What is Poverty?

 

What is Poverty?

Author: Gouya Roshan (Güya Aydın ) 

If only there were no such thing as poverty in this world; if only everyone could enjoy a peaceful, dignified life without worry. Poverty, before it empties a table, wears down the mind and dries up thought. A person caught in poverty has little chance to look at the world around them. Unknowingly, they become prey to those who, with dark intentions, poison their soul and spirit—and this poison can contaminate an entire world.

The oppressors of the world know well how to exploit poverty to serve their sinister motives. Depending on which group or ideology the person falls into, a path is drawn for them—one that, with the mirage of hope, leads to ruin. For someone without purpose or hope in life is like a frail, sick body, defenseless against any contamination.

Poverty drags them into despair and helplessness, without them realizing that their steps are leading toward destruction. Fatigue, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness distance them from any wise thought, and the longing for even a moment of relief drives them into dangerous decisions—unaware of a tomorrow that may never come.

At times, they remember the untainted eyes of children whose only wish is a day free of stress and full of smiles. The contemptuous looks of others cut like a blade, wounding their heart over and over, keeping their pain fresh.

They keep repeating: “I have nothing to say… what can I do? There’s no choice…” They are exhausted. They seek neither comfort nor luxury nor opulence—only a bit of ease: a simple purchase, soft and clean clothes, a peaceful sleep without tomorrow’s worries. Yet, none of these wishes are within their reach.

Who will hear their voice? Which law will protect them and their family? How much must they fight for this minimal life? A simple life, without extravagance or waste—the life that should be the right of every human being—has now become an unattainable dream.

And today’s world reduces poverty to the image of a ragged face on a dusty street, forgetting that if we trace the roots of many crimes, acts of violence, and social deviations, we will find that the source of more than 90% of them is nothing but poverty.

To reduce crime, we must first fight poverty. But we must understand: poverty is not only an empty stomach. Poverty is living without thought; poverty is misleading the simple-hearted; poverty is a condescending gaze; it is humiliation, injustice, and, ultimately, indifference.

Poverty is cruelty itself. And worse than that is the apathy toward poverty.