Why is it that people know the problems of this world, but never do nothing more than talk about it?

Question

People in the everyday community hear and know about world poverty, but all I've ever seen them do was talk about how sad that is but never take action. I, myself, are like those people as well, but is it so hard to take the initiative and help the world?

Answer 1

I agree with you, people but do not act to help others more than theirself. I think it might just be human nature. As far as I know (which is very little) throughout the history of mankind we haven't yet acted ,as a world in general, to help others more than ourselves. Maybe it is the way we are raised. Maybe the values we have been taught have misled us all into a false perception of this world. At least in the world I have come to know the majority of people see life as a quest to prosper and gain a plethera of material goods. It seems that being truly happy can be overlooked for fame, fortune, power, and a high social status. Also that people seem to choose their life over someone else's. I know we all say, " No, I would give my life for you." but few ever mean it. Even fewer would act in this manner. It is in this way we continue to act. Bettering the standard of living in our life and ignoring the worsening standard of other people's lives. Not all people are this way but many are including myself. Maybe it is our slow learning of the concept that although people maybe different they still have the same importance. The life of an old dying farmer in the country of Chad is as important as the life of the current U.S. president.

Answer 2

Because it's much easier to talk about things that should be done than to actually do them. Ofcourse you can't stop wars or erase poverty but what people don't realize is that if every person makes a small effort like promote peace in their neighbourhood or organise a little charity show, we can contribute majorly to the solutions of these problems. If you find it hard to take initiative, it's only coz u don't know where to start. U shud start small, increase awareness and do your own share. ofcourse u cant take the responsibility of 6 billion people to erase poverty. Remember, each persons contribution or effort, however small it is, will somehow make a difference in another person's life. So be determined and start taking small steps towards what u believe in. =)

Answer 3

Because, the common folk have no say really in what the governments of the countries do with the charitable gifts received for the poor. The governments steal the gifts and make it look as if nobody is doing a thing about helping the less fortunate ones. Only those with great wealth are ever noticed.... look at Ms Winfrey... she gives millions to build a "school" in Africa... but what does she do to help the poverty in her own country?

Answer 4

I think the stereotypical answer would be:

People are in their own universe, and its easy to avoid such things as world poverty, third world strain, etc. It's not first-hand effecting their life.

But the real answer is that they know, and either don't know how to help or don't care. So I think the better question here might be:

"What can I do to help world poverty?"

Thanks for bringing this up.

Answer 5

Because people are realistic. When you are young and a teenager, you sometimes find an issue that you are passionate about. You put a lot of effort forth to try to solve it. Then when you reach adulthood you realize it's the real world, and just because you care about an issue and are working to solve it, doesn't mean it will ever be solved. Sorry, it's a realization all young adults have when they reach their early to mid twenties.

Answer 6

I try to help all I can. My granny also tries to help. But in a world full of poverty, it is hard.

But, in a lot of cases I think people are unaware. I asked a question earlier (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmMNWIil61cftfUa_Wjb_WLsy6IX?qid=20070210103534AADTjy7) about why it wasn't breaking news that we (the human race) are destroying the only known plant that cures Leukemia. Most people do not know of that. The public in general needs to me more informed.

Answer 7

generally people don't do anything unless it immediately is affecting them...it's like the whole terrorism thing...most ppl had the attitude that it was something that was happening "over there" on the other side of the world...but when 9/11 happened...and it was actually on american soil...we sent over every available troop and involved other countries to help us fight these "terrorist acts"...that said we tend to look the other way when we see something we feel or know is wrong...it's not that we don't care, more like we r too consumed in our own lives to help those that need our help...the only way to end this cycle is to take our heads out of our asses and help one another...after-all, if we were in the same predicament, wud we not want someone to do the same for us?

Answer 8

Well, it is far easier to talk than to actually get out and do something. People talk and talk but they don't actually care enough to go out and do something about what they are complaining about.

But, it can be hard to get out and change everything; some of the problems are caused by local issues such as warlordism, corrupt politicians, etc.

Answer 9

Probably because most believe that they are only one person, and can't make a difference. If everyone took steps to change the world, in even a small way, it would make a difference!

Answer 10

You are RIGHT, because it takes up our time and money to make a difference, so we just talk and talk about it, which is just WRONG, because like you said we SEE the problem and do NOTHING. I hope we all can get a wake up call, sooner than later.