Did you know?
In America: According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 1.2 million children are homeless on any given night. Supporting this figure are estimates from the U.S. Department of Education that report almost 400,000 homeless children were served by the nation's public schools last year. Since more than half of all homeless children are under the age of 6 and not yet in school, a minimum of 800,000 children can be presumed to be homeless.In other countries: Sub-Saharan Africa is home to some 45 million orphaned children. That’s more than the total number of all children under the age of 18 living in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway and Sweden combined. Nearly a third of these children have lost their parents to AIDS. AIDS is particularly brutal to children because it often wipes out the entire family network. Since the extended family is typically the only safety net these children have, AIDS orphans are critically vulnerable. Without family members to care for them, these children will almost always end up on the streets – where they face terrible odds for survival. They will eat other peoples garbage, drink water that is dirty and full of disease, and have no safe place to sleep.
Do you think Americans are concerned enough about the problem of poverty?
Are they more concerned with one over the other, and should they be?
Is the government trying to hide poverty that exists in the United States?
Do you feel that the homeless in America are to blame for their condition because at one point in time they had opportunity, whereas in ‘undeveloped’ countries they “were born into their condition” ?
Are those living in poverty in ‘undeveloped’ countries more important to feed than Americans living in poverty?
Since America is the wealthiest country in the world, do you think Americans and non-profit organizations are doing their part in helping this situation? Should they do more or less?
With so many children around the world living in poverty and the holiday shopping season fast approaching, how can we as wealthy Americans be less selfish during this time and do something for these children who would be thankful to just have a meal? How can we learn to be generous? How can we use our abundance for the betterment of others?
Hannah Dodd (9:00)
20 comments:
I don't know if Americans are concerned enough about poverty as they should be. It is obviously a problem in the U.S. I don't hardly ever think about poverty in unless I see someone on the side of the road looking for a ride somewhere. I'm sure the government could do more to help the problem out but it's not like the government can just hand a homeless person a bag full of cash and send him on his way. I dont think that the gov't is trying to hide poverty since it helps provide some cities with homeless shelters. America has always been called the "land of opportunity". There a million different ways to find a job and I think homeless people didnt take that chance. If they really wanted a job they would be out everyday looking for one instead of sitting on the side of the road asking for money. As for other countries, usually the people are born into poverty. There is really not much they can do about it unless they get some kind of miracle opportunity. No one can say whether or not an American in poverty is more important to feed than someone from an 'undeveloped' country in poverty. There is no way to determine that. Americans and non-profit organizations do a lot for the homeless people of the world. There are people that send food overseas to help starving kids in Africa and non-profit organizations help with sick kids in Central America. I think these people do more for the homeless than we think. During the holiday season, little things, like donating to the person that rings the bell, could help out with those children that are struggling. I think people could learn to be generous by imagining what their world would be like without all of the luxurious things that they have. Try to put themselves in a homeless persons shoes. Simple donations to charities could help the betterment of others.
Kirby Reifsteck (9:00)
I personally think that only 50% of Americans are really concerned enough about the problem of poverty. For all of those commercials that ask for donations to help young children be fed and go to school, I am sure only 3 out 6 people actually donate. I think the government is trying to tone down the idea of there being so many people in poverty in America. You can not say whether the homeless in America are to blame for their condition because at one point in time they had opportunity, whereas in ‘undeveloped’ countries they “were born into their condition” because every person has a different story. For instance, if at age 5 a young child was abandonded by his mother in the middle of nowhere, he never had the opportunity to make a better life for himself. So, it varies with each person. Everyone who is living in poverty in both undeveloped countries and in America are both equally important when it comes down to feeding. I think that our country can always do more for those who are in poverty. Until the problem is totally solved, more work is to be done. During the holiday season, so much food ends up going to waste and a person in poverty would kill for that food. So, during the holiday season we can buy food for those in need and donate to a food shelter.
Haley Stewart (7:00)
I do not think that Americans are concerned enough about poverty. The government does some things to hlp those who want to be helped, but that about it. A lot of people really dont care about anyone but themselves. If they aren't the ones in poverty, they really dont care about those who are. I feel that a homeless is person is responsible for their own actions, and because of them they must face their consequences. If they did something that was the cause for them becoming homeless, they must deal with what is to come. I do feel bad for homeless people though. No one deserves to be left hungry or cold on the streets with no where to go and nothing to eat. You cant just give up and settle for being homeless. You have to get back up, and try and get it together. You cant help someone who does not want to get helped. Christmas is a time of joy, and giving, and happiness. I believe that everyone deserves to be happy on this day. I believe that people that have extra money to spare should donate toys and food for poor children for Christmas. That would really have a large effect on them. For a few moments they would be happy and forget about their problems. Even though the feeling would not last forever, anytime of happoness is better than none.
Janyce Burks
I think that poverty is a major issue that we, as Americans, rarely think about. I can honestly say that sometimes when I do see homeless people, I don't feel bad for them. A lot of the times it's their faults as to why they're living on the side of the streets. And even if we did supply homeless people with money and clothes, they are never going to go look for a job or try to make their lives better in any way. Because why would they? If they're being supplied stuff, than what motivation are they going to have to go out and be something when they get benefits for doing nothing? And then when it comes to other countries being in poverty, I really do feel like it's out of their hands. When your nation is in severe poverty, it's going to be hard to be born there and to not be in poverty. The government could be playing a better role when it comes to this. But, there are a lot of organizations and programs that do play an important role in helping out the homeless. I honestly don't know what else we can do.
Alyssa Surber (9:00)
I do not think that America is concerned enough with the problem of poverty. I mean most Americans do not think about poverty on a daily basis. Just because we are sitting comfortably in our own homes, with our own cabinents full of food and all of our high-tech devices, does not mean that we can't take time out of our busy lives to help those people who are in need. People throughought the world need help and Americans should be willing to help with this.
Frankie Gaskill(9:00)
I know that poverty is a huge issue all the world over as well as in the United States. I think that people know about it, but they sort of sweep it under the rug. We just pretend that it isn't there. I remember one time walking through a park in Boston and seeing about twenty homeless people sleeping on the grass. For me, coming from a small town, this was sort of a culture shock, but for people living in that city, it was just the norm. I also remember going through Denver once. We drove by a homeless shelter and there were people sitting on the sidewalks for miles down the road. But then again, it has become one of societies norms, like Americans are obese, it's just something we seem to accept as normal. I think it sucks for people to grow up into poverty, as in other countries, but it happens here too. We aren't all Rockafellers. Nobody ever wakes up in the morning and say, "I wanna be poor." That's not a child's dream and aspirations for life, but sometimes, it happens. I think that we need to start fixing the problem, but where do we start?
Dustin Piercy (9:00)
I think poverty is a big problem in America. I really don't think about poverty unless I see a homeless person. It's hard for me to feel sorry for them because there are jobs out there for everyone. You don't have to have a degree to get a job at Wal-mart or a fast food joint. Everyone has an opportunity in life, and some people are just to lazy to succeed in reaching their maximum potential. People who have no money can still go to college to recieve a degree if they want to. There is financial aid opportunities out there for everyone, but yet some people don't take advantage of it. It disgusts me that people continue living these lifestyles, but yet they have so many doors that can be opened. I just wish they could realize that their lives could be turned around, if they just made an effort to try.
Chelse Lindenbaum (9:00)
I do not believe we are concerned with poverty as much as we should be. It is hard to decide which of the many issues in America should be tended to though. For instance, should more money go to the schools, or should it go to the homeless shelters, or orphanages. I believe, or hope, that the majority of Americans at least think about what they could do for the least fortunate. Especially at Christmastime, there are donations and drop-offs at every store for people to try to do their part, and I hope that at least 50% of the people give to at least one of these organizations a year, but I have also seen how selfish our society has become, and don't believe this is true. Maybe Americans could work on being less selfish to everyone this Christmas, and have this idea of giving, sharing, and helping each other out become a norm of society.
Bobbi (9:00)
First off, I hate it when people try to make others feel guilty in order to get them to give to "charity," charity is meant to be out of goodwill and anomalously. This is how most "non-profit" organizations get donations and I find it disgusting. If I work for my money, then I see no reason I should have to give it away. I have no problem helping Americans, temporarily. Get the people off the streets and working or educated. People run into bad luck sometimes and lose everything, it is not always their fault. A lot of people look down upon the wealthy who do not bleed money for the poor, and I shake my head. They are not being selfish if they earned it.
Daniel Hooker (7:00)
I don't think the government is trying to hide poverty in America. I think the people are adept at denying it. Not that I'm doing any better at facing it. Are we more important than other countries? What kind of a question is that? Everyone is important. There are plenty of wealthy Americans but go down to the south and you'll see some poor folks. I guess we have an obligation to govern our country as best we can and then help others. How can we do something to be less selfish?
Donate money, time, clothing, to organizations designed to help those in need.
Renee Hart
As Americans and people indivudually, we don't think or sometimes even care about the people in our country, and in others, that are poor and even homeless. I think we are so wrapped up in ourselves and our lives we just don't give anyone else a hoot. I was in Cinncinati this pass weekend and it broke my heart to she even one person, much less the multiple I saw, sitting next to a building with a blanket wrapped around him. Yeah, sometimes it is that persons fault that they are homeless, but does that mean we shouldn't always help? If we were that person and were sorry for acting how we did then wouldn't we be thankful for even a few dollars? A lot of the organizations are doing all they can. Without out more workers, money, and space it is hard to do more than you can handle. It is hard not to get wrapped up in the Christmas season. I would say a few of the things we could do is give even a few bucks to an organziation, or buy groceris or gifts for someone you know or heard of someone who needs them. Just go somewhere and do something. It's not too hard to find.
Elizabeth Kerns
I don't think that Americans are as concerned as they need to be about he problem with poverty. We seem to look over that problem and pretend it's not there. I don't think we try to hide it, but it is just not something we think about every day. Yeah, I will admit when i see homeless people on the street or someone holding a sign for money on the road, I do think why should I give you anything? Couldn't you just go out and get your own job? But these people don't have the proper skills to go out and get a job or even the littlest thing like a new change of clothes or a shower. It is a big problem in today's society, but I do think that being the wealthiest country has helped us learn to help others in need.
Abby (9:00)
I really dont know how many Americans really are concerned about poverty. I know when I think of homeless people or see them on the streets, I do feel really bad and I want to try to help. I know I have never given money to a homeless person on teh street, because I don't know where that money is going. If I ever do decide to give something to a homeless person, I would give them food, because that way I know they wont get hungry and I know what that is going towards. Sometimes when I think about poverty I don't feel bad though. Sometimes, its their own fault that they are poor. I really don't think that poverty shouldnt exist though because that way, people will want to work hard and try to earn a living so that way they wont become homeless or live in poverty. If there was no one for people to compare to, then people wouldnt try so hard to become wealthy and have a good life. When a whole nation is living in poverty, I think it is the governments job to help them. of course i also think that other countries should try to help out also. there are tons of organizations in America that help countries that are living in poverty, so I will never say that America doesn't want to help.
Morgan MacFarlane (9:00)
I think that we as Americans do not think about poverty as an issue as often as we should. When I see a homeless person i honestly do not feel bad for them. I typically think what did you do to get your self into this mess and why don't you try and find a way out. But then again why would they need to if certain stranger give them handouts daily. What motivation do they have? As for other nations going into poverty I really feel its not our problem the United States has some poverty and we also have many other problems. Why do we always feel the need to help other countries when ours is in bad shape as well.
Kristin Knowles
I believe that the government should help out the American because that is our country. But i also agree that everyone needs to do their part to help out the homeless no matter if its in America or in another country. I have always done my part helping out in homeless shelters or donating food or money so its not like i run from homeless people but i never think about them unless i see one or a place to donate.
Justin Henrichs
wow...this is really above me...just thinking of a comment to leave for this blog is making me depressed. poverty sucks...i know first hand...
april higgens 9am class
I think that most Americans are not concerned enough about poverty in are world, but there are always going to be those of us that do everything in our power to help out. I have a friend that went to Philadelphia earlier this year to fix up a roof for this group of radical Christians that live there in the worst of neighborhoods, and give out food to the poverty stricken people that live around them. They also have volunteers in the morning to teach the street kids. My friend said that while he was there they would go out everyday and clean the streets because they were covered with syringes, and other harmful paraphanalia. The street children would play outside every day with this stuff floating around them,and most of these kids were under 6, and they would go out there with no supervision, there parents were often inside to doped out to remember they had kids to take care for. So no I don't think that the government is doing anything to hide poverty in America or to make it better, but these everyday people go out and live their life solely to help other people. That is what these homeless people need, someone who cares, if you help someone and your heart is not in it, then you might as well of never helped them at all.
Kassi (12:00)
These figures are definitley disturbing. I cannot imagine the hardships that children in sub-Saharan Africa are suffering. We are such a wealthy nation; we are very lucky to live here. I definitley believe that more should be done to relieve the people of this region. I hope that all americans would donate more of their money to these causes. But alas, there are so many charities out there. There are many needy people in this world. There are people suffering in our own country. Should we be taking care of our own first? I don't know. While I do not know the actual figures, it seems that the U.S. has some great programs to take care of the underprivledged--especially children. Obviously, more can always be done. I don't feel that the government is hiding the poverty situation in the U.S. It is quite obvious to any casual observer that not everyone in America is living the American dream. We American just sometimes try to ignore these problems. If we thought about these problems all the time the world would seem like a much darker place.
Scott Kimball (9:00)
I think that there are Americans who do more than their part to aid those suffering through poverty. I also believe that there are many Americans who simply do not give a crap about those who suffer because they are too concerned about themselves. I believe that the government is going to try to take the focus off of many causes requiring money because all of our money is being put towards the war. Our government would rather shed light on everyone elses problems, and point the finger at them and what their doing wrong before admitting we too have problems and are not perfect. I do not feel that all homeless people are to blame for their situation.Approximately twenty-two percent of homeless people work full- or part-time, but do not earn enough money to find affordable housing. Some homeless people are mentally ill while others are just kids who are victims of child abuse, so they run away.Many homeless people have graduated high school and some have even attended college and graduate school. Homelessness has always existed in the United States, but the number of homeless increases and decreases with the fluctuating economy. These people don't necessarily choose to be in this situation; they just have everything working against them and have nobody to turn to. I don't think that one human life is worth more than another.Everybody is entitled to a quality life no matter where they come from. If we all worried less about what we have and more about what others don't, this world could be a much better place. I don't think it's Americas job to rule the world. I believe the whole world is responsible for contributing to what needs to be accomplished in making it a better place. We can learn to be more generous by putting ourselves in their shoes and by surrounding ourselves with people who care enough to want to make a difference.
Jennifer Wilson
There is no reason why poverty should be a problem in the U.S.. We are one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and yet we have so many poverty-stricken citizens. This boggles my mind. I really just don't understand. It doesn't seem possible to me. And why we are helping the citizens of other nations without first taking care of our own, I have no idea. I would definitely agree that the U.S. tries to cover-up this problem, and they do an eerily good job of it as well.
Tristan Cogswell
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