M
manualman
Guest
Years ago, I spent a couple weeks doing a short term mission trip in Sucre Bolivia (where the country’s Supreme Court was based). There was a housing development of upscale homes where some of the judges lived that was pretty opulent (probably 4,000SF houses, beautifully landscaped grounds with pools, gated, private tennis courts, etc). Within a mile and easily visible from this compound was an area of total squalor: crude mud brick houses, dirt floors, no electric or plumbing, thatched roofs, 100SF total size each… Many members of the group I was with expressed horror and digust that those judges could live that way within sight of such poverty.
I’ve heard similar expressions from others at other times, usually referring to conditions in third world countries. My question is this: What’s the big deal about the proximity? Is a mansion and a Mercedes more of an offense against the poor when you can SEE them than when you can’t? Why is purposely sequestering yourself away from horrible poverty and refusing to look at it morally superior to looking at it an ignoring it anyways?
What say you? Are you more shocked by third world wealthy people that have luxurious homes and luxury cars than by Americans who live as well or better? Why or why not?
I’ve heard similar expressions from others at other times, usually referring to conditions in third world countries. My question is this: What’s the big deal about the proximity? Is a mansion and a Mercedes more of an offense against the poor when you can SEE them than when you can’t? Why is purposely sequestering yourself away from horrible poverty and refusing to look at it morally superior to looking at it an ignoring it anyways?
What say you? Are you more shocked by third world wealthy people that have luxurious homes and luxury cars than by Americans who live as well or better? Why or why not?