"...look around you at the multiplied number of beggars in the city and rural areas. More poignantly, take note of many who would hate to be considered to be among the rank of beggars who are forced to beg. People are losing jobs, bills are piling up daily, banks and other lenders want security, and persons from all strata of society are running out of cash.
If you doubt that scenario about cash shortage, ask the big consumer houses how their sales have been. They will invariably tell you their sales are down - in some cases, quite significantly. Consumers are short of cash...
The twin problem of hunger and poverty is moving up the social hierarchy. Many are still ashamed to disclose their need and their near destitution. More are being forced into the open by hunger, mounting bills and absolutely no cash in the kitty. Many entrepreneurs with small and/or new businesses are on the brink of failure and bankruptcy because fewer people can buy their products or services..." (Jamaican Gleaner, May 3, 2013)
Those of the upper class seem to give the illusion that all is well... The gap between the rich and the poor is mind boggling. I often feel as though I am in two very different Jamaica's and, indeed I am. I am reading a fascinating book, Blood Bullets and Bodies: Sexual Politics Below Jamaica's Poverty Line by Imani Tafari-Ama which is a poignant look into the under-belly of the lives and culture of poor Jamaicans living on the Southside. I was particularly interested in body politics, Jamaican women and the poverty and lusts and fuel the sex trade because sex tourism is the biggest attraction and biggest business.
I will close this entry by sharing that I visited the National Gallery last week. I was intrigued by work of Edna Manley (wife of Norman Manley, Jamaica's National hero). There were three distinct phases of her work. Her early work reflected a European style and appearance. Then her work began to reflect an African style and appearance. These African images were quite uplifting. She is most noted for "Negro Aroused". When I look at this piece I see so much power and hope. A strong body that appears to be pushing upward and looking upward... perhaps pressing toward a new and bright future.
The latter portion of her work, still reflected an African appearance. However, the images really disturbed me. So much so that I promised that I would revisit the gallery against with the sole purpose of contemplating her work. This is one of the particularly disturbing piece for me. It is called "Dispossessed"
While I cannot quite articulate it at this moment, somehow in the very depth of my soul, in every fiber of my being -- I get it. I don't know if I am more overwhelmed by the poverty I see or by the privileged 10% who choose to be blind to the poverty.
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" ~Micah 6:8
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ReplyDeleteThe disparity between the rich and the poor continues to grow each day and the politicians and the wealthy seem to be turning a blind eye to the growing unrest. It is as if they are saying "let them eat cake". We know where that attitude leads. Look at all the instances of people rising up and openly rebelling against government. It is as my father said "A man is not going to watch his family go hungry while others around him are eating." It is time to wake up everybody before we reach the point of no return.
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