BESTSELF™ ICEBREAKER | Beliefs 15

WHY IS THERE STILL POVERTY IN THE 21ST CENTURY?

Poverty remains for the same reason as most of the continuing human rights issues: no access to clean water, human trafficking, climate change, conflict and resulting human displacement, and the continuing pandemic. (The list could go on and on, I simply chose to stop there.)

It comes down to two things: avarice and fear, supported by apathy.

Over the course of the last couple of years I’ve witnessed rights being systematically dismantled, fuelled by steadily divisive rhetoric spewed by media and politicians. I am regularly shocked every time I’m reminded that those in power do not have it because they are in the majority - in fact, most have less than 40% of the support of their voters. Where I am in Ontario, our recent provincial election (June 2) galvanized a puny 43% of eligible voters to vote, with 41% of ballots cast, the conservatives won. As a result, over the next couple of years, we will witness the dismantling of our already decimated health and education systems and the destruction of our sensitive wetlands for an unnecessary highway.

The US is another issue entirely, with rights being attacked and stripped away in every direction by those who have power but do not represent the majority. Every day it becomes more dystopian.

I think poverty is a huge issue that has to be addressed on a global scale. Until it becomes “sexy” or profitable, I can’t see anything being done. I support the concept of a Universal Basic Income - but if you can’t work, you should get the assistance you need to live, cover your bills and have a life. Who is the CEO in the US who gave up his income so that all of his employees could make a living wage, and he cut his salary so that he made the same as those who work for him? That is something I can wholeheartedly support. You need/want to make more, nothing should stop you from going out and having a side hustle, write a book, sell your art, invest in the market. It all starts with everyone being able to live.

The gap between the rich and the poor is widening; the rich are becoming richer, and the poor are getting even poorer. I do all that I can with my small privilege to help as much as I can. Most days, it doesn’t make me feel good, I wish it didn’t have to be done at all.