Hunger: Abroad and in America

It is sometimes hard for citizens of the United States to comprehend the vastly immeasurable problem of hunger because of the luxuries they enjoy. Even hunger, which is so close to home that it lives on the streets of urban areas, can continue unnoticed to the American dream-life. The free market and capitalistic society which the U.S. thrives on somehow justifies looking the other direction when it comes to hunger. The 12 myths about hunger This article explains many different common myths believed by the wealthy American. It is a true eye opener for those who do not seem to realize the effects of hunger.


“The real culprits [of hunger] are an economy that fails to offer everyone opportunities, and a society that places economic efficiency over compassion .” Is this referencing the U.S.’s economy? I do not agree with this statement because no matter where someone is in there life, they can go to work. Look at all of the immigrants from Central and South American that move to the United States and earn a living while they support a family back home. These strong work ethic individuals are the prime example of how anyone can thrive on the U.S. economy. Also, the U.S. is a very compassionate country that is always willing to lend a hand to another country. When the terrible tsunami hit Sri Lanka, Link to article. American military bases aided victims and millions of U.S. citizens donated money to help victims of the natural disaster. The U.S. is a caring compassionate country who will help anyone who supports freedom and democracy.


Another one of the “12 myths” discussed the truth of the benefits from organic farms saying, “Indeed, environmentally sound agricultural alternatives can be more productive than environmentally destructive ones.” I am a true supporter of locally grown foods due to my service learning at the Riverwest Cooperative. The benefits of an organic diet are being discovered by so many people in the U.S., and a greener lifestyle is adapted by many. This shows that many people are realizing their global impact as an extravagant consumer, and are making significant lifestyle changes to be more accommodating.


“It would be better to use our foreign aid budget for unconditional debt relief, as it is the foreign debt burden that forces most Third World countries to cut back on basic health, education and anti-poverty programs.” This was another theory that seemed too radical. Debts can not be left unpaid. This is one of the many values held by U.S. citizens. Our country holds debt just like other countries, but the U.S. pays its debts. If the U.S. relieves countries of their debt, that teaches irresponsibility. We already have many organizations offering relief in third world countries, and even large companies offer programs to third world countries with the RED campaign.


12 Myths About Hunger based on World Hunger: 12 Myths, 2nd Edition, by Frances Moore Lappé, Joseph Collins and Peter Rosset, with Luis Esparza (fully revised and updated, Grove/Atlantic and Food First Books, Oct. 1998)