The concept of poverty is different in every part of the world. Poverty is defined according to our surroundings. For example, if a person lives in a rural area where most homes are very simple, then the concept of a regular home would be one of a simple home. Now, if I compare that home to a five-star condo in Newport Beach (it is just an example, I love Newport Beach), then it can seem like a shack.
Here my examples are mostly misconceptions about rural poverty
THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING POOR AND INDIGENT. Being poor means having little possessions and being indigent means suffering from great poverty and being in extreme need.
For most of the world, which is not affluent by any means, the concept of poverty is different from that in more affluent nations. Having a pair of brand new tennis shoes, a bag with no broken zippers, or a brand new mobile phone is way beyond anyone’s possibility. Not having brand new items is very normal in most of the world. The reality is that most people are not able to buy new items.
Simple life in non-affluent nations is not a choice; it is a condition of being worthy of respect despite lacking material possessions.
Dr.P
All in all, these individuals right below possess the most important quality: honor and respect. They demonstrate this through their work and demeanor, which is no small feat when they are anything but affluent. Life can be challenging, but it is ultimately up to you to determine its difficulty.
Some examples here:
Poor because they Cook with firewood
While, according to the World Health Organization, people suffer from serious ailments when cooking with firewood, for some, it is their only livelihood and sometime even part of the culture. Remember how people barbecued with firewood? On the picture we see that the making of pig’s fat is done outside, and it serves as a central supply to this restaurant’s business.
Poor because they use worn-out items
In many places around the world, folks are not big consumers. When something breaks, these people find a shop somewhere where things can be fixed. From fixing umbrellas, pots, pans, shoes, TVs, toys, lamps, bicycles, folders (yes! a school folder!), you name it, they can fix it.
Poor people are not happy
Some people are definitely not happy, and there is a list of reasons why some poor people might be very unhappy. On the other hand, there are plenty of poor people who are happy. Why? Because what you feel and the meaning that you give to life does not only involve money. Friendships, family, the birth of a child, falling in love, getting a meaningful hug, seeing your significant other after a long day of work are just some examples of these sources of happiness. The meaning that one gives to happiness, in my experience, is a mix of psychologists’ theories of meaning. It is a more fluid and individual experience, and we all find different sources of meaning.
Poor because they don’t wear shoes
In many cases, the concept of poverty has been portrayed by showing pictures of kids with no shoes. However, in some communities shoes are not widely used (they are not used to having them) and in some cultures being barefoot has a deeply religious and/or cultural significance. In some rural areas, and for some indigenous populations, being barefoot is considered completely normal. In some communitites being barefoot gets them closer to mother earth and at times a symbol of respect.
Poor because they are lazy
In many places, people build any type of store with the materials available to them. It is costly to do otherwise. They still sell goods like any other local sundry store, and they usually excel in genuine customer service!
Poor because they live in a simple home
In many places, people build any type of store with the materials available to them. It is costly to do otherwise. They still sell goods like any other local sundry store, and they usually excel in genuine customer service!
Poor because they live around animals
Many people around the world grow up around animals (LUCKY!!). Some people have chickens to have eggs, pigs to eat meat, dogs to keep them company and to alert them about danger, cats to kill rodents, etc. Animals are a great source of help to these folks; they take care of the cattle, alert them of danger, and help them carry heavy loads.
All of these animals are usually kept outdoors, and some roam around places as if they were their own. Animals are part of their environment and even more affluent people in some places, as in the case of this picture a restaurant, would not keep them away. Animal care is in the eyes of the beholder:-)
Poor Because They Play Inside a Barrel
In some regions of the world, being around water is a natural part of the environment. Not having the ability to purchase a swimming pool should not prevent one from having a fun time playing with water. In this particular scenario, the water is “dirty” due to the presence of soil after the children played in the mud. Resourceful parents have cut a plastic barrel for the kids to enjoy playing and enhance their motor skills!
One of the amazing things that I learned throughout my travels to less affluent places is that when you ask them what they have, they will always rely on family and friends…something to think about??????
