Random thoughts on poverty

I´ve thought and struggled a lot over the last few years with issues of poverty and distribution of stuff. I´ve learned a few things since I´ve been here. The focus here is more about oppression. Poverty can be a cause of it or an effect, or both, but oppression is the key concept.

I was comparing people´s situations here to those of poor at home. There are people here who have very little, but live with more dignity than some people at home. At work I visit houses that are filthy and the people are unpleasant and bitter and all sorts of things. But those people would be wealthy here. The difference is in their attitude, and that is where you have to focus. Why aren´t they motivated to live somewhere clean, and take care of what they have?

I was reading a book on liberation theology, and something struck me. To acknowledge the existance of god does very little. The author pointed out that Satan would agree as well. You have to do something more to differentiate yourself.

I´ve also thought that despite spending two months out of this year doing something hopefully of value in developing countries, my biggest impact on the situation of the poor in those countries is in what I buy. I think that the solution is actually to try to buy american made stuff, because at least then I know it´s made by people with some semblance of rights and decent pay. That´s becoming harder and harder, but there are still some US companies that make things in the country.

I have often stumbled on the question of "what can I do about poverty in Brazil," or any other very poor country. I decided that if nothing else, convincing someone else in the US to struggle with the same question is at least a step in the right direction. Our influence in the world is not what I think it should be.

Well, this previously empty and fast cafe just filled up and slowed down considerably. Hopefully, more on Monday.