Africa v. America

The poverty of America is greater than that of Africa. Our poverty is not in the number of poor, but in the great disparity of our nation.

Like many other people, I've always been bothered by the wealth of America in contrast to the poverty of most third world countries, especially Africa. I've been on three trips to Africa -- bothered by poverty I have seen. My heart continues to go out to the needs of Africa.

But here's my beef: In third world countries, EVERYBODY's equally poor. You have a small upper-class with money, but the majority of people are at the same level, just trying "to survive." Most are subsistence farmers or merchants barely providing for themselves and their family.

In America, we've figured out a system that WORKS (supposedly). Everyone gets wealthy. But why do we have such great inequality? We have people who are incredibly stinkin' rich, and people who are over-worked and can't even sustain themselves. This bothers me, A LOT. Sure, the individual living situation of a poor perosn in America looks better than that of a poor African farmer living in a mud hut. But in Africa -- it's the norm. In America, it's not.

Why do we think we have the system completely figured out? We have the greatest level of income disparities of any nation in the world. In a society such as ours -- anybody who works should not be in poverty. Our problem is of greed, pride, and selfishness. We've got bigger problems than Africa.

Don't get me wrong. My heart still goes out to those in Africa and other areas of the world who do not have the same opportunities -- who are plagued by wars, rebel armies, ravaging diseases such as AIDS, drought and famine. I cry for justice for these people. And I am thankful for the people who have committed their lives to international development/aid work. My heart is very near to this mission.

But I think we have even greater injustices here. When some Americans are devoid of the opportunities that the majority of Americans have, there is incredible injustice. We must continue to take the blinders off and learn to fix our own country as we try to help others.

"So the youngsters, grows in ghettos, goes to prison
At an early age, already know it's against him
So in order for him to survive, one day he must
Open up his eyes to the set backs and rise
'Cause, everybody wants a shot, in this land of opportunity
Look at what this country's got
There shouldn't be nobody homeless
How can the president fix other problems when he ain't fixed home yet
The earth wasn't made for one man to rule alone
To all colors increases, to home it belongs"
-Nas (Rule)

Thoughts from this note were influence by Larry James at urbandaily.org