Rich Poor Divide Purchase | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
News

Should We Stop Buying Luxurious Items In Order To Help Others In Need?

Sometimes we need to take the time to reflect and really think about the product we are buying and if it is truly needed in our lives.

55
Unsplash / freestocks.org

Peter Singer, the author of "The Singer Solution to World Poverty" shared his beliefs on world poverty and has shared his opinion of a solution as well. He believes "the formula is simple: whatever money you're spending on luxuries, not necessities, should be given away." Though he is ridge because prosperous people are able to donate to those who need the boost to help them prosper and all these luxuries aren't needed, not everyone believes their hard work should be given to unfortunate families who aren't able to build their family as well as the luxuries are.

There is an immense number of countries that haven't advanced. The people in countries such as Pakistan, Iraq, and Iran are not able to prosper as far as people in UK and USA. With this being said, we know that they have limited options. By simply donating to fundraisers such as UNICEF, these people in restricted countries can have more opportunities to better their lives. This is significant because though we have been able to prosper with hard work, we had the advantage of living in the US where the economy is one of the highest and opportunities are limitless. As it relates back to Singer's claims: prosperous people can donate even a small amount to permit other unfortunate people to strive high as well.

As you donate a small amount of money, you finally begin to realize and think about the materials and items you own. Are the items you own necessary for you to live? There was a famous Instagrammer known as Omar. He was so immensely rich that anything he owned had a brand label on it. 3 years ago he was diagnosed with cancer and was told he only had 6 months to live. In those months he realized that all the items he owned were useless. He was leaving this world and couldn't take any of the materials with him. He decided to sell all his items and use this money to help others in need and provide students with school supplies as needed.

This shows how everyone truly needs a reality check in order to see that the items are useless and that helping others instead could benefit them both ways. Drake, the rapper, is a great example of this. With 5 million dollars he could have spent on his luxurious music video. He decided to use $100,000 in order to make the "essential" video he needs but then used the remaining money to help those in need. Both of these relate back to Singer because it shows how Drake and Omar decided to keep the essential items in order to allow people in need to get these essentials.

Lastly, people believe that their hard work is for their benefit and others need to work hard to get their benefits as well. These people refute Singer's claim. As a United States resident, you are given unlimited opportunities to become what you want and do what you want. Though in places such as Pakistan, schools are not paid for by the government, so if your parents do not have enough money for K-12, then you do not get to even finish high school like ever US resident is given the FREE option. This already limits the chance for a person in Pakistan for their future.

But as Singer stated, "The formula is simple: whatever money you are spending on luxuries, not necessities, should be given away."

You can use the extra items you have in order for students in Pakistan to be able to go to school and soon allow their family to prosper with the advantage you provided them.

Though people would refute Singer's claim because of greed and selfishness, people can follow his claim and allow other disadvantaged people to try hard and achieve their goals in life as well.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

11739
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5263
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

3899
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3438
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments