By ShuQi Liu
Did you know that global poverty did not just happen, it began with military conquest, slavery and colonisation? White men — armed with guns and swords in one hand and bibles in the other – set in motion a system of exploitation whose effects can still be felt today.
On 10 September, I joined members and friends of ONE (SINGAPORE) at Sinema to watch and discuss “The End of Poverty?”. The one hour 45 minute documentary by award-winning filmmaker Philippe Diaz was honest and direct. Long shots of real life poverty in the Southern hemisphere were starkly contrasted with close-ups of academic experts. Filmed in the ghettos of Africa and the slums of Latin America, “The End of Poverty?” features insights from Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Prize winning economist and former World Bank Senior Vice President , and John Perkins, author of “Confessions of an Economic Hitman”, among others. The film’s theme of the growing rich-poor divide among the wealthiest and poorest of nations is explored matter-of-factly by suited-up academics and dishevelled labourers. Social activists also share staggering statistics describing how countries in the South have been robbed of their resources through unfair terms and conditions linked to a Western-driven economic agenda.
Movie-goers discuss
Men and women living in impoverished communities passionately shared how the historical legacy of colonialism is still prevalent in modern society. I was particularly struck by the sensibility of a gold miner in Cerro de Potosí, Bolivia. He appeared to be overworked, but definitely still sharp in wit:
“The silver mine that was extracted from this rich mountain could build a bridge from Potosí to Spain.
The bones of 8 million labourers who died in extracting the silver can also build a bridge from Spain back to Potosí.”
The film left me with a great sense of dilemma. Can poverty really be ended? Through interviews with slum dwellers, impoverished farmers and indigenous populations, it dawned on me that despite demoralizing circumstances that increasingly challenge their survival, they are still striving to make do with what little is left. Yet, social experts suggest that their circumstances can be improved if people living in poverty themselves unite and revolt against the powerful. The lingering question is, can the powerless ever rise up to this occasion, or do the fortunate — like you and me — empower the powerless?
Personally, I still feel we need to help ourselves before helping others. In the economics of needs and wants, it is when the fortunate like you and me have experienced excess that we realize the need to share our wealth. This could be in the form of making a donation, creating awareness, becoming a conscious consumer – in whatever ways we are able to contribute.
Hani Mohamed sharing her thoughts and leading the open discussion
After the screening, attendees shared their thoughts about the film. ONE (SINGAPORE) Secretary Hani Mohamed opened the floor for discussion with a quote by Martin Luther King Jr:
“It is a tragic mix-up when the United States spends $500,000 for every enemy soldier killed, and only $53 annually on the victims of poverty.”
Natalia Angel from Veggie Thursdays suggested that changes to our daily lifestyle could collectively help alleviate poverty. The process of conscious consumerism could reduce our demand for resources. Hani also highlighted the importance of becoming social agents of change at the consumer level. On this note, Tan Chong Kee added that even in Singapore, there are structural reasons for poverty and it can be overwhelming to tackle so many large issues at the same time. So it’s great, he said, to learn about local efforts that start small to build capacity and assist people in need.
ONE (SINGAPORE) co-founder Michael Switow quoted Nelson Mandela:
“Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings”.
Michael added that change occurs on several levels. At a micro level, each and every one of us can make a difference in our communities and the lives of those around us, both here at home and overseas. And a macro level, the right policies can impact the lives of millions, if not billions, of people. Men created poverty, humans can end it.
By the end of the discussion, I walked away with an awakened sense that our actions directly impact impoverished communities. And I think the other attendees did too. But I still struggle to find the right solution to end it. If only time could be like an iPod music player – a simple push of the pause and rewind button will allow us to undo the injustice of history.
*ONE (SINGAPORE) would like to thank SINEMA and Social Creatives for their support in hosting and organising this event.
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