Poverty

Yesterday morning Krista lead us in a discussion about poverty. She had us participate in an activity that really opened my eyes to poverty in the world. She had us all line up in a row outside on our lawn facing a brick wall. She then began to ask us questions. For each question you either had to take a step forward or backwards as stated, but only you answered yes to the question being asked. Eventually we were all scattered at different places around the lawn. Some farther ahead, and some way behind. Eventually after the last question she asked she told us to race to the wall. Since we were all at different places it took us different amounts of time. Some got there very quick because they were close to the wall, and some people it took longer. This is the way society works. The people with "better lives" get things before the "poor" people. I had never thought seriously about this before, but after the activity we broke off into pairs and discussed what we were feeling. I don't think that many of us had ever thought about it like this before, and some almost felt bad about our lives. How come we were chosen to have the lives we have, while others have to suffer going to jail just for sleeping on a sidewalk? How come we were given stable families with jobs to support us? It was a very moving time. We also read an article about how you have to be rich to be poor. Most people like to shop at big box stores because stuff is usually cheaper at them. Most of these places are located not downtown, but either a car ride, or transit ride away. People living in poverty often times don't have the money to have a car, or even get a pass for transit, and are therefore left to do their grocery shopping at convience stores located within walking distance to them. Often times though, prices at these stores can be almost twice as much as they are in the big box stores. What is our world coming to when suddenly you have to be rich to be poor. It's the same as houses. It is often cheaper to buy a house, but since many people can't afford the down payment they end up renting apartments which is more expensive in the long run. All of these things gave me something to think about, not only yesterday, but I think it is something that will help me when I get out into the world and actually begin working with people in poverty. I also think it is something that everyone should keep in mind, and maybe one day can be changed for the better.