can poverty ever be eradicated?

poverty is the boon to every nation. it's widespread and permeates every corner of the globe, be it in a small degree, or whether it's become a epidemic in a particular nation. we may pump in efforts to eradicate it, but that cannot be achieved. it can only be mitigated.

kamala sarup stated that although leaders can drive their drive their people to work more and be more productive. this is perhaps by exploiting natural resources to propel the economy. we're assuming that initially, there are resources to exploit. the influx of money generated can thus help aid poverty. however, he also mentions the feasibility of such an approach. he states that the nation's leaders can only push the people by only so much.

in light of the issue of poverty, it seems that kamala sarup has painted a very grim picture of the situation in poverty-stricken countries. i agree that there can only be so much individuals can do, and slightly more when pushed. however, this cannot be viewed in such an inferior tone as workers can slowly better themselves and contributing more to their nations. it is a time consuming task, and it might not be fruitful in it's immediate stages, but it can definitely help in the long run if efforts are in place.

however, is there enough manpower to spearhead these efforts? especially in poverty stricken areas where manpower alone is crippled due to lack of financial reserves to sustain it. it is where, i feel and believe, the point where richer and more able nations provide their aid and support in hopes of creating a more stable and economically blossoming world. if the better nations are not in favour of providing aid, then this world bears the saying, 'as the rich grows richer, the poor grows poorer.'.

this is where sachs claims come into context. his claims of having the richer nations giving 0.7 percent of their national income to the poorer countries is somewhat congruent to what i feel should be done. that is, richer countries can provide help to aid the poorer nations. this money can be used to better the infrastructure in the countries so that they can begin realising their potential in the primary and secondary industries.

the help provided can also be through expertise. other countries that are better off can send professionals to educate the workforce so that they can contribute to the country and help to lessen poverty in their country.

only when all this is given, can the poor be given a new lease of life to ensure that they are capable, relevant and able to contribute to their society. this, though it can certainly aid the lessening of poverty, still has a big question mark over the issue as to whether poverty can really be eradicated, as how sachs claims.

embracing otherhood - challenges posed to singapore by a more diverse society

singapore has certainly grown in terms of her diversity. we have many foreign migrants who are either coming to singapore to settle in and attain a citizenship, or to contribute further to singapore's rapidly growing economy. having said that, the singapore has yet to overcome the challenges that is posed to singapore by a more diverse society.

it's true that while statistics prove that we are becoming more rich in society; that is, a society that has grown more complex, with the influx of many other nationalities from all across the globe, the general mindset of a singaporean towards such complexities is not positive. even if a migrant becomes a singaporean citizen, that doesnt mean that he or she is accepted as one on the social level.

perhaps this is due to the stigma that most singaporeans have about foreigners, be they be citizens or not. singaporean individuals are afraid of being replaced by such foreigners. singaporean students are wary of foreign students, such as scholars and those on an education visa. singaporean workers are resentful of foreign immigrants who are working in singapore, feeling that they're up to nothing but to remove job opportunities for singaporean equals or even a better educated worker. this is to due the fact that, singaporeans need to be paid with higher wages.

the abovementioned factor really questions the ability of our society to be accepting and to embrace the complex and secular nature of our state. we cannot be stuck in the past, thinking that foreigners are a boon to society, especially since their expertise and help has drove our industries. singapore collaborates with other nations for projects and such, and it's unfair if we reap benefits from those nations, while disrespecting their very citizens who happen to be in our midst.

another factor that is important to be discussed in this issue, asides from mindset (earlier mentioned), is the importance that singaporeans learn the importance of integration and unity. as seen in paris and sydney, the lack of the two elements of integration and unity can lead to spats between the different groups of people. this will not only create social tension and unease, but will affect the country collectively. productivity and efficiency will also be affected.

in ages past, when everyone in a society was simply homogenous, human nature mandates that people will bond together by virtue of race or background. however, in today's age, or more accurately placed, in singapore's society, it's not about virtue of race or background. it goes much more deeper than just that.

singaporeans need to understand, recognise and assimilate differences in our society. we have to understand that diversity doesnt' merely include chinese, malays, indians and europeans, but, everyone else. there's no longer an accurate classification of people as there're so many in singapore's societies, all contributing actively to the nation.

hence, these are the two most crucial challenges posed by an increased in diversity in singapore's society.

gay marriage flap

with the world being more affluent and literate, individuals can choose their own path in life. it was not like in previous, somewhat medieval times, where people chose what was normal, what was right. now it's about personal choice, choices that ensure one's personal sense of fulfilment.

now, it'a about not straight relationships, but those of a different kind.

gay relationships.

this article states that in france, the very first gay marriage was witnessed between two men.

pardon me if my blog entry layout has led you to believe that i'm discussing gay rights and such. no, i'm discussing something sensitive that the article touched on, though it was somewhat little.

it's the fact that, although we now live in a more diversified and free world, where others respect our personal choices and opinions, where we no longer are crucified for not obeying the norm, there is still a great risk that religious and social issues can flare up. this marriage occurred in france, a country which is believed to be home to one of the world's well-known secular state.

that being said, are we really in a world that emphasises on personal rights and choice? or are we just dellusioned to believe so?

clearly more has to be done to change this mindset. it's not about merely better economic and social status. it's about worldwide awareness and acceptance of a particular issue.