Global Poverty
Most of us know that there is huge income inequality throughout the world: in fact, things are so skewed that the bottom half of the world’s people survives on just three percent of global household income. Philosopher Thomas Pogge argues that this situation represents a gross violation of human rights — and that we will resolve the worst of the world’s poverty only when we come to view it through the same lens with which we view slavery: intolerable. Read this excerpt from “The Past, Present and Future of Global Poverty (PDF)”, an interview with Pogge.
-
Reflect
Open your journal and capture your reflections in response to this interview with Thomas Pogge. Consider these questions:
- What surprised you in Pogge’s perspective? What disturbed or distressed you?
- Do you agree with Pogge’s assertion that each of us bears some responsibility for the current distribution of wealth? Why or why not?
- What insights or new thoughts from this article might affect the way you approach your program with UUCSJ?
-
Take a Break!
Listen to Susan Werner’s song, “Help Somebody” from her album Gospel Truth, sung here in concert.