Live 8 has brought poverty to the world's attention and instilled mass fervor for political intervention; but, we are all participants in ending world poverty. We must understand the individual power in our personal purchases and the kind of system we choose to support through those purchases. All too often we choose the cheaper more convenient products that contribute to poverty, environmental pollution, and social displacement by feeding a system of imbalanced wealth and distribution. Here in the US and in many other parts of the world, social responsibility is not a thought when one is poor or has less than riches. People choose to buy more for less, thereby giving money to corporations with cheaper prices and not supporting each other through independent business by cutting back on wants and feeding social need.
Now, think about this: At the recent Conference on World Affairs (University of Colorado), Judith Morrison Executive Director of the Inter-Agency on Race in Latin America (IAC) brought to our attention the difference in having a leader who fosters social awareness, President Lula of Brazil (former factory worker), with other national leaders. The staggering difference is the fact that Mexico has over 700 Walmarts and Brazil 112. Lula has truly given power to the people through their proclivity to make socially responsible purchases despite economic hardship. Why would they do such a thing? What can the rest of do with our careful purchases? And, what ideals are we supporting at this very moment? Take a look at the products around you.