Real Poverty

[Jon]

I watched a video yesterday on the plight of a very poor family in the Philippines. It is well worth viewing because it opens your eyes to the dire circumstances under which some people live. There is some Anti-American sentiment in it because the video is made by someone from China, I believe. Just ignore those bits, if you can!

 

[NauticalGent]

There is some Anti-American sentiment in it...

We are used to it!

I have scolded a few of my country men and women who look down on those who have had to make some decisions in life that they dont agree with - specifically menial work, petty theft and prostitution. There is a lot of it in Italy (and all across the world I suspect) but it was there that I observed it the most.

I couldn't believe the callous ridicule that some would spew - from people who have NEVER had to wonder where their children's next meal was coming from - because I am here to tell you, I am not above anything to provide for those who look to me to provide.

 

[Isaac]

We are used to it!

I have scolded a few of my country men and women who look down on those who have had to make some decisions in life that they dont agree with - specifically menial work, petty theft and prostitution. There is a lot of it in Italy (and all across the world I suspect) but it was there that I observed it the most.

I couldn't believe the callous ridicule that some would spew - from people who have NEVER had to wonder where their children's next meal was coming from - because I am here to tell you, I am not above anything to provide for those who look to me to provide.

I agree with you whole heartedly, to the degree that the choice is being made under duress or due when other options don't exist.
Less so when the prosti**, for example, is because of drug use (as is most in the US) .... But, even there, I am sympathetic, because I understand those seriously addicted are struggling by that point with a mental disease that they are powerless against, until they (maybe) find out about the real possibility of recovery and begin to take steps to submit to the help available...but until that point, they are powerless just as a cancer patient.

But I agree with you in a broad sense. I am actually the MOST proud of the menial things I did to provide for my family years ago--very menial--I feel much prouder of that than any career accomplishment, by a long shot.

We are in the luckiest 5% in the world and must be grateful and compassionate.
(PS-they always say 'empathy, not sympathy', but I've come to disagree. Real, old fashioned sympathy needs a comeback!)

 

[oleronesoftwares]

I watched a video yesterday on the plight of a very poor family in the Philippines

There is soo much poverty in most countries of the world, going to sleep on an empty stomach is a sad thing for children to go through.

 

[oleronesoftwares]

We are used to it!

i will walk away from this discussion because most of the online programs i have done is from American universities.

 

[oleronesoftwares]

We are in the luckiest 5% in the world and must be grateful and compassionate.

Anyone who has
Food
Shelter
Clothing

Should be content in the world that we are.

 

[Jon]

We are used to it!

I have scolded a few of my country men and women who look down on those who have had to make some decisions in life that they dont agree with - specifically menial work, petty theft and prostitution. There is a lot of it in Italy (and all across the world I suspect) but it was there that I observed it the most.

I couldn't believe the callous ridicule that some would spew - from people who have NEVER had to wonder where their children's next meal was coming from - because I am here to tell you, I am not above anything to provide for those who look to me to provide.

When they talked about going to bed with empty stomachs, that got to me. The mother was working all day for $3 to help put food on the table. Very sad.

 

[kevlray]

I have been told (and firmly believe it). That most of the people in US are far better off than most of the people in third world countries. I watch the Amazing Race every year. Every once in a while you get a brief glimpse of the poverty in other parts of the world.