I once believed that poverty was a state of mind that...

I once believed that poverty was a state of mind that resulted in a variety of physical and mental manifestations. While this may be true in some cases, the simple truth is that many people around the world are born in poverty with virtually no exposure to any other way of life. Others may find themselves in its clutches due to personal choices or from circumstances beyond individual control. The same as any other social issue, it is important to understand the cause of poverty; however the complexity of the problem is such that society is bogged down in assumptions and attitudes that have permeated the minds of community members as a whole. Likewise, there appears not to be a clearly defined agreement concerning what poverty actually†¦show more content†¦Life can change in an instant regardless of background, status, or income. In trying to identify what poverty means to me, I realized that I don’t know. I have spent days trying to form a coherent definition of poverty. I have reached deep into my personal experiences and knowledge, and I am still left with only a surface understanding. Thinking of poverty leaves me paralyzed and depressed. The pain of a hungry, sick, or scared child is intolerable, yet I know that it is a reality around the world. Regrettably, like many Americans, at times, I must push the knowledge aside to endure. Sometimes, I just can’t drive down that road; literally and figuratively. So, for self-preservation purposes at this point in time, I can only share what poverty looks like from my perspective. Poverty is hunger that exists when a person has absolutely no idea when or how he or she will acquire the next meal. Poverty is lack of shelter or the knowledge that shelter is short term. Poverty is being cold and not knowing when one will feel warmth again. Poverty is not having access to a shower or clean clothes. Poverty is looking around and knowing that one’s surroundings are a disaster, but not being capable of pulling together enough energy or care to make improvements. Poverty is being sick or injured with no access to healthcare or medication. Poverty is overwhelming debt. Poverty is being a parent and knowing that your children are not getting their needs met, butShow MoreRelatedThe Elizabeth Poor Law824 Words   |  4 PagesElizabeth Poor Laws: Why were they so important in the development of social welfare in North America?: The Elizabeth Poor Law advocated and placed responsibility of the poor to the churches and government. If parishes could not meet the responsibilities, counties were required to assume relief-giving functions. The government became the chief enforcer of poor relief. However, the local parishes fulfilled their welfare responsibilities in several ways. 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