Kyle Steverson

Ann Tatum- Caetano

English 1A

13 March 2006

Arising form Poverty

Consider these facts: an estimated 400 million people lack the necessary calories, vitamins and proteins needed for a normal life (Singer 50). Millions are constantly hungry, and others suffer from disease and infections. In some areas many children are not even expected to live past the ages of 5 years of age (Singer 51). The examples listed above are all effects of the type of impact that poverty has on society. Poverty can be classified into two major categories; “absolute Poverty” which is derived from Robert McNamara, meaning poverty by any standards compared to Relative Poverty meaning some citizens live in poverty while others enjoy wealth (Singer 36). When dealing with poverty there are many factors hat should be considered outside of just becoming poor; however, for many the two go hand and hand. Poverty is increasing quicker than ever before, due to factors such as over populating and less jobs. Peter Singer writes “ This is the background situation, the situation that prevails on our planet all the time and it does not make the headlines (Singer 160).” Yes, the factors listed are tough to combat; therefore, the issue of poverty should be taken more seriously. The constant debate between the rich and the poor are leaving many nauseated on an ethical roller coaster. Much of the Nation and the World are succumbing to poverty like a deadly plague devouring everything in sight. Poverty is a very serious problem; therefore, steps should be taken immediately to do more than what's being done. One necessary and extremely important step is to address some of the causes. When trying to uncover some causes of something of this magnitude, many factors need to be considered. In his book Practical Ethics, Peter Singer addresses the issue of Relative Poverty, and why its so prevalent. “Clothes are being worn to look more fashionable and not to keep warm, moving into neighborhoods solely to have more space and not just for shelter (Singer 161).” In an ethical sense i believe a person should help another when presented with the chance to do so; therefore, not buying the million dollar homes, but helping feed a family would help the cause greatly. Many times poverty is overshadowed by the latest plasma or the new sports car, making it very difficult to overlook self-worth and bring poverty in the forefront. Many factors influence the opinions of people concerning poverty; however many also have different opinions. Dalai Lama states, We have in my view, created a society in which people find it harder and harder to show one another basic affection (Lama 8).” I believe this is very true, because there has been many times when I did not feel passionate about the health and well being of others lives. Overshadowed by things in my own interest, I saw my compassion for the well being of others slipping away. Because there is the media glorifying material objects, and placing enough emphasis on poverty, its becoming more difficult to recognize the problems impact and where it’s starting. “By contrast, in urban industrial societies, we see illnesses manifested in ways that are consistent with the environment.” So instead of water born disease, we find stress related disease (Lama 16).” By no means am I insisting this is the case for everyone, but for myself when not faced with a car payment or a credit card bill my life has been a lot easier. Would things be a lot easier if both sides assisted each other; therefore, taking stress away from one another? One would have to realize what is making poverty so difficult to handle, and what is being done to help the problem. Would it be safe to say that poverty is killing millions of people in the Nation, and that poverty is a steady increasing threat. Yes would probably be the answer for many, so why isn't this problem being handled a lot better? In the book, Writings on Ethical Life, written by Peter Singer, he challenges the individual to help the cause of poverty on a more personal level, instead of waiting for something to be done. Many are ignoring the problem, but the bottom line is that people are dying and not living the healthy humane lives that are deserved. “ My next point is this: if it is in our power from preventing something bad from happening, without hereby sacrificing anything of comparable moral importance, we ought, morally to do it (Singer 107).” If poverty was looked at as murder, would it still be seen the same way? By not helping the problem or identifying the cause, poverty will continue to flourish. In conclusion, poverty is still increasing today at a more rapid pace than ever before. There are many things that are not being done to try to help deter this problem. Poverty is affecting the World and causing damage on a level of disease and its happening right under our noses. Helping the problem does not call for massive donations of money as in the eyes of some, but just recognizing what's happening and realizing what can be done to help. As I was watching a show on the Learning Channel entitled Probable Cause, the show claimed many Americans were only two paychecks away from being ravaged by poverty. That’s a very scary thing to think about when he or she realizes the problem is not far from themselves. Not addressing the problem will only lead to tougher situations in which society will have to deal with. Help stop poverty before its too late.

Works Cited

Dalai Lama. Ethics for a New Millennium. New York: Riverhead Books, 1999.

Singer, Peter. Writings on Ethical Life. New York: Harper Collins 2000.

Practical Ethics. New York: Cambridge Press, 1995.

Steverson