By #adl
In our world, there exists an ever-widening chasm between the haves and the have-nots. Those who are fortunate enough to be in the upper echelons of society often form an exclusive circle, while the less fortunate, the poor, are often left to fend for themselves. This divide is a stark reality, one that has persisted throughout history, manifesting in various forms and creating a tapestry of despair and hardship for those on the wrong side of the wealth gap.
The rich, it seems, have an unspoken pact among themselves, a camaraderie built upon shared privileges and prosperity. The poor, on the other hand, are marginalized, sometimes even despised, to the point where their poverty becomes a self-perpetuating cycle, leaving them with little hope for a better life.
The underprivileged often find themselves at the beck and call of the affluent. They are the gardeners, the security guards, and the laborers in the hands of the wealthy. When illness strikes a poor worker and they are unable to fulfill their duties, they are often cast aside, left to languish in suffering, and, in the worst cases, die without care or support. The rich in most cases, rather than lending a helping hand, simply replace them with another pedestrian soul who is willing to toil for a pittance.
Whenever a wealthy man celebrates a milestone, his friends swell around him lavishing on him all manners of assistance with each guest contributing, the burden of funding such events is shouldered by the well-off, ensuring the host never spends a dime of their wealth. Meanwhile, the children of the poor are forced out of school due to financial constraints, only to find themselves in the service of the rich as housemaids or houseboys.
As it is today, the plight of the impoverished goes largely unaddressed, their bills left unpaid, and their dreams left chattered, perpetuating a long cycle of poverty across generations.
The question that emerges from this stark reality is, who will put an end to this insidious cycle of poverty? It’s disheartening to see how public officers often exploit this divide, using poverty as a tool to maintain their power and control. As the impoverished become even more destitute, the political landscape transforms into a battle for survival for the poor, leaving them with little choice but to follow those who promise salvation. The real reasons why the poor celebrate the corrupt public authorities and indicted politicians.
Who, then, will champion the cause of the poor and rescue them from the grip of suffering, sorrow, tears, and death? The burden of ending this vicious cycle does not fall solely on the shoulders of the government. It is a collective responsibility that society as a whole must bear and address. The religious bodies, the charity organizations, and the well-to-do in our society have a responsibility to take up.
The palliative from the government is a good one, but often not the best relief to address poverty. Let the children of the poor be educated, let them have access to basic health facilities, let them be empowered with skills, and let them be supported.
The rich must pause at this point in our society and reflect upon their own mortality. No one, regardless of his wealth, can escape the inevitability of death. When we look at the legacies of those who were once considered wealthy, we often find that their grand houses and properties have crumbled into history. The true heroes in our collective memory are those who utilized their wealth for the greater good, leaving a legacy of compassion and benevolence that transcends generations.
It is within our power, as a society, to break the chains of poverty and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. Compassion, empathy, and social responsibility must become the guiding principles that guide us toward a more equitable and just society. To do so, we must work to dismantle the structures that perpetuate this divide, hold politicians and public officers accountable for their actions, and actively engage in initiatives that uplift the less fortunate.
As we embark on this journey toward a more egalitarian society, let us remember that it is not just the duty of the rich to give, but the responsibility of all to care for one another. Only through such collective efforts can we hope to eradicate poverty, alleviate the suffering of the poor, and create a world where every individual has the opportunity to flourish and prosper.
As you read this piece, remember the only people who deserve to be in your life are the ones who treat you with love, kindness, and respect. So don’t be afraid of losing someone who doesn’t feel lucky to have you.
Good morning everyone and enjoy a new week.
#Adl is a social media champion and public analyst.