This is a question that is bouncing off of Edem's post.
How are we--consumers, powerholders (if you're American, you're automatically a powerholder), well-intentioned but often ignorant "followers" of current events--supposed to navigate the complex and often purposely misleading world of charitable organizations? How do we figure out how to best give of our time and/or money? Is it better to give a little bit of money to a wide variety of organizations, or to give generously to one or two? And, perhaps most importantly, how are we supposed to know which organizations are genuine and which ones are scams?
The example that comes to mind is Heifer International (this is a pretty well-known organization, but if you want to learn more about it, this is their website: www.heifer.org). I used to be a big fan of HI, and in 10th grade my classmates and I raised a bunch of money and bought several animals from HI. We were proud of ourselves, and I really believe that we did a good thing. I know we impacted someone, somewhere. But when I visited Nepal this summer, we had a conversation about this kind of charity work with one of our hosts (Anne-Marie, for those of you who went). She has done a lot of this kind of work in Nepal, and the subject of HI came up. Anne-Marie said that HI is ok, but that it charges a lot more money for each animal than what it is really worth, and they pocket the profits. This is significant because HI specifically advertises itself as a "non-profit organization." Is this a legitimate way for them to support themselves? Do they simply have a loose interpretation of "non-profit?" Or is it a scam? And how are we supposed to tell the difference?
This example can be applied to all kinds of scenarios. So HI might not be the most honest and forthright organization. But what about other well-known organizations? What about World Vision? Project Bread? To Write Love on Her Arms? (This is not a direct attack on any of these organizations; I'm just putting out some familiar names.) How are we supposed to get accurate information about these? I learned about HI because I talked with someone who had firsthand experience with that kind of work. But most of us will never get a chance to have a conversation like that. Is there a way for ordinary people to get access to information about charitable organizations?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
world hunger
Hunger is a huge issue in the world. An estimated 25,000 people die everyday because of hunger-related issues. 850 million people, globally, are chronically hungry. There are several problems that have all come together to worsen this worldwide hunger issue. These issues are, rising feul prices, increased grain demand, and failed harvests. Rising feul prices, increases the cost of the production of food. the increase in grain demand is also a big cause of hunger. " China and other developing nations are annualy using millions of tons more of imported corn, wheat, and soybeans to feed cattle, pigs, and chickens"(christianity today). Alot of oilseeds and grains are also used to produce biofeuls, annualy. Finally, failed harvests that have been caused by natural disasters, destroy crops and land, and leave people with no food. Although this food crisis can be partly blamed on natural disasters, it is mainly a man made problem. There is little investestment in modernizing traditional argriculture, food distribution is tainted by polotics, cash crops take the place of domestic food production, and food is not secured because of violent conflicts (christianity today).
It can be easy for us to forget about the food crisis if we ourselves do not struggle with the problem of getting food, but there are millions of people worldwide who are chronically hungry and our attention is needed. How can we help? There are several organizations hunger outreach organizations which we can support. The main thing is that we pray for this problem. Especially pray for Africa, which has 21 out of the 35 nations most affected by this food crisis.
It can be easy for us to forget about the food crisis if we ourselves do not struggle with the problem of getting food, but there are millions of people worldwide who are chronically hungry and our attention is needed. How can we help? There are several organizations hunger outreach organizations which we can support. The main thing is that we pray for this problem. Especially pray for Africa, which has 21 out of the 35 nations most affected by this food crisis.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Operation:Love 146
"Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, harboring, or receipt of people for the purposes of slavery, forced labor (including bonded labor or debt bondage) and servitude(Wikipedia)."
An estimated 2 children are sold into slavery every minute. Many of us are surprised when we hear about things like this. We are surprised to learn about horrid things such as human trafficking, and that they even take place here in the States. I hate being ignorant to issues that plague our nation, and although "ignorance is bliss" to some, I believe raising awareness is very important in fixing the problems that surround us.
Forgive me cause this is my first time blogging. I'm not much of a speaker when it comes to these things, but I've always been interested actual ways to get involved with programs that really want to make a difference. Part of my reason for joining the institute was because I wanted to learn about ways I could help make a difference, not just in our community, but in the global community.
Love 146 is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to creating awareness about child sex trafficking and exploitation. We all deserve second chances and by raising awareness, we can help give that second chance to a child who never had a chance.
An estimated 2 children are sold into slavery every minute. Many of us are surprised when we hear about things like this. We are surprised to learn about horrid things such as human trafficking, and that they even take place here in the States. I hate being ignorant to issues that plague our nation, and although "ignorance is bliss" to some, I believe raising awareness is very important in fixing the problems that surround us.
Forgive me cause this is my first time blogging. I'm not much of a speaker when it comes to these things, but I've always been interested actual ways to get involved with programs that really want to make a difference. Part of my reason for joining the institute was because I wanted to learn about ways I could help make a difference, not just in our community, but in the global community.
Love 146 is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to creating awareness about child sex trafficking and exploitation. We all deserve second chances and by raising awareness, we can help give that second chance to a child who never had a chance.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Happy Diabetes Day! (A Day Late)
Recently I had stumbled onto a BBC article on diabetes with the advent of 'Internation Diabetes Day' on November 14, and I feel that attention should be drawn to this disease that is rapidly moving through the world and affection hundreds of millions of people. With the epidemic outbreaks of HIV/AIDS in Africa, the rapid spread of malaria, and random SARS outbreaks in Asia, it is very hard to look at other diseases that are just as widely spread and equally dangerous. We take for granted even the common cold, which poses threats to everyone's health without the proper medicine. While Africa is dealing with the AIDS spread, southern Asia, India in particular, has been plagued with diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that can cause heart disease, blindness, lose of limbs, and even death. Worldwide, diabetes is responsible for the deaths of 3 million people, and has plagued over a quarter of a billion people. India has the most cases of diabetes, and it is estimated that 100 million people have contracted the disease. Type II diabetes is blazing through the rural areas of India, but has been overlooked for reasons that I cannot explain. There is a lot of buzz around AIDS, as there should be, but there are a lot more diseases that affect millions of more people.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Hispanic/Latino Profile
Overview (Demographics): This ethnic group includes any person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. According to the 2007 U.S. Census Bureau population estimate, there are roughly 45.5 million Hispanics living in the United States. This group represents 15 percent of the U.S. total population. In 2004, among Hispanic subgroups, Mexicans rank as the largest at 66 percent. Following Mexicans are: Central and South Americans (13 percent), Puerto Ricans (9.4 percent), Cubans (3.9 percent) and the remaining 7.5 percent are people of other Hispanic origins. In 2007, States with the largest Hispanic populations are California (13 million), Texas (8.6 million), New York (3 million), Florida (3.8 million), and Illinois (1.9 milion). Another significant point is that in 2004, 34.3 percent of Hispanics were under the age 18 in comparisons to 22.3 percent of non-Hispanic Whites. Among Hispanics, Mexicans have the largest proportion of people under age 18, at 36 percent.
Language Fluency: A 2002 study conducted by the Pew Hispanic Center concluded that language fluency varies among Hispanic subgroups who reside within the mainland United States. The number of Hispanics who speak only English at home: 3.9 million for Mexicans, 763,875 for Puerto Ricans, 163,599 for Cubans and 1.8 million for other Hispanic/Latino groups. The number of Hispanics who speak Spanish at home: 14.5 million for Mexicans, 2.3 million for Puerto Ricans, 1 million for Cubans and 6.7million for other Hispanic/Latino groups. Nationally, 12 percent of the population spoke Spanish at home in 2006.
Educational Attainment: According to a 2006 U.S. Census Bureau report, 55 percent of Hispanics in comparison to 85 percent non-Hispanic Whites have a high school diploma. 10 percent of Hispanics in comparison to 24.6 percent of non-Hispanic whites have a bachelor’s degree.
Economics: According to a 2006 U.S. Census Bureau report, 24.4 percent of Hispanics, in comparison to 13.7 percent non-Hispanic Whites, work within service occupations. 16.6 percent of Hispanics in comparison to 39.9 percent of Whites work in managerial or professional occupations. Among full-time year-round workers in 2007, 55 percent of Hispanic households, in comparison to 68.2 percent of non-Hispanic White households earned $35,000 or more. According to the same 2007 study, 21.5 percent of Hispanics in comparison to 8.2 percent of non-Hispanic Whites were living at the poverty level.
Insurance Coverage: It is significant to note that Hispanics have the highest uninsured rates of any racial or ethnic group within the United States. In 2004 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that private insurance coverage among Hispanic subgroups varied as follows: 39.1 percent of Mexicans, 47.3 percent of Puerto Ricans, 57.9 percent of Cubans, 45.1 percent of other Hispanic and Latino groups. 2004 Medicaid coverage varied among Hispanic subgroups: 22.4 percent of Mexicans, 29.1 percent of Puerto Ricans, 17.9 of Cubans, and 20.8 percent of other Hispanic or Latino groups. Those without health insurance coverage varied among Hispanic subgroups: 37.6 percent of Mexicans, 20.4 percent of Puerto Ricans, 22.8 percent of Cubans and 32.3 percent of other Hispanic or Latino groups. In 2007, 32.1 percent of the Hispanic population was not covered by health insurance, as compared to 10.4 percent of the non-Hispanic White population.
Health: Hispanic health is often shaped by factors such as language/cultural barriers, lack of access to preventive care, and the lack of health insurance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has cited some of the leading causes of illness and death among Hispanics, which include heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries (accidents), stroke, and diabetes. Some other health conditions and risk factors that significantly affect Hispanics are: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, HIV/AIDS, obesity, suicide, and liver disease.
Other Health Concerns: Hispanics have higher rates of obesity than non-Hispanic Caucasians. There are also disparities among Hispanic subgroups. For instance, while the rate of low birth weight infants is lower for the total Hispanic population in comparison to non-Hispanic Caucasians, Puerto Ricans have a low birth weight rate that is 50 percent higher than the rate for non-Hispanic Caucasians. Also Puerto Ricans also suffer disproportionately from asthma, HIVAIDS and infant mortality. Mexican-Americans suffer disproportionately from diabetes.
Quick Facts
Cancer
In 2004, Hispanic men were 13% less likely to have prostate cancer as non-Hispanic white men.
In 2004, Hispanic women were 33% less likely to have breast cancer as non-Hispanic white women.
Hispanic men and women have higher incidence and mortality rates for stomach and liver cancer.
In 2004, Hispanic women were twice as likely as non-Hispanic white women to be diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Diabetes
Mexican American adults were 2 times more likely than non-Hispanic white adults to have been diagnosed with diabetes by a physician.
In 2002, Hispanics were 1.5 times as likely to start treatment for end-stage renal disease related to diabetes, as compared to non-Hispanic white men.
In 2005 Hispanics were 1.6 times as likely as non-Hispanic Whites to die from diabetes.
Heart Disease
In 2006, Hispanics were 10% less likely to have heart disease, as compared to non-Hispanic whites.
In 2005 Mexican American men were 30% less likely to die from heart disease, as compared to non-Hispanic white men.
Mexican American women were 1.2 times more likely than non-Hispanic white women to be obese.
HIV/AIDS
Hispanics accounted for 18% of HIV/AIDS cases in 2006.
Hispanic males had over 3 times the AIDS rate as non-Hispanic white males.
Hispanic females had over 5 times the AIDS rate as non-Hispanic white females.
Hispanic men were 2.6 times as likely to die from HIV/AIDS as non-Hispanic white men.
Hispanic women were 4 times as likely to die from HIV/AIDS as non-Hispanic white women in 2004.
Immunization
In 2005 Hispanic adults aged 65 and older were 10% less likely to have received the influenza (flu) shot in the past 12 months, as compared to non-Hispanic whites of the same age group.
In 2005, Hispanic adults aged 65 and older were 50% less likely to have ever received the pneumonia shot, as compared to non-Hispanic white adults of the same age group.
Although Hispanic children aged 19 to 35 months had comparable rates of immunization for hepatitis, influenza, MMR, and polio, they were slightly less likely to be fully immunized, when compared to non-Hispanic white children.
Infant Mortality
In 2005, infant mortality rates for Hispanic subpopulations ranged from 4.4 per 1,000 live births to 8.3 per 1,000 live births, compared to the non-Hispanic white infant mortality rate of 5.8 per 1,000 live births.
In 2005, Puerto Ricans had 1.4 times the infant mortality rate of non-Hispanic whites.
Puerto Rican infants were twice as likely to die from causes related to low birthweight, as compared to non-Hispanic white infants.
Mexican American mothers were 2.5 times as likely as non-Hispanic white mothers to begin prenatal care in the 3rd trimester, or not receive prenatal care at all.
Stroke
In 2005, Hispanic men were 15% less likely to die from a stroke than non-Hispanic white men.
In 2005 Hispanic women were 25% less likely to die from a stroke than non-Hispanic white women.
Language Fluency: A 2002 study conducted by the Pew Hispanic Center concluded that language fluency varies among Hispanic subgroups who reside within the mainland United States. The number of Hispanics who speak only English at home: 3.9 million for Mexicans, 763,875 for Puerto Ricans, 163,599 for Cubans and 1.8 million for other Hispanic/Latino groups. The number of Hispanics who speak Spanish at home: 14.5 million for Mexicans, 2.3 million for Puerto Ricans, 1 million for Cubans and 6.7million for other Hispanic/Latino groups. Nationally, 12 percent of the population spoke Spanish at home in 2006.
Educational Attainment: According to a 2006 U.S. Census Bureau report, 55 percent of Hispanics in comparison to 85 percent non-Hispanic Whites have a high school diploma. 10 percent of Hispanics in comparison to 24.6 percent of non-Hispanic whites have a bachelor’s degree.
Economics: According to a 2006 U.S. Census Bureau report, 24.4 percent of Hispanics, in comparison to 13.7 percent non-Hispanic Whites, work within service occupations. 16.6 percent of Hispanics in comparison to 39.9 percent of Whites work in managerial or professional occupations. Among full-time year-round workers in 2007, 55 percent of Hispanic households, in comparison to 68.2 percent of non-Hispanic White households earned $35,000 or more. According to the same 2007 study, 21.5 percent of Hispanics in comparison to 8.2 percent of non-Hispanic Whites were living at the poverty level.
Insurance Coverage: It is significant to note that Hispanics have the highest uninsured rates of any racial or ethnic group within the United States. In 2004 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that private insurance coverage among Hispanic subgroups varied as follows: 39.1 percent of Mexicans, 47.3 percent of Puerto Ricans, 57.9 percent of Cubans, 45.1 percent of other Hispanic and Latino groups. 2004 Medicaid coverage varied among Hispanic subgroups: 22.4 percent of Mexicans, 29.1 percent of Puerto Ricans, 17.9 of Cubans, and 20.8 percent of other Hispanic or Latino groups. Those without health insurance coverage varied among Hispanic subgroups: 37.6 percent of Mexicans, 20.4 percent of Puerto Ricans, 22.8 percent of Cubans and 32.3 percent of other Hispanic or Latino groups. In 2007, 32.1 percent of the Hispanic population was not covered by health insurance, as compared to 10.4 percent of the non-Hispanic White population.
Health: Hispanic health is often shaped by factors such as language/cultural barriers, lack of access to preventive care, and the lack of health insurance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has cited some of the leading causes of illness and death among Hispanics, which include heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries (accidents), stroke, and diabetes. Some other health conditions and risk factors that significantly affect Hispanics are: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, HIV/AIDS, obesity, suicide, and liver disease.
Other Health Concerns: Hispanics have higher rates of obesity than non-Hispanic Caucasians. There are also disparities among Hispanic subgroups. For instance, while the rate of low birth weight infants is lower for the total Hispanic population in comparison to non-Hispanic Caucasians, Puerto Ricans have a low birth weight rate that is 50 percent higher than the rate for non-Hispanic Caucasians. Also Puerto Ricans also suffer disproportionately from asthma, HIVAIDS and infant mortality. Mexican-Americans suffer disproportionately from diabetes.
Quick Facts
Cancer
In 2004, Hispanic men were 13% less likely to have prostate cancer as non-Hispanic white men.
In 2004, Hispanic women were 33% less likely to have breast cancer as non-Hispanic white women.
Hispanic men and women have higher incidence and mortality rates for stomach and liver cancer.
In 2004, Hispanic women were twice as likely as non-Hispanic white women to be diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Diabetes
Mexican American adults were 2 times more likely than non-Hispanic white adults to have been diagnosed with diabetes by a physician.
In 2002, Hispanics were 1.5 times as likely to start treatment for end-stage renal disease related to diabetes, as compared to non-Hispanic white men.
In 2005 Hispanics were 1.6 times as likely as non-Hispanic Whites to die from diabetes.
Heart Disease
In 2006, Hispanics were 10% less likely to have heart disease, as compared to non-Hispanic whites.
In 2005 Mexican American men were 30% less likely to die from heart disease, as compared to non-Hispanic white men.
Mexican American women were 1.2 times more likely than non-Hispanic white women to be obese.
HIV/AIDS
Hispanics accounted for 18% of HIV/AIDS cases in 2006.
Hispanic males had over 3 times the AIDS rate as non-Hispanic white males.
Hispanic females had over 5 times the AIDS rate as non-Hispanic white females.
Hispanic men were 2.6 times as likely to die from HIV/AIDS as non-Hispanic white men.
Hispanic women were 4 times as likely to die from HIV/AIDS as non-Hispanic white women in 2004.
Immunization
In 2005 Hispanic adults aged 65 and older were 10% less likely to have received the influenza (flu) shot in the past 12 months, as compared to non-Hispanic whites of the same age group.
In 2005, Hispanic adults aged 65 and older were 50% less likely to have ever received the pneumonia shot, as compared to non-Hispanic white adults of the same age group.
Although Hispanic children aged 19 to 35 months had comparable rates of immunization for hepatitis, influenza, MMR, and polio, they were slightly less likely to be fully immunized, when compared to non-Hispanic white children.
Infant Mortality
In 2005, infant mortality rates for Hispanic subpopulations ranged from 4.4 per 1,000 live births to 8.3 per 1,000 live births, compared to the non-Hispanic white infant mortality rate of 5.8 per 1,000 live births.
In 2005, Puerto Ricans had 1.4 times the infant mortality rate of non-Hispanic whites.
Puerto Rican infants were twice as likely to die from causes related to low birthweight, as compared to non-Hispanic white infants.
Mexican American mothers were 2.5 times as likely as non-Hispanic white mothers to begin prenatal care in the 3rd trimester, or not receive prenatal care at all.
Stroke
In 2005, Hispanic men were 15% less likely to die from a stroke than non-Hispanic white men.
In 2005 Hispanic women were 25% less likely to die from a stroke than non-Hispanic white women.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Why is there no change?
Many times we analyze issues regarding social justice and we always direct our attention to the aberrations of the world because such are the matters that must be dealt with. We, on a continual basis, are witnesses of such matters yet, simultaneously, we witness the many groups and organizations that attempt to amend such issues. Yet why is that the change, on the grand scale is not so evident. One can help a family by providing them with food and shelter thus taking them out of a state of poverty. One can also adopt a child from a third world country and ensure him/her a better future yet what can we do to fix the problem on a grand scale. I believe that in order to do so one must go to the root of the issue which I believe to be a lack of proper education.
The parents of the current youth has undergone many difficulties in their own lives. I know a family from El Salvador who has a kid about my age. His father was a soldier during the war in El Salvador and his brother was a child soldier. Many times his dad tells us stories about the atrocities that he witnessed and how he was forced to kill people in order to survive. He ended up moving to America in order to, like the majority of people, find happiness and a better life. Here he got a job and bought a house and ended up living a fairly good life. His eldest son, upon coming to America, went to high school yet dropped out on his senior year because his father felt it necessary for him to work in order to help their economy. His second son, the one that is my age, is currently a junior in high school yet his father has already warned him that he will have to finish high school yet he will not go to college because he too must work in order to maintain the family’s economy stable. You may wonder why it is that he forces his children to these things but it all comes down to the fact that he, upon coming to America, was able to experience a fairly good life without the need to study and attend school so to him, an undergraduate education is a leisure; one that requires him to spend money and not see results right away. Yet the problem with the thousands of families that have such a mentality is that they don’t realize the vast opportunities that one can achieve with a strong education. The mentality that my friend’s dad has, he passed on to his son, and his son may pass it on to his son and so on and so forth. It becomes a family trend that is passed on from generation to generation. This lack of a proper education seems to provide them with enough money to live and be somewhat comfortable. So why change?
Change requires energy. Newton says in his laws of motion that an object at rest will remain at rest unless an external force is applied unto it. The laws of inertia state that objects that are in a steady motion will resist change. Although these laws are meant to apply to our physical world, they too can apply to our social trends. Frankly people have become comfortable with their life styles and, as a result, do not see a need for change yet these people are still victims of a low education, which results in a bad economic status. This bad economic status causes many different problems such as health problems. Minority groups are the most prone to diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and obesity. This is due to the fact that the majority of restaurants that are in these communities are fast food restaurants. Why? Because the food is cheap and good. Think about it. THE DOLLAR MENU!!! Who doesn’t want a double cheeseburger for only $1? These restaurants allow people to spend very little money from their very small income and enjoy a “good” meal, yet these foods are the leading causes of obesity among these minority groups.
The street that I lived in had three liquor stores. Minority groups make up the majority of alcoholics. Why? Because heavy drinking seems to provide a time of peace and tranquility, a time to escape all of the problems of the their lives and worry about nothing yet as their money is invested in unhealthy food and heavy drinking, they disregard their own families. This, in turn, causes vast amounts of divorces in minority groups. These divorces tend to cause emotional traumas on their children and their children grow lacking, typically, a father-figure. They will live not knowing what it is like to have a family and will either have children out of wedlock or have children who are also victims of a divorce.
It is evident that in order to fix such issues it is necessary to have a strong education. Chelsea Highs School is currently giving students with good grades, fully paid scholarships to college because the people are realizing that if they want their communities to change for the better, they must educate their communities.
The parents of the current youth has undergone many difficulties in their own lives. I know a family from El Salvador who has a kid about my age. His father was a soldier during the war in El Salvador and his brother was a child soldier. Many times his dad tells us stories about the atrocities that he witnessed and how he was forced to kill people in order to survive. He ended up moving to America in order to, like the majority of people, find happiness and a better life. Here he got a job and bought a house and ended up living a fairly good life. His eldest son, upon coming to America, went to high school yet dropped out on his senior year because his father felt it necessary for him to work in order to help their economy. His second son, the one that is my age, is currently a junior in high school yet his father has already warned him that he will have to finish high school yet he will not go to college because he too must work in order to maintain the family’s economy stable. You may wonder why it is that he forces his children to these things but it all comes down to the fact that he, upon coming to America, was able to experience a fairly good life without the need to study and attend school so to him, an undergraduate education is a leisure; one that requires him to spend money and not see results right away. Yet the problem with the thousands of families that have such a mentality is that they don’t realize the vast opportunities that one can achieve with a strong education. The mentality that my friend’s dad has, he passed on to his son, and his son may pass it on to his son and so on and so forth. It becomes a family trend that is passed on from generation to generation. This lack of a proper education seems to provide them with enough money to live and be somewhat comfortable. So why change?
Change requires energy. Newton says in his laws of motion that an object at rest will remain at rest unless an external force is applied unto it. The laws of inertia state that objects that are in a steady motion will resist change. Although these laws are meant to apply to our physical world, they too can apply to our social trends. Frankly people have become comfortable with their life styles and, as a result, do not see a need for change yet these people are still victims of a low education, which results in a bad economic status. This bad economic status causes many different problems such as health problems. Minority groups are the most prone to diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and obesity. This is due to the fact that the majority of restaurants that are in these communities are fast food restaurants. Why? Because the food is cheap and good. Think about it. THE DOLLAR MENU!!! Who doesn’t want a double cheeseburger for only $1? These restaurants allow people to spend very little money from their very small income and enjoy a “good” meal, yet these foods are the leading causes of obesity among these minority groups.
The street that I lived in had three liquor stores. Minority groups make up the majority of alcoholics. Why? Because heavy drinking seems to provide a time of peace and tranquility, a time to escape all of the problems of the their lives and worry about nothing yet as their money is invested in unhealthy food and heavy drinking, they disregard their own families. This, in turn, causes vast amounts of divorces in minority groups. These divorces tend to cause emotional traumas on their children and their children grow lacking, typically, a father-figure. They will live not knowing what it is like to have a family and will either have children out of wedlock or have children who are also victims of a divorce.
It is evident that in order to fix such issues it is necessary to have a strong education. Chelsea Highs School is currently giving students with good grades, fully paid scholarships to college because the people are realizing that if they want their communities to change for the better, they must educate their communities.
http://www.giftofmagi.org/povertyweb__2_.jpg
first things first, i want to apologize for the use of this pathetic image,
but i am a bit short on time and did want to get my comment in.
PLUS i have no idea how to format this thing...
The questions we are asking as interns are complex, but few of them are new,
poverty, racism, economic disparity, even the idea of fair trade can not claim
to have appeared only during our age. and there is no way that a group of high
school students can say that they are the first to look at these problems with
the goal of solving them in mind. thus we must come to realize that the reason
these problems are the result of a "web" (*cough*click the link*cough*) of other
problems. an intricate system of issues that more often than not has been
to have appeared only during our age. and there is no way that a group of high
school students can say that they are the first to look at these problems with
the goal of solving them in mind. thus we must come to realize that the reason
these problems are the result of a "web" (*cough*click the link*cough*) of other
problems. an intricate system of issues that more often than not has been
solidified into the culture and caused a much larger issue.
No matter were we go and what we do to help people we will always have a "web"
to deal with that is to say that there are going to be multiple small issue that we
will have to deal with in order to get to deal with the larger issue at hand. but
each web is varied, from tiny, almost unnoticeable differences to larger,
hard-to-miss clear differences. to truly know what the best way to begin solving
these issues we must try to learn these webs on a personal level, be it living
there or talking with people who live there.
these issues we must try to learn these webs on a personal level, be it living
there or talking with people who live there.
Youth Violence
In response to Stephanie's post on youth violence, I have to agree with her statement: "We need to address the root of the problem." Growing up in Dorchester, I have seen first-hand many of the depravities she factually stated. I also must agree that the government is not doing much (though it has helped a little) to improve the situation.
However, what I do not entirely agree with is the solutions to the problems. It is one thing to be indirectly connected to these atrocities, and read about them in newspapers. It's an entirely different thing to be close friends with people who have been killed, who have been raped, and to be offered drugs while sitting on the front steps of my house. But being in this situation - knowing these people - has given me insight into how to improve (though certainly not fix) the current situations.
On the street that I live, there's a gang of about twenty guys between the ages of 14-19. Their rivals are the gang that hangs out on the other side of Dudley Street (a main street in Dorchester), the Wendover Gang. The thing about these gangs is that the individual guys within them are really loving and caring guys. I know some of them personally, have been to their houses, and eaten dinner with their families. They aren't apart of a gang because they're inherently evil, it's much more simple; it's fear.
They're afraid of what's going to happen to them, of not being able to support themselves or a family. So I disagree with Stephanie on this point: encouraging families and teaching guys their duties in the home isn't going to do anything. They don't need more people coming from the outside and preaching at them.
The only way to help the situation is to gain the trust of the people we want to help. And that is not a simple thing to do. Residents here are extremely suspicious of "outsiders," especially white ones. Too many times have people come in to "help the cause!," but then quickly leave. It causes a huge amount of distrust, which has become engrained in the society. But once that trust is tested and gained, there is a fierce loyalty. I know, for a fact, that any of the guys on my street would - and do - protect me. So, while it's great that people want to help, trust needs to be built.
Also, people can't assume about the needs of a neighborhood. Often what happens is that a group of people living in other areas suddenly get this great idea to come help - the thing is, is that they usually just clean up playgrounds or sidewalks. While they feel like they deserve a pat on the back (and they might), in all honesty, the people living there don't usually notice whether the leaves have been picked up or not.
The biggest problem in Dorchester, actually, isn't violence or even a lack of funds, it's a lack of knowledge in finances. I know this may sound completely strange, but it's true. People don't know how to handle money and income, and places like Rent-A-Center and check cashing businesses feed off this. The media hype is that people need more to be happy - a new car, TV, stereo - and they buy into these "Get Now, Pay Later" schemes. What would be most beneficial to this neighborhood isn't to pour more money in, to fix up playgrounds, or to "encourage," it's to teach people how to handle their money to improve their lives.
However, what I do not entirely agree with is the solutions to the problems. It is one thing to be indirectly connected to these atrocities, and read about them in newspapers. It's an entirely different thing to be close friends with people who have been killed, who have been raped, and to be offered drugs while sitting on the front steps of my house. But being in this situation - knowing these people - has given me insight into how to improve (though certainly not fix) the current situations.
On the street that I live, there's a gang of about twenty guys between the ages of 14-19. Their rivals are the gang that hangs out on the other side of Dudley Street (a main street in Dorchester), the Wendover Gang. The thing about these gangs is that the individual guys within them are really loving and caring guys. I know some of them personally, have been to their houses, and eaten dinner with their families. They aren't apart of a gang because they're inherently evil, it's much more simple; it's fear.
They're afraid of what's going to happen to them, of not being able to support themselves or a family. So I disagree with Stephanie on this point: encouraging families and teaching guys their duties in the home isn't going to do anything. They don't need more people coming from the outside and preaching at them.
The only way to help the situation is to gain the trust of the people we want to help. And that is not a simple thing to do. Residents here are extremely suspicious of "outsiders," especially white ones. Too many times have people come in to "help the cause!," but then quickly leave. It causes a huge amount of distrust, which has become engrained in the society. But once that trust is tested and gained, there is a fierce loyalty. I know, for a fact, that any of the guys on my street would - and do - protect me. So, while it's great that people want to help, trust needs to be built.
Also, people can't assume about the needs of a neighborhood. Often what happens is that a group of people living in other areas suddenly get this great idea to come help - the thing is, is that they usually just clean up playgrounds or sidewalks. While they feel like they deserve a pat on the back (and they might), in all honesty, the people living there don't usually notice whether the leaves have been picked up or not.
The biggest problem in Dorchester, actually, isn't violence or even a lack of funds, it's a lack of knowledge in finances. I know this may sound completely strange, but it's true. People don't know how to handle money and income, and places like Rent-A-Center and check cashing businesses feed off this. The media hype is that people need more to be happy - a new car, TV, stereo - and they buy into these "Get Now, Pay Later" schemes. What would be most beneficial to this neighborhood isn't to pour more money in, to fix up playgrounds, or to "encourage," it's to teach people how to handle their money to improve their lives.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Reflection of election as an outsider
Many of you might think this year's election was not much of my concern
mainly because it is, of course, not my country.
To be honest, however, I was concerned as much as I concerned
the election of my own country, which happened shortly before,
since it is true that America can play a major role on deciding my nation's future.
Before I tell you why, I want to breifly talk about current situation in Korea.
Our president, Myung-Bak Lee, is notorious for his lack of political virtues such as
the dedication to popular will or his own morality. I would go on, but it might be mean.
I just wanted to tell you that he has been accused of embezzlement and swindling. (Charges
dropped, of course as a complete coindence, after he was elected.)
My major concern was whether America choose a leader who are against neo-liberalism,
in which our president deeply believes, so that America can block Korean-American Free Trade
Agreement( FTA). FTA includes removing of revenues and other political and legal measure to regulate competitions. For example, after FTA is ratified, Korean national health insurance (Koreans pay some amount of money per month for health insurance and are covered when they get medical service. ) can be abolished since it can be against free competition of insurance companies. Canada Postal service system, after NAFTA, was sued by UPS for that logic.
I wonder whether you guys watched the documentary 'Blade'. Numerous people in America has no insurance at all simply because they cannot pay. In Blade, one Afro-American women got infection on her finger and went to hospital. No suprises, she doesn't have insurance and the cost of a single anti-infection shot was like $500( it is like $5 in Korea for all people, thanks to national health insurance.) Infection got worse and she couldn't pay. She cut her own finger with a blade. Imagine if you have a baby who should be in an incubator due to his/her physical condition. It costs more than 2,000 dollars per month( It's covered price, in Korea.) After parents sold their houses and cars and everything, they discharge the baby. The baby dies even before she can call mommy. This is not an imaginary story. This happens in America now and it might happen in Korea, too.
Another example. I am thinking about going back to Korea after graduation, since our family can't pay the college tuition, which is about $40,000( including living cost and regarding the fact that i can't easily get scholarship.) Most expensive university in Korea has 4,000 dollars per year, but I can't even expect how high it will be if FTA is approved, because Korean government is basically paying part of the tution now. They won't.
Whether I like it or not, capitalism, or greed, dominates this world. Everything in the society happens due to market theory. We need to remember that human rights should be our top priority at all cost. We should not die because we don't have money. We should be awarded with same opportunity regardless of money, social background, etc. Unless we make social safety net, my examples will be only beginning.
Since FTA has passed National Assembly and our president will certainly not veto, America is our only hope now, sadly. I hoped Obama to be elected for people suffering in Korea. And he was. I don't know whether he will reject FTA agreement but more likely than Mccain.
So I hope you think about not only about development or flourishing economy but also people who are dying because they don't have money to go to hospital. I want you to think about people in other countries since America can decide their fate in some way. Someone said to use the power of giant as giant is a tragedy. Great power should be accompanied with great responsiblity.
mainly because it is, of course, not my country.
To be honest, however, I was concerned as much as I concerned
the election of my own country, which happened shortly before,
since it is true that America can play a major role on deciding my nation's future.
Before I tell you why, I want to breifly talk about current situation in Korea.
Our president, Myung-Bak Lee, is notorious for his lack of political virtues such as
the dedication to popular will or his own morality. I would go on, but it might be mean.
I just wanted to tell you that he has been accused of embezzlement and swindling. (Charges
dropped, of course as a complete coindence, after he was elected.)
My major concern was whether America choose a leader who are against neo-liberalism,
in which our president deeply believes, so that America can block Korean-American Free Trade
Agreement( FTA). FTA includes removing of revenues and other political and legal measure to regulate competitions. For example, after FTA is ratified, Korean national health insurance (Koreans pay some amount of money per month for health insurance and are covered when they get medical service. ) can be abolished since it can be against free competition of insurance companies. Canada Postal service system, after NAFTA, was sued by UPS for that logic.
I wonder whether you guys watched the documentary 'Blade'. Numerous people in America has no insurance at all simply because they cannot pay. In Blade, one Afro-American women got infection on her finger and went to hospital. No suprises, she doesn't have insurance and the cost of a single anti-infection shot was like $500( it is like $5 in Korea for all people, thanks to national health insurance.) Infection got worse and she couldn't pay. She cut her own finger with a blade. Imagine if you have a baby who should be in an incubator due to his/her physical condition. It costs more than 2,000 dollars per month( It's covered price, in Korea.) After parents sold their houses and cars and everything, they discharge the baby. The baby dies even before she can call mommy. This is not an imaginary story. This happens in America now and it might happen in Korea, too.
Another example. I am thinking about going back to Korea after graduation, since our family can't pay the college tuition, which is about $40,000( including living cost and regarding the fact that i can't easily get scholarship.) Most expensive university in Korea has 4,000 dollars per year, but I can't even expect how high it will be if FTA is approved, because Korean government is basically paying part of the tution now. They won't.
Whether I like it or not, capitalism, or greed, dominates this world. Everything in the society happens due to market theory. We need to remember that human rights should be our top priority at all cost. We should not die because we don't have money. We should be awarded with same opportunity regardless of money, social background, etc. Unless we make social safety net, my examples will be only beginning.
Since FTA has passed National Assembly and our president will certainly not veto, America is our only hope now, sadly. I hoped Obama to be elected for people suffering in Korea. And he was. I don't know whether he will reject FTA agreement but more likely than Mccain.
So I hope you think about not only about development or flourishing economy but also people who are dying because they don't have money to go to hospital. I want you to think about people in other countries since America can decide their fate in some way. Someone said to use the power of giant as giant is a tragedy. Great power should be accompanied with great responsiblity.
This year's Institute
I am really, really excited about this year's Institute for Leadership and Social Justice. I participated last year also (which was sort of the kick-off year), and it was great. I learned a lot, built new relationships, and had a lot of fun. But I think that this year is going to be filled with so many more opportunities, mostly because now we have an actual schedule and agenda, and because we broke up into specialized groups.
The first assignment Mr. Chen gave us was to answer 3 questions: 1) What is justice? 2) What is social justice? and 3) What is social justice in the context of your project? I don't remember exactly what I answered, and Mr. Chen still has my paper :) , so I'll just sort of touch on my answers to both 1 and 2. I said that justice is fairness. I said that there are 2 sides to justice: legal justice and social justice. I use the term "legal" not to describe the court system specifically, but just the whole idea of getting what your actions deserve. Good actions are rewarded; bad actions are punished. This is fair and right. Legal justiced is based on God's holiness and His law for His people.
Social justice is fairness among people. It is founded on the idea that all people are equal, and it calls for equality, whether equality of wealth, opportunities, treatment from others, etc. It requires that those who have much give to those who have little, and that those who have power protect the rights of those who don't. Social justice is based on the fact that God created people, all people, in His own image.
Sometimes legal justice and social justice seem to conflict with or even contradict each other, but a closer look always reveals that this is never the case. Legal justice and social justice go hand in hand; they are 2 faces of the same pillar.
The first assignment Mr. Chen gave us was to answer 3 questions: 1) What is justice? 2) What is social justice? and 3) What is social justice in the context of your project? I don't remember exactly what I answered, and Mr. Chen still has my paper :) , so I'll just sort of touch on my answers to both 1 and 2. I said that justice is fairness. I said that there are 2 sides to justice: legal justice and social justice. I use the term "legal" not to describe the court system specifically, but just the whole idea of getting what your actions deserve. Good actions are rewarded; bad actions are punished. This is fair and right. Legal justiced is based on God's holiness and His law for His people.
Social justice is fairness among people. It is founded on the idea that all people are equal, and it calls for equality, whether equality of wealth, opportunities, treatment from others, etc. It requires that those who have much give to those who have little, and that those who have power protect the rights of those who don't. Social justice is based on the fact that God created people, all people, in His own image.
Sometimes legal justice and social justice seem to conflict with or even contradict each other, but a closer look always reveals that this is never the case. Legal justice and social justice go hand in hand; they are 2 faces of the same pillar.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Youth Violence
 | |
| This is something I originally wrote in 2007, in my blog (if anyone's interested, the link is http://raving_wench.livejournal.com, but I haven't posted in nearly a year) in response to the spike in youth violence that has been escalating over the past year. I've edited it some, adding new information to make it more applicable. This weekend, a 19 year old woman was shot and killed in Dorchester, by gunfire which wounded her 18 year old sister. On November 9, two men- one 41, one 17- were found in Roxbury with gunshot wounds. Earlier this fall, a 6-month-old girl was killed by a stray bullet. You see these stories in the paper every day- at least, you do in Boston, and since Boston has a mild crime rate compared to other cities, I'm assuming you see them in other papers. Teenagers shooting each other, raping, stealing. Teenagers shooting each other over the stupidest things- I remember one case in which the offender testified that he had shot another teenager because he "looked at him wrong". For crying out loud, he looked at him wrong?. If that's justification for killing, well, I'll start packing heat and shooting every guy who catcalls or whistles at me in the street. According to http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-vict 
I think it's safe to assume that the first and last items are most likely the most common. Troubled home life is definitely a big one- according to http://www.parentswithoutpartners.org/S This leads to another huge factor in violence- peer group pressure. Because a lot of kids don't have an available family core, they turn to peer groups to support them- groups bound by fierce loyalty. If anyone challenges a member, it is each member's responsibility to stand up for it. This often leads to violence, sometimes to death. If any member refuses to partake in this violence, they will be ostracized and turned on for disloyalty. I don't think governments are doing a good job of following up on the issue of violence. All they do in pour more money into the police forces; that's not what we need. Well, it is a necessary factor, but it's like using a cough drop for a cold- it reduces the symptoms, but does nothing for the cause. I have seen the effects of these disintigrating societies first-hand. I go to an inner-city school, with an extremely diverse student body [see, Institute peeps, that's you] Sure, we have the rich kids from Newton, but we also have a ton of Dorchester and Jamaica Plain kids who honestly don't know where their next meal is coming from. I know kids who have gotten in trouble with the cops for doing illegal things with honorable means. One acquaintance in particular had a part-time job at Burger King to keep food on the table at his house, which made his grades drop because he had no time for homework. In addition, he was selling drugs to support a friend of his whose boyfriend had disappeared when he learned she was pregnant. This boy was always exhausted, which affected his performance in school, keeping him in trouble; what's more, he was always at risk of arrest. But he's a really good kid, honest and hard-working, with a huge heart. He was doing this because it seemed he had no choice- and maybe he didn't. The law demonizes these criminals. They do awful things, certainly. They kill and steal, they rape, they sell life-destroying drugs. But more police forces aren't going to fix things. Sending in more cops is not the ultimate answer. Beating on these kids is not going to make them want to be sweet and compliant with the laws; it's going to make them bitter and restless. We need to address the root of the problem. We need to work on family awareness- on teaching guys of their duty in the home, of their importance as fathers. By encouraging families. I think a huge part is the disintegration of the family. We need to work on cultivating good friendships. Schools need to be more aware of their students' home lives, and more sensitive to them. We cannot condemn the effects of situations without working to better the situations themselves. |
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
my thoughts on the election
This is partly in response to Mr. Chen's post and also my thoughts.
i have to say that yesterday was really amazing. it was so awesome to witness history (yes on my tv at home but it still counts). it really touched me when i saw coverage of African Americans who were so happy about Obama being president and i was also sad because the fact that Blacks were so overjoyed at the thought of Black president meant that we weren't far away from the age of Jim Crow South. that struck me hard.
also i think so many people are forgetting about the leadership involved with the presidency (ironic i know) and what it means to lead America. i even forgot for a while and only thought about the issues. then i asked myself, who did i want to lead America, who would bring Americans together. i came to two conclusions: 1. American needs a change. i know that is so cliche and all but for the past four years i could not stand what the Bush administration was doing or not doing about foreign policy (for example: Iraq). i'm not trying to bash Bush or anything but i don't think he did much in that perspective. 2. i heard Obama's victory speech yesterday and i thought he was someone who could bring America together. he is someone who is interested in unity. i got that from his speech.
i know that his presidency could mean bad things for the US in terms of a very liberal Supreme Court. but there are also great advantages, as in the respect he is already getting in countries around the world. there are a lot of things i am worried about, but i'm also interested to see what Obama and his administration will do.
--Eunice
i have to say that yesterday was really amazing. it was so awesome to witness history (yes on my tv at home but it still counts). it really touched me when i saw coverage of African Americans who were so happy about Obama being president and i was also sad because the fact that Blacks were so overjoyed at the thought of Black president meant that we weren't far away from the age of Jim Crow South. that struck me hard.
also i think so many people are forgetting about the leadership involved with the presidency (ironic i know) and what it means to lead America. i even forgot for a while and only thought about the issues. then i asked myself, who did i want to lead America, who would bring Americans together. i came to two conclusions: 1. American needs a change. i know that is so cliche and all but for the past four years i could not stand what the Bush administration was doing or not doing about foreign policy (for example: Iraq). i'm not trying to bash Bush or anything but i don't think he did much in that perspective. 2. i heard Obama's victory speech yesterday and i thought he was someone who could bring America together. he is someone who is interested in unity. i got that from his speech.
i know that his presidency could mean bad things for the US in terms of a very liberal Supreme Court. but there are also great advantages, as in the respect he is already getting in countries around the world. there are a lot of things i am worried about, but i'm also interested to see what Obama and his administration will do.
--Eunice
Monday, November 3, 2008
historic election
on the eve of this historic election, i have some reflections.
it is historic because it is happening in a critical time of our nation. our nation is in an expensive war with critics from both sides of the political aisle and from different parts of the world. it is in an economic crisis that leaves many confused about our nations economic prospect. in addition to these current hot topics, our nation continues to struggle with disparity of many forms.
two presidential candidates offers promises of change. but change to what? for whom will such a change benefit? saying that any change would benefit everyone is naive. but they still have to try. they both claim that their visions will eventually benefit the greater american society. what about the world?
with more than 2 billion people living below abject poverty line of $2 a day, do we have a responsibility to lead the world in dealing with global disparity?
whatever the visions of change the candidates provide, i wonder if the issue at the heart of all is the issue of leadership - leadership for this country and leadership for the world.
who can inspire people, especially young people to serve this broken world? - to inspire young people to become selfless, to care more, to intelligently understand problems, and to solve problems with creativity.
"harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. therefore, ask the Lord of harvest to send out workers into the field..."
who will be able to lead. tomorrow, american people will select a leader from one of them. can that person truly lead and inspire? i can't wait to find out.
it is historic because it is happening in a critical time of our nation. our nation is in an expensive war with critics from both sides of the political aisle and from different parts of the world. it is in an economic crisis that leaves many confused about our nations economic prospect. in addition to these current hot topics, our nation continues to struggle with disparity of many forms.
two presidential candidates offers promises of change. but change to what? for whom will such a change benefit? saying that any change would benefit everyone is naive. but they still have to try. they both claim that their visions will eventually benefit the greater american society. what about the world?
with more than 2 billion people living below abject poverty line of $2 a day, do we have a responsibility to lead the world in dealing with global disparity?
whatever the visions of change the candidates provide, i wonder if the issue at the heart of all is the issue of leadership - leadership for this country and leadership for the world.
who can inspire people, especially young people to serve this broken world? - to inspire young people to become selfless, to care more, to intelligently understand problems, and to solve problems with creativity.
"harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. therefore, ask the Lord of harvest to send out workers into the field..."
who will be able to lead. tomorrow, american people will select a leader from one of them. can that person truly lead and inspire? i can't wait to find out.
Social justice interns and other readers, welcome!
i set up this blog as a way for us to stimulate ideas, thoughts, and analysis on various issues. i think how good of an experience this will be for us depends on how we will make it to be. i think some ground rules for writing on this blog are call for.
1. be respectful
2. be thoughtful
3. be reflective
So, happy writing!
1. be respectful
2. be thoughtful
3. be reflective
So, happy writing!
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