Why do many Americans ignore the poverty that is happening across Africa?

Answer 1

Because Africa isn't America. There's too much poverty here to worry about before we start to be concerned with a shithole half a world away.

Answer 2

This is one reason why China has a headstart in Africa. They are giving no-strings-attached aid to Africa. They have started making friends in Africa and they will be thanked later.

There is no reason why Americans shouldn't ignore the poverty. After all, it doesn't affect them in any way and if America stopped giving money to Africa, their tax dollars would do more good helping Americans.

Humans as a species, is generally selfish.

Answer 3

Bigbird they ignore the poverty that is happening IN America! What makes Africa so special? What about India, South America, Central America, Nepal, Bangladesh, etc...

Do something yourself and leave others to do good in there own way. I have been to some of these places and know what I am speaking of by the way.

Here are some things I am curious about. Are you Black? What ratio of "American" giving vs. any other Country? What is "White American" giving vs. "non-White" giving? Sound racist yet? Good, because that is how I see your question.

Answer 4

I think Americans, and our government in particular, spend way too much time and money trying to fix Africa's problems. It is waste.

African countries do not want to be helped. They like the aid dollars because it lines the pockets of their corrupt governments, but that's about it. Relief efforts in Africa have accomplished nothing.

And the fact of the matter is, we are not obligated to help them. They made their bed, let them lie in it. They've had as long as any other group of people on earth to create civilised societies. If they can't do it or don't won't to, that's not our concern. The mentality of the African people needs to change before any money will help them.

I would much rather the US focus its energies on our own domestic problems. Why do so many Americans ignore the impoverished people living in the Appalachians? Why does our government ignore the hoards of illegal immigrants coming to our country stealing our jobs and bringing horrible diseases? Why don't we help the homeless in our country, some of whom sleep on the streets in sub-zero temperatures? The list goes on and on and I don't see the Africans helping us with our problems.

However, I do think American blacks who have the talents and the resources should invest their own time and money into helping their kin in Africa if they want to. But African relief should not be subsidised by American taxpayers.

Answer 5

Because the Americans are busy working to become the most powerful and richest nation by taking over the countries where there is wealth. Africa has poverty and it is a waste of time and money to work there. They will be looking for another Iraq where there is Oil or some other Natural resource.

Answer 6

I guess because we feel that it doesn't affect us. I know that there is only so much we can do as a country. I also understand that we need to fix our own problems before we try and fix those of other nations. No offense. But there is alot of poverty in America too. Open your eyes, look around. Everyone is so fixed on themselves that they forget about their own people. And the people who do try to help others, help only those in other nations. So Americans are left to fend for themselves. We need to look within ourselves, and fix the problems here at home. Before we take on the task of fixing the problems of other people.

Answer 7

I care-I really care. It's horrible but there are poverty-stricken people in our own country too. Who said we don't care? We have problems in America fighting poverty.

Answer 8

I ignore it because it simply doesn't concern me.Americans didn't cause Africa's problems,African's did.Let them take care of their own.I would rather see Americans do something for Americans.

Answer 9

Because the only thing they have ever done is give hand outs. I think a lot of problems are caused by over population. How responsible is it to keep having babies when you can't support yourself?

Answer 10

a lot of "third world" countries will not disperse the donations to the people - the politicians keep it for themselves. By the way, are you one of those who complain that the US is trying to run the world?