In Need for a Bridge

 '

food for survival

home for a family to stay

knowledge for the future

When you decide to ride a plane to get you somewhere, you have to choose one of its travel classes. There is the first class where generally the most expensive and most comfortable accommodations are available. There is also the economy class which offers basic accommodations for commoners. Usually, these classes are separated by curtains or some other partitions just to keep passengers on their own side.

This example is an analogy of the gap between the rich and the poor. The wealthy can avail all the comfort and satisfaction they need while the poor are stuck in discomfort to what is within their grasp.


Fit to Survive?

This Pulitzer winning picture in 1994 of Kevin Carter never fails to tug my heart. It is a clear depiction of poverty in our midst. In this Sudan famine, a vulnerable young girl crawls her way to the United Nations food camp located a kilometer away. A few meters at her back is a vulture waiting for her death.

It is sad to note that there are a lot of people who are like this girl. Despite all the effort to stand, they end up getting crushed. On their way to progress, who stops to help? Who offers crutches to keep them going?


This made me think of the concept of Social Darwinism which states that only the strongest or fittest should survive and flourish in society, while the weak and unfit should be allowed to die. Is this one right way of viewing things? What causes this?


Did the poor choose to be poor? I believe no one wants to be deprived of the basic necessities. Everyone desires to live a good life. However, in the economic hierarchy in our society, those at the top, the rich, separate themselves from those at the bottom, the poor and the unfortunate.


Common Greed

Greed is the excessive desire to acquire or possess more than one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth. Usually, it is the rich who exemplify greed. How else could they maintain their status or even be coined as supreme amongst others if they do not embrace more than what they have? Here, an undesirable form of magis is exhibited. While average folks purchase more stuff when it becomes cheaper, those from the lavish class purchase the more expensive ones when the same is available for less, all for one objective -- to impress.


Political dynasty in our country is not uncommon. The wealth of the country is controlled mostly by people who belong in these dynasties. One clan could govern one land for centuries, the leaders passing their torch from one generation to another. This is their way of life. Perhaps, they fing politics as the sole source of livelihood. When this is threatened away from their hands, they resort to unimaginable means just to preserve their own brand of status quo.


For over 90 million people, well, especially those qualified in positions, aren't there others who are just as capable of governing the country? Can't the ordinary Juan dela Cruz have the chance?


Season of Giving

While only a few enjoy abundance, there is a greater number of those who suffer. Poverty locks communities in a cycle of under-achievement. This makes the poor, especially children, vulnerable to changes in the economy. When this is not addressed, a lot would inevitably accept their pitiful destinies.


Recently, I attended a Christmas party for needy children. Being with kids who became really ecstatic at the sight of gift bags and the sound of party music was an overwhelming experience. Their happiness was shallow but it embodied the true essence of the season. As i was placing food on the paper plate of one of the kids, I realized that he prepared with him a plastic bag. He said that it would be a present for his sick mom at home.

Ana Mae.  A cute little talented girl.

Young at heart

Christmas is not only for a few chosen people. It is not only for the rich, the privileged, or the famous. It is for everybody. It is one perfect time to at least lay down the differences and just be thankful for all the blessings. As for the few who are affluent enough, it's one perfect time to be Santa. Each one deserves a taste of a good life.


Genuine Treasure

The wealthy rides his luxury car, accenting his comfort and satisfaction, as he speeds his way to work. The poor takes in every single detail of the scenery he passes by as he goes to the fields on foot. On a very hot day, the wealthy sits in his rotating chair inside a glass-walled room, enjoying the chill brought by his air-conditioning unit. The poor, under the shade of trees, comfortably lies on a hammock, taking pleasure from the gentle breeze that brushes his skin. In the wealthy's mansion, bright sparkling chandeliers adorn the ceilings to illuminate his spacious room. The poor rests beneath jewels in the night -- stars flickering in the skies above.



This reflection is based on the article from this website. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080113-111995/Survey%3A_Rich-poor_gap_widens