It is a question that never seems to have a concrete answer: Why are poor people poor? Some assert that poor people are, for the most part, responsible for their own social status. Perhaps they are simply lazy or unmotivated. Others argue that poor people are, for the most part, poor because of external factors or influences that lie beyond their control. Perhaps the system is simply against them. We, as a society, may never agree on the answer. However, the documentary “Poverty, Inc.” asks another question that might have a clearer answer: How can we help poor people?

The documentary looked at poverty across several countires (e.g., Haiti, Kenya, Peru, etc.). From an outsider’s perspective, foreign aid seems to help those in need. This short-term solution, however, can have detrimental long-term effects. For example, how can local businesses compete with free aid (e.g., rice, solar panels, eggs, shoes, etc.)? According to the documentary, this creates a society of beggars. Why should you pay for something down the street when you can simply get it for free from an NGO? Foreign aid should not be limited to food and clothing. It should also provide the opportunities and resources for one to escape poverty. It should give poor people control over their own lives so that they can shape their own futures. I thought the documentary was enlightening and eye-opening in several ways. It was also awesome and a privilege to Skype with Mark, the co-producer of the documentary!

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” -Lao Tzu