Poverty

Out-and-out liars or Outliers?

Submitted by Ryan Johnson, Published on Mon, 11/19/2012 - 04:00

Often heard in our modern tale of triumph, like Perseus slaying Medusa, is the glossy version of a business person who has beat all odds to become the most successful, most imitated, and ultimately, the most wealthy in their field. Heavy books are written about them—can you go into a bookstore without having Steve Jobs stare you down? The almighty business heroes comprise the bulk of our mythos that feed the global capitalist imagination. Warren Buffet. Oprah. Bill Gates. They don’t even need a full sentence because you already know their stories.

Generalizing Grief for the Greater Good

Submitted by Ryan Johnson, Published on Sun, 07/08/2012 - 16:52

Have you ever been to a funeral or memorial service? The grieving family and friends have their attention divided between holding back their inner sobs and trying to relate to others who are gathered to share their memories. The harmony of quivering voices overlaying a solemn code of conduct gets punctuated by bouts of laughter from the telling of funny anecdotes. I suspect the comical stories are tacitly required so that participants have some sanctioned relief from the somber mood.

Poverty And Inequality

Submitted by Ian Massey, Published on Sun, 05/27/2012 - 17:26

"The gears of poverty, ignorance, hopelessness and low self-esteem interact to create a kind of perpetual failure machine that grinds down dreams from generation to generation. We all bear the cost of keeping it running." ~ Carl Sagan

Poverty and inequality: Two of the most socially paralysing inherent flaws within the current socio-economic paradigm. In the words of Gandhi, "Poverty is the worst form of violence." This quote is not to be taken lightly. It is far more than a mere ethical philosophy.