Hunger: The Universal Struggle, The World's Burden, Our Fault

The two authors both make a very similar point. The fact that we live lavish life styles impairs our judgment and often prevents us from reaching out to truly help other human beings. The 1st article identifies the responsibility we must be prepared to take on in the event that we attempt to interfere in the economic systems abroad. I agree with the author on this point. If we are attempting to come down from our high horse to save children from harsh work, then why do we demand the goods they are forced to make? If we can stop their labor as we see fit will we then supplement the incomes of their families for the lost wages? The article posses the point, "If children themselves were asked whether they would rather work under harsh conditions or enjoy the leisure that comes without the benefit of food or clothing or shelter." Don't misinterpret my point and think I'm encouraging or defending the harsh and indentured nature of child labor, but rather I’m trying to convey the need for more that the author expressed. The author is telling us we either have to completely solve the problem or butt out.

The 2nd article explores the morality of living a lavish life style while children are starving to death. The author comes right out and says," Whatever money you're spending on luxuries, not necessities should be given away." I agree with the author on this point. It is wrong to live in splendor and blissful ignorance while children face the finality of death. We shouldn’t waste food while kids are eating rocks, dirt, and bark in hopes of keeping hunger away. He conveys his point in a very real way with the example of bob and his car. Bob protects his car, a large investment rather than saving the life of a child. Our first instinct is to accuse Bob, to be angry with him or condemn him. Then we realize that every dollar we waste, every movie we see, every meal we eat out, and every iTunes download we have is us being Bob. In every one of those instances we choose our luxury and comfort over the life of a child.