Join the GLOBAL POVERTY discussion

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when thinking about something as big as ending global poverty. It’s hard to even understand the scope of this problem, let alone think of ways to solve it, and it’s difficult to imagine how one person could make a difference.

Bono’s question about finding ways to make poverty history raises several issues, some of which coincide with Isaiah Washington’s question about fighting the spread of a disease like malaria. These goals may feel massive, but as many of you pointed out in response to Isaiah’s question, discussing them is the first step to making change become a reality.

Ending poverty on a global level is not going to be easy, but that doesn’t mean the effort shouldn’t be made at all. Bono and groups like One.org are urging people to find ways to get the ball rolling in their own little corners of the world. Sometimes keeping the conversation going makes all the difference.

Identifying the sources of the problem may be the first step. Many cite trade regulations and corruption as key contributors to global poverty, and say that the duty to rectify these issues falls on the shoulders of established nations. The scarcity of natural resources, loss of ambition, and limited opportunity for growth also help contribute. Some believe that monetary assistance grants only help perpetuate the problem, while others examine biological and psychological theories behind the subculture of poverty.

So what can ordinary people do?

Well, nurses4evr suggests investing in third and fourth world countries as a solution, and thylawyer’s ideas for poverty relief in Africa are intriguing. Some Answerers mirror auntb’s views, believing that alleviation may be possible, but elimination is too daunting a task to achieve. Some Americans want to start by addressing the poverty at home, while others debate whether U.S. poverty still exists. I really like sandcatsle’s ideas for realistic solutions to poverty because they stress the importance of keeping informed and give examples of ways to get involved on both a smaller and larger scale. As sandcastle put it, “every little bit helps.”

actual discussion at yahoo 360