₦airaland Forum

Wow, I can't believe some of the comments on this string. What is the point of deliberating on the definition and application of "slum?" My God, suffering is suffering, no matter where or who. Does it matter that there are people worst off in other countries? Tell a hungry child in Detroit that won't get any Christmas presents this year that he isn't suffering because he has running water where as some kid in Africa doesn't. I'm sure the kid will just jump for joy. You can't tell someone what they have the right to feel, you can't tell them that they don't have the right to feel deprived just b/c there is someone else worse off, who do you think you are?

I've known former, fellow students while in college who were from India whose families were very rich, much richer than my family in the US, who didn't give a crap about the poorer people in their country. Those who were fortunate or worked were well off, while those that weren't, weren't, it seemed that they thought, well they did something bad in a past life, so they deserve it, or something such. Of course there are better people that will give, but there are plenty that won't. Same as in the US.

Currently, I am living in Guangdong, China and I am so sick of hearing from people here that the US is so much richer and that we have such better lives. Certainly when I was living in the US I didn't have to work 6 days of the week, but I'll tell you, it was a lot more stressful! Here people help and support you in work, there isn't so much stress & not everything is do or die. You don't get fired or laid-off on a whim & the total general air of people is much more positive. Here the general attitude of business is almost "you can't go wrong, as long as you try," in the US its more "you'll fail no matter how hard you try." Furthermore, even though my income is far less than in the US (what I make here per hour would be illegal), I have much, much more spending money than I ever had in the US. Certainly over-population in China is a big detriment in regards to environment and buying a house, but it has huge benefits as well, in work availability and conveniences, such as public transportation. Because of lack of benefits, everyone works and therefore taxes are a lot smaller percentage.

Another thing, while I sympathize with the poor of the US, I also know that there are many people who take advantage of the system & peoples' sympathy. They take more benefits b/c of the lack of organization of them, they make false claims & ask for more. Can you blame people that work hard all their lives for not being mad at those that refuse to work, get on drugs, have many children that they won't take care despite the availability of preventative measures & then demand hand-outs? Some people refuse to help themselves. I feel sorriest for the children or grandparents that must take care of grandchildren or their own kids who refuse to take responsibility. Just b/c you didn't have a stellar life growing up doesn't mean you have to give the same or worse circumstances to your children; not everyone that now works & earns a paycheck had a great childhood, I certainly didn't & I am proud of what I've worked to accomplish.