden cancellation of billions of dollars of debt would affect the global economy. I think it would have to be done carefully. I think the causes of debt need to be considered. Odious debts in particular, and those incurred because of colonization, should specifically be addressed. It is morally wrong to hold poor countries economically hostage for debt they incurred under these circumstances. “Debt relief’ and “debt cancellation” should be true cancellation, a no-strings-attached deal. Current “relief” strategies for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) seem to be more about protecting the loan investments of rich countries rather than doing what is in the best interest of the countries saddled with unjust debt (Shah, 2001).    

3.   What surprised me most when watching the film, Slum Survivors (2007), was the fact that 1 million people live in the slums of Kibera and that people arrive daily from rural areas in search of a “better” life. I was also surprised that someone living in the slum was speaking English.

 Carol lives in Kibera. She faced the daily challenge of providing for her children, on her own, as a single mother with HIV. Despite poor health, she would go out every day to find work washing clothes. On days she found work, her children ate. Other days they went hungry. Care for her children and determination to make a better life for them kept her going (Gough & Murimi, 2007).

Dennis fell into poverty when his father left the family. After leaving to find work, inter tribal fighting brought Dennis back to Kibera. Dennis became part of a criminal gang to make money but soon decided he wanted fair work. His challenge was getting out the gang and escaping the memories of the crimes that were committed. He sold donuts to earn money, but he still participated in illegal activity, cutting down tress from the local forest to sell (Gough & Murimi, 2007).

Mburu made his living cleaning out toilets. Thousands would share limited toilets and when they became too full, toilet owners would hire Mburu to empty it. He was determined to make enough to send his son to school because he felt an educated life would produce a better life (Gough & Murimi, 2007). 

4a.   Microfinance banking was developed as a social mission to provide financial help to those in poverty in the form of small loans for the purpose of starting or building individual businesses. The idea is that the business will provide the income necessary to lift a person out of poverty. The loans are paid back and reinvested. This is done in context of community, where borrowers provide support to one another and keep each other financially accountable (Breaking Through, 2009).

4b.   Microfinance is proving to be a very effective anti-poverty tool. According to the film, Breaking Through (2007), a 1998 World Bank study determined that Grameen Bank members receiving microloans were escaping poverty at a rate of 10,000 families a month. The loan payback rate in one cooperative (LAPO) averages 97 percent (Breaking Through, 2007). Microfinancing appears to be accomplishing its objectives. I think it works because people, inherently, want to work and provide for their families. They don’t want to be dependent on handouts. These loans help them take ownership of their situation and provide a way out. It gives them incentive to be productive because they can see the benefits of their labor. It invests in human potential in a way aid cannot.

4c.   Ninety-five percent of micro loans issued by Grameen Bank and Foundations went to women (Breaking Through, 2007). Women are the main targets of micro financing programs because they are the historically the most under served members of a community and they have also proven to be “better fighters of poverty (Breaking Through, 2007).” From what we saw in the film, Slum Survivors (2007), I would also argue that women are more often the single parent left responsible to raise and provide for their children.

5.   Jeffrey Sachs, in his interview for Good Magazine, said, “One thing that surely accompanies extreme poverty is powerlessness and voicelessness. These people have no voice. We don’t see them” (Sachs, 2006). He believes it is possible to empower the poor, though, and eliminate global poverty through various interdisciplinary approaches and an increase in public understanding of solutions (Sachs, Three Challenges, 2008), (Sachs, An Interview, 2008). I agree with Sachs in the sense that we can empower individuals living in poverty. We have the all the knowledge and resources we need to get rid of poverty. We know what will work. I disagree with the idea that it will happen. Empowering individuals is one thing, but addressing the systemic roots of poverty on a global scale means acting on the knowledge we have and fixing what is broken. It means changing government, market, financial, and social systems in which the powerful have a lot to lose. That requires a certain level of selflessness on the part of the most powerful, and if history is any indicator, I don’t think that is something that will happen any time soon.

REFERENCE

Gough, D. & Murimi, P. (2007) Slum Survivors. [Video File]. Retrieved from  https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x42739

Grameen Foundation. (2009, November 5). Breaking Through. [video file]. Retrieved from  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67sobWLgY4A&feature=related

Sachs, J. (2006, October 23). GOOD Mag Presents: Jeff Sachs, An Interview [video file] (Ben Goldhirsh, Interviewer). GOOD Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlqryI7SH8s

 Sachs, J. (2008, October 22). Three Challenges for the Planet-Jeffrey Sachs. [video file] FORA.tv. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH5Pe2AYvvE&feature=related

Shah, A. (2001, August 30). The Heavily In-debt Poor Countries Initiative is Not Working. Retrieved from http://www.globalissues.org/article/31/the-heavily-in-debt-poor-countries-initiative-is-not-working

Shah, A. (2007, June3). Causes of the Debt Crisis. Retrieved from  http://www.globalissues.org/article/29/causes-of-the-debt-crisis

Shah, A. (2007, June 3). Third World Debt Undermines Development. Retrieved from http://www.globalissues.org/issue/28/third-world-debt-undermines-development

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