Hopelessness in Poverty

I was speaking with a colleague the other day on the issue of poverty and what can be done to curtail the devastating effects of it. Unfortunately, he like so many different groups of people believes that there can be nothing done for those in poverty because 'they' want to be like that. Upon hearing this, I was shocked to realize that there are people out there like this but kept my composure. I asked them what measures should be taken and they went on to say "there's nothing you can do; they want to be like that." Growing up in the environment they were referring to, I can genuinely say there is nothing desirable about that type of life.

Unfortunately, I feel that there are too many people in this society who not just condone the status quo, but in fact support and embrace policies which leave certain inequalities as they exist today. This needs to change and it's up to our generation to fulfill the dreams of our ancestors and past leaders in their attempts to rid society of poverty. If we tell ourselves we can't do it; nothing productive will get done and we'll forever turn a cold shoulder to those on the streets and the families living in poverty. We'll never progress our communities if we tell ourselves we can't.

We don't need giveaway programs. We need programs that help the impoverished fend for themselves and initiatives that get them back on their feet so they can stand for themselves. Billions of dollars are spent on costs associated with poverty every year; why doesn't it make sense to allocate these funds and expenses on programs that lift these families; some born into poverty, some not. Let's stop pointing fingers. Let's stop pretending the issue doesn't exist. Most importantly, let's stop telling ourselves in our communities that there's nothing we can do about it. There are far too many families without a voice depending on those of us privileged enough to do something about it.