The subtitle for POVERTY, INC. says it all: “Fighting poverty is big business. But who profits the most?” This film draws attention to the many ways in which those of us in developed countries are getting rich at the very expense of the people we want to assist.
Some of us have the opportunity to feel good because we give our old hand me downs we don’t want to others who we pretend will not have them except for our generosity. Some of us can feel good about buying new shoes because at least we know a free pair will be donated to others in need. Some of us are actually able to gain monetary wealth because of our business savvy that “seems” to be doing good. As I watched the movie I found myself wondering how many textile companies have been put out of business by people donating clothes to developing countries. Why buy what you can get for free. How many local economies have come to a standstill because we import all kinds of manufactured goods from our Western cultures that could come from the local community?
Many of the people interviewed from many different countries repeated that it was good to give when people are in need but if donations are still needed five years later there is a problem.
The most striking aspect of the film was the way in which I was confronted by my own prejudices and misconceptions about life in the developing countries. As someone who has been actively engaged in a variety of social justice activities and organizations for a number of years I wasn’t expecting any great surprises. I was wrong. I am embarrassed to admit that I was startled by images of lush foliage as we listened to the words “where nothing ever grows” from the song (Feed the World) Do They Know It’s Christmas Time. Equally surprising were the images of solar street lights being developed in Haiti and computer businesses located in cities in Africa.
Throughout the movie it became absolutely apparent that those in the developing world need to participate in the global economy that they are currently being excluded from because of “paternalism”, the developed countries imposing what we think their needs are upon them. The message is clear – this doesn’t work. It is our responsibility to allow developing countries to develop. We must recognize that these countries can, and in fact need to become active participants in the global economic community to truly raise themselves out of the cycle of poverty.
But don’t take my word for it. I would encourage you to watch the film for yourself and make your own decisions about supporting our sisters and brothers in developing countries. The conversation needs to continue.
Guest Blogger
Annette Donovan-Panchaud
CSJ Associate
Campus Minister, King’s University College, London, ON