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always amazes me how most americans appear to believe that poverty is a choice , in reality the vast bulk of people in this world have zero chance of ever being anything but poor by western standards , while in south america , i met a vet who earned 400 dollars ( equivelent of ) per month , in otherwords , an educated professional who quite clearly had not squandered their ability
In Uganda primary school teachers make the equivalent of $100/month. College instructors made just over $200. In order for these people to send their kids to private schools so they might have a chance at a better job or to go to university, they need to borrow from a bank at a rate of over 20%.
People in the poorest countries are honest and fair in their dealings with each other. Everyone is always given the correct change, people don't aggressively try to crowd ahead of each other to get on a bus, when somebody tells you something you can take them at their word. If a person is seen to be in need, others are quick to come to their assistance. I've been the recipient dozens of times myself, of the kindness of complete strangers, in circumstances in which Americans would just have walked past me or blown me off.
This sounds like a very rosy picture of how things actually are in poor countries, especially your first 2 sentences. I guess it depends on which countries we're talking about and where in those countries.
This sounds like a very rosy picture of how things actually are in poor countries, especially your first 2 sentences. I guess it depends on which countries we're talking about and where in those countries.
I had the same experiences in Uganda. Not as rosy in the capitol of Kampala, but otherwise the most helpful, friendly people I've ever met. And, no, there weren't after the rich mzungu's money!
Given that developed countries are so much richer and have such a higher standard of living compared to most of the world, do you think that those of us who live in them are either born with silver spoons in our mouths or live sheltered lives far different from the reality of the great mass of humanity that has ever existed?
no, I think we just appreciate the importance of hard work, integrity, organisation, democracy and committment more than our 3rd World 'friends'.
Most of the locals where I live would rather get a handout (foreign aid) than actually work.
They are mainly spineless toads that get what they deserve - which is not a lot.
Most of the locals where I live would rather get a handout (foreign aid) than actually work.
You mean, you've actually been to a country where any of the foreign aid money actually trickles down to the locals? And it simply gets handed to them? Where would that be?
People in the poorest countries are honest and fair in their dealings with each other. Everyone is always given the correct change, people don't aggressively try to crowd ahead of each other to get on a bus, when somebody tells you something you can take them at their word. If a person is seen to be in need, others are quick to come to their assistance.
is this for real!
sure you weren't just having a good time on holiday?
I"d say exactly the opposite is true.
Corruption, me first, lying, stealing and cheating is the real order of the day in the 3rd World (the reason why they are poor)
sure you weren't just having a good time on holiday?
I"d say exactly the opposite is true.
Corruption, me first, lying, stealing and cheating is the real order of the day in the 3rd World (the reason why they are poor)
And I'm sure according to you the entire population of these countries is like this? Nobody hard-working? Not my experience, but of course your cynical attitude must be the real one. Not a happy person are you?
I don't think "dignity" is the correct word to use in this context. I've been to more than 120 countries, and I have never seen one where people do not respect the dignity of each other, and in most countries, they surpass the American concept of dignity for each other, or expected payment for helping.
People in the poorest countries are honest and fair in their dealings with each other. Everyone is always given the correct change, people don't aggressively try to crowd ahead of each other to get on a bus, when somebody tells you something you can take them at their word. If a person is seen to be in need, others are quick to come to their assistance. I've been the recipient dozens of times myself, of the kindness of complete strangers, in circumstances in which Americans would just have walked past me or blown me off.
Everybody in the world pretty well understands the mortality and life expectancy in their country, and everyone knows that death can be walking very close behind you. Death occurs often, and sometimes early, but people know how to deal with that reality, and to get on with their lives. That is not a dignity issue.
Yes. You're right I used the wrong word.
I think your last paragraph sums up what i was trying to say better than I said it. In the rich countries death from disease or violence happens to other people (ie for most old people are the only ones they expect to die). In truly poor countries it happens to people you know.
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