Life, Liberty, and Property.
The three natural rights that John Locke believes every human owns.
The law of nature means that no humans fight each other for these rights.
Life, Liberty, and the Persuit of Happiness.
Jefferson wrote this phrase based off John Locke for the United States constitution.
The U.S.A. was founded on the ideals that every American deserves these unlienable rights.
In a time when the citizens of the USA have such controversial ideas about how our country should run, it is so easy for ourselves to seperate from each other and forget our common similarity- we are all American.
When George Washington retired, he stated in his farewell address:
""However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion."
This quote had held true to today's world, as it is proved that political parties have seperated the American people into two groups, Republican and Democrat. We, as Americans, have very different ideals which has led to the common issue of us forgetting where we all come from- different places.
America was founded on the idea of seperating away from what is not right and being a free country where people are granted freedom of expression. We all come from different places around the world to make a name for ourselves, so we can determine how we want to live our lives.
In the U.S., we have the ability to work as hard as you want to achieve what you want, which anyone can do. People in countries around the world would give anything for that right. Americans forget how good they have it.
The current debate about racism and priviledge has many different point of views from around the country on how to fix this issue. As a moral, racism should not exist in the slightest. Racism is learned, not taught. The slave trade had lasting effects on people which still are talked about today, and the question that Americans debate about is, how do we give support to those who still hurt from the slave trade?
Discrimination based on skin color still exists in peoples personalities today, but there are no laws that prohibit any races from doing anything. All humans are free to do what they want, legally of course.
It is unfair for people to say America is a third world country, or oppressed. America is not oppressed. Sure it has its issues, but there are millions of people who would give anything to live here.
Republican: "Republic, form of government in which a state is ruled by representatives of the citizen body. Modern republics are founded on the idea that sovereignty rests with the people, though who is included and excluded from the category of the people has varied across history."
Democrat: "The modern Democratic Party emphasizes egalitarianism, social equality, protecting the environment, and strengthening the social safety net through liberalism. They support voting rights and minority rights, including LGBT rights, multiculturalism, and religious secularism."
People may stand with what party they believe represents their morals. Peope must remember that we are one nation, undivided as proven by the outcome of the civil war.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
Life, Liberty, and the Persuit of Happiness- nobody can take these morals away from any American. Every American can control their own life, their own liberty, and their own happiness by their choices. This is what makes our country so great- we the people can make choices.
We must remember that although we may disagree, we are priviledged. We are one. Be proud of being American, and exercise your freedom of speech to make known what you believe. America first.
The other day, I was talking with my dad. He told me stories of how he had little money growing up, and how this motivated him to have a stable life for his family. This conversation came into play because I was stressed about the fact that I do not exacly know what I want to do with my life.
He told me how often, kids who grow up being given everything they ask for, like me, do not do very well in the future because they do not know how to work hard. He was questioning me if I would be one of these people.
Well, lets break it down.
If I took over my father's business, which is four Servpro franchises, I would most likely be unhappy because I would have to remain living in Massachusetts. In this sense, I would fail.
If I follow my passions to living in a city near the ocean with opportunity to grow and be well known, I believe I will do very well.
We then went on to talk about how you are good at anything if you have passion for it.
My worst fear is staying in one place all my life and tending to my husband and kids.
My biggest dream is traveling the world and being a big time lawyer/politician in a big city near the ocean, like DC.
This brings me back to my question of where I will get motivation to follow the life I want to have. My father got there by having motivation to give his children all possibilities they can have because he grew up in a home where he was not given much, and he had to work for it.
I was given most of the things I have. I mean, I have a job, and I am dicisplined, but I never have had to work too hard at anything besides grades.
I am trying to find my motivation to follow my dream. I know I need to take it one step at a time, but I truly believe with enough perserverance and drive I can get to where I want to be.
I am as stubborn as a bull. I am very mature for my age and full of passion and drive.
Although these personality traits contrast, I believe that my drive overtakes my stubborness and will push me to be better.
My father has drive like me. We get it from different areas of our lives, but let me tell you when I want something, I will go off and get it, no matter what it takes.
I cannot wait to see where life takes me. For now, I am so happy to be making differences and living my best life at my school. In the future though? Let me tell you, I will go far, I swear on it. I cannot wait for everyone who knows me in my current adolecense to look at me in adulthood and say, "hey I knew her!"
Maybe life will take me a different way and I will become a country singer. Maybe I will become a suburban mother. Maybe I will live on a beach in Cambodia with only elephants as my social interaction. Whatever way this unperdictable life takes me, I am determined to use my drive to be the absolute best person I can be and use my gifts to go far.
The Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation was a religious upheaval that divided Roman Catholics from each other in the early 16th century. In 1517, a German priest named Martin Luther criticized the sale of indulgences by the church, which began the reformation. The sale of indulgences was a donation of money by catholics so that they would be guaranteed access to heaven when they died. Indulgences were sold by professional pardoners who were hired by the church. Controversially, “the sale of indulgences exceeded the official parameters of church doctrine; unscrupulous quaestores might promise eternal salvation (rather than just a remission of time in purgatory) in exchange for funds, or threaten damnation to those who refused” (Burton 1). In reality, the money that catholics were giving was going to fund the luxurious life of the popes. Martin Luther then wrote a document called the Ninety-Five Theses, which was a proposition which began the debate over the legitimacy of the indulgences. Martin Luther took his document and became famous over “allegedly nailing it to the door of a church in Wittenberg” (Strayer 645). This document made light of wrongs made by the Roman Catholic Church, and publicly began the debate over the criticized topic of the lush life the popes led. More than ever, “popes claimed temporal (political) as well as spiritual power. They commanded armies, made political alliances and enemies, and, sometimes, even waged war” (Khan Academy 1). Popes were being seen less as religious figures and more as political leaders, which altered the face of catholicism. The ending of the Reformation is debated, but many attest it to being “the 1555 Peace of Augsburg, which allowed for the coexistence of Catholicism and Lutheranism in Germany” (History 1). Martin Luther was excommunicated because of his rebellious actions by the Diet of Worms. The reformation took place in Germany. The Reformation caused the beginning of one of the three major parts of Chrisitanity, which is Protestantism. Protestantism practices the beliefs that freedom from sins is dependent on God and the merits of a person. Protestants believe that followers should each read the bible for themselves to develop their own understanding and interpretation of God’s word, and they should not just go along with everything that they are told by others of that religion. This branch of Chritianity had beliefs that went against the leaders of the Roman Catholic church, making it seem like a threat.
Indian Ocean Trade
The Indian Ocean is an ocean that stretches between the Southern tips of Africa to Australia, for more than 6,200 miles. It makes up one-fifth of the world’s oceans. Surrounding countries of this ocean are “Iran, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh to the north; the Malay Peninsula, the Sunda Islands of Indonesia, and Australia to the east; Antarctica to the south; and Africa and the Arabian Peninsula to the west. In the southwest it joins the Atlantic Ocean south of the southern tip of Africa, and to the east and southeast its waters mingle with those of the Pacific Ocean” (Kanayev 1). The trade routes of the Indian ocean connected all of these places to each other in one way or another. It has played a significant role in the development of civilizations around the world. This area of trade had more people and goods than the silk road, but it is not as well known due to the fact that Europeans were not involved until much later in its existence. The Indian Ocean is known for its drastic monsoon winds. These winds made it easy for trade boats to cruise through the body of water, making trade efficient on sailboats. These winds were very predictable, making trade consistent and allowing navigators the security of when to travel between destinations for the greatest outcome. Early maritime navigators could tell trade ships what time of year to leave their destination for smooth sailing on the monsoon winds to ensure efficient and effective trips between trade destinations. Trade was dominated by muslim merchants in this area because they had the finances to erect the ships and journeys. It is also important to note that trade was not based on political leaders and their ideas of how their country would run, but rather trade depended on supply and demand for the people of trading ports. This exchange of goods was very peaceful, except for a few pirates here and there. Before european involvement, the trade ships did not need navy protection when sailing and could rather smoothly know that the winds were consistent and they were mostly safe. Europeans began to appear in the Indian Ocean in 1498. Portuegse sailors were the first to enter because of the fact that “European demand for Asian luxury goods was extremely high” (Szczepanski 1). Europe did not have goods to trade that were in need of the people of the Indian ocean, such as wool, fur clothing, iron cooking pots, or other European goods. The Portugese ended up entering the trade as pirates and seized port cities, looting goods they were in need of. Muslims were mainly targeted by them because they wer “Still scarred by the Moorish Umayyad conquest of Portugal and Spain (711–788), they viewed Muslims in particular as the enemy and took every opportunity to plunder their ships” (Szczepanski 1). Commodities that were traded pre-european invasion in the 700 years before the 16th century were silk, porcelain, spices, incense, and ivory, along with other things. Indian Ocean trade is significant to world history because it was the largest sea-based trading network in this time frame, and showed China’s dominance and skill in trade.
Part II – Short Answer (10 Points)
The definition of globalization is “the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.” While globalization today may be thought of as technological connection, the beginning of globalization had more to do with trade and connection between countries. The early modern period, which took place between the years 1450-1750, is the time period in which Europe began really expanding and building empires. They dominate almost all world affairs, from trade to land ownership. This time period comes after Marco Polo, and is when many huge land empires expand such as the Ottoman and Islamic Mughal empires. The “interconnection of the Eastern and Western hemispheres made possible by transoceanic voyaging marked a key transformation of this period” (Freeman 1), which already gives an example of the beginning of globalization, by different parts of the world having connection to each other that previously did not. Technological advancements by Europeans include shipbuilding and gunpowder to enhance their place in global trade. Patterns of trade routes became easier to navigate through and determine when to travel on for optimized success in transporting goods. The “changing patterns of long-distance trade included the global circulation of some commodities and the formation of new regional markets and financial centers increased trans-regional and global trade networks facilitated the spread of religion and other elements of culture as well as the migration of large numbers of people. Germs carried to the Americas ravaged the indigenous peoples, while the global exchange of crops and animals altered agriculture, diets, and populations around the planet” (Freeman 1). The development of the world trade routes affected many nations differently, some better than others. Europeans were thriving with all the land they dominated and all the goods they owned from other cultures, while other places around the world were hurting at the hands of the Europeans. At this time, the world’s economic endeavors were primarily controlled by European influence.
In this time period is when the Americas became prominent in world history. Their first connection to globalization is when Christopher Columbus discovered the land and indigenous people living there, leading to a genocide of thousands from European disease. The Columbian Exchange brings the Americas into global trade, which leads new diseases and crops to be distributed throughout the world. The technological advancements that Europeans achieved “allowed European empires to form and exercise a more prominent role in world affairs, eventually leading to colonialism” (Kaplan 1). Colonialism did not just happen in the Americas, but also Africa, Australia, Asia, and other places around the world. The colonization of African tribes led to the people being forced to travel to the Americas and Europe on slave ships to work on plantations in brutal conditions, and Indigenous people were forced out of their land. These trade affairs that took place around the world, such as the Indian Ocean and the Triangular Trade Route, led to countries beginning to connect with each other, which can be deemed the beginning of globalization. Although trade in the Indian Ocean is known as the largest trading area pre-European colonization, the dawn of globalization really began with the Columbian exchange. Trade of commodities in the Western world began globalization in the West. The slave trade was a major part of the Colombian exchange which founded globalization, because “the expansion of the slave trade expanded was dramatic during the seventeenth century - and it sustained the expansion of Atlantic Economy, giving birth to integrated economic/industrial systems across the Ocean” (UPenn 1). With the age of exploration, the development of the global economy, and the colombian exchange all taking place in this time period, it is safe to say that this is when the globalization of the world really began. With all factors into consideration, it is definite that in the modern era,“the previously separate worlds of Afro-Eurasia, the Americas, and Pacific Oceania became inextricably linked, with enormous consequences for everyone involved. Global empires, a global economy, global cultural exchanges, global migrations, global disease, global wars, and global environmental changes” (Strayer 531), all can be held accountable for connection between areas. By exploring each part of the world in which trade, disease, wars, and empires took place, the dawn of globalization in the early modern area becomes prominent to world history.
Part III – Reflection (10 Points)
When maintaining and administering an empire, control of trade routes is integral to the success of the empire. In history, many of the most successful and prosperous empires have been ones with strong trading routes and ports, that have strong connections to the rest of the world. By building and maintaining roads to allow for efficient merchant travel, innovating and building stunning trade ships, and having goods to offer, empires can advance their societies and become known as the greatest and hold power. As contact between different cultures grows with trade, “ideas and cultural practices spread, particularly in the areas of language, religion, and art. International trade led to the establishment of trade emporiums which in turn often developed into colonies. As the competition for resources and access to lucrative trade routes intensified, wars often then resulted when rulers looked to seize the riches of rival states and empires” (Cartwright 1). Learning more about other cultures can aid in war and negotiation. For empires like that of the Mongols, “the Mongolians viewed trade as critical to the maintaining of their empire, they implanted certain political policies geared towards encouraging trade” (O’brien 1). The Pax Mongolica also allowed for peaceful trade throughout their own empire and minimal warfare. Trade allows empires to become familiar with each other, which may be useful in war when allies are needed. In the 14th century occurred one of the worst outcomes of trade ever, which is when a plague was spread throughout Europe by trade ships at trading ports in the Mediterranean. Millions died, and this death ravaged the continent of Europe. Pirates can also affect trade by looting ships or locking down ports. This goes to show that trade also has its downsides too, and is not always smooth sailing. Trade best helps the economy grow for a civilization, bringing in new materials for an empire to give the empire strength. In the Indian Ocean, peaceful trading routes guided by consistent monsoon winds made trade easy and efficient, which helped all of the empires involved grow, including the Chinese who dominated this area. The entire east coast of Africa, along with India, Southeastern Asia, China, and Australia were all involved in this trade. Cultural exchange helped the empires grow and learn more about their neighbors. Overall, trade deeply benefits an empire and the administration of it.
Trade helps empires thrive by giving them access to material that will help them prosper. When cities have access to new technology and crops, the city advances farther than other cities so the people of the empire are proud of where they live. People want to be ahead of everywhere else and proud of where they live so they will stay in the empire, which allows the empire to grow. When an empire has a surplus of a material, they can export what they have to import new things. One empire who imported many new foods to sell on their land was the British empire. Interesting enough, “Britain was also one of the first countries to go through an industrial revolution, which meant that it was able to trade industrial products for agricultural products. For example, Britain could trade iron, coal, and clothing, and in return get cotton, spices and other food products” (O’Brien 1). The British empire is known as one of the largest and longest empires in history. The economy of an empire can grow dramatically due to trade, from bringing in materials and selling imported materials to the people of an empire for more money than purchased for. Cities along trade routes throughout history, on land or water, such as the Silk road or the Incense route, brought in money by “providing services to merchants and acting as international marketplaces” (Met 1). Trade allows both empires involved to become richer, and often develops good relations which can be useful in war. The people of an empire will be happy with their prosperous empire who has many connections to the rest of the world, and they will stay in that empire. One of the most successful trading empires are the Chinese, who are knowing for being dominant in trading routes and areas, “since they had larger and superior ships, as well as more advanced technology, living standards and global influence compared to Western countries” (Intrepid Sourcing 1). Trade routes benefitted all empires along it because they were“the communications highways of the ancient world. New inventions, religious beliefs, artistic styles, languages, and social customs, as well as goods and raw materials, were transmitted by people moving from one place to another to conduct business” (Met 1). Overall, trade benefits an empire and allows for growth. It is beneficial in world affairs, such as when needing allies for war. Out of religious uniformity, technological superiority, and control of trade routes, controlling trade routes is the most beneficial aspect to administering an empire.
Works Cited
History.com Editors. “The Reformation.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2 Dec. 2009, www.history.com/topics/reformation/reformation.
“An Introduction to the Protestant Reformation (Article).” Khan Academy, Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history/renaissance-and-reformation/protestant-reformation/a/an-introduction-to-the-protestant-reformation.
Burton, Tara Isabella. “The Protestant Reformation, Explained.” Vox, Vox, 2 Nov. 2017, www.vox.com/identities/2017/11/2/16583422/the-protestant-reformation-explained-500-years-martin-luther-christianity-95-theses.
“Trade and Transportation.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/place/Indian-Ocean/Trade-and-transportation.
Szczepanski, Kallie. “Indian Ocean Trade Routes.” ThoughtCo, www.thoughtco.com/indian-ocean-trade-routes-195514.
“Early Modern (1450-1750).” Freemanpedia, www.freeman-pedia.com/earlymodern.
Emmacalderwood, and Emmacalderwood. “AP World History: Modern - Period 2 Notes (1450-1750).” Kaplan Test Prep, 24 Aug. 2020, www.kaptest.com/study/ap-world-history/ap-world-history-modern-period-2-notes-1450-1750/.
History.com Editors. “The Reformation.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2 Dec. 2009, www.history.com/topics/reformation/reformation.
“Trade in the Ancient World.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, www.ancient.eu/collection/39/trade-in-the-ancient-world/.
About the author Author: Bennett O'BrienBennett O'Brien is a freelance writer from the state of Massachusetts in the United States. He holds a bachelor's degree from Westfield State University, et al. “3 Historical Empires That Had a Strong Impact on Global Trade.” Trade Ready, 18 May 2016, www.tradeready.ca/2015/trade-takeaways/3-historical-empires-strong-impact-global-trade/.
Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/trade/hd_trade.htm.
Hunger and Food Insecurity
Study Circle
Written and Produced by Avery M. Kurzontkowski
Marianapolis Preparatory School
Background
In the United States, food insecurity is one of the largest issues facing Americans. So many people in poverty who live paycheck-to-paycheck never know where their next meal will come from or what it will be. Discussing the dilemma of food insecurity in a relaxed and modern setting can allow for education on the subject and new ideas about how to combat the problem. Access to fresh and healthy food for all Americans should be a given security that many do not have, and people should be able to not question if they will be able to eat their next meal. This study circle may produce some ways that Americans can have access to nutritious food to feed themselves and their families.
This study circle is meant to allow an opportunity for people in communities to gather and discuss the issue of food insecurity in the United States. Any citizens who want to make a difference and do good in their country can take part in this study circle to enhance their knowledge of a big issue facing Americans, and review plans for how to help more Americans have access to food. The facts and concepts can be discussed by any group of people, non discriminatory on race, age, or financial background. Strategic plans for enhancing educational spread of information can come out of this study circle as well, along with other ideas for how to aid struggling Americans. It is important that all citizens have access to food at their own disposal and are able to know when they will be eating next with no worry.
Structure
This study circle is designed for a group of about 10-20 people who are able to meet three different times for one hour each to discuss the issue presented. The sessions can meet daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on available participation by members. One facilitator, or group leader, should be in charge of directing each session on the different topics presented. Notes should be taken by all members of the discussion. All three sessions should be completed in around one hour each, but longer is perfectly fine if all members of discussion consent to it.
Articles containing information on the subject should be discussed at the beginning or end of each session. Required reading should be chosen by the group facilitator, and a discussion about what the group read should commence at the beginning or end of each session. Discussion questions will be discussed throughout the middle of the session, along with any other supplementary questions or information that members of the group would like to bring to everyone’s attention. Participants should all agree on what is or is not to be discussed.
Format
All three sessions of this study circle that will take place each have a different topic. Session one will discuss the reasons behind food insecurity. Session two will discuss what geographic areas and demographic are most heavily affected by food insecurity. Session three will be primarily a brainstorming session along with educational discussion on what action can be taken to solve food insecurity. These discussions are meant to bring about important ideas and thoughts about this issue, and it is hoped that all participants will walk away with a newfound understanding of food insecurity. Group members may realize that food insecurity can happen anywhere, veen in their own community, and want to facilitate change in order to allow people more knowledge and understanding about food.
Ground Rules:
Participants will not talk over each other
Everyone will take notes and remain attentive to the speaker
No idea or question will be laughed at or mocked
All participants will speak up when they have a thought
Conversation will remain on topic and not verge off to conversation about anything that does not have to do with the matter at hand
Session One:
The purpose is session one is to introduce the topic of food insecurity to group participants. This session will focus on the causes and effects of food insecurity, and why so many Americans suffer from it. Group participants will learn key information attesting to the different causes of hunger, such as low income or little education. All world issues start with a cause, and this session will highlight why food insecurity is an issue. Various discussion questions will be reviewed
Supplemental Readings
“What Causes Hunger.” Bread for the World, 28 Oct. 2020, www.bread.org/what-causes-hunger.
“How Do You Measure Hunger?” Feeding America, www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/food-insecurity.
Keith-Jennings, Brynne. “Causes of Food Insecurity Go Well Beyond Low Incomes.” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 15 Nov. 2017, www.cbpp.org/blog/causes-of-food-insecurity-go-well-beyond-low-incomes.
Session Two:
Session two will further the discussion about food insecurity in the U.S.A. and will dive into statistics. Data will be scanned that shows the places in America where food insecurity is the highest and what demographic of people experience it the most (race, age, gender, etc.) In this discussion, participants in the study circle will be able to recall facts about why food insecurity affects the areas it does and for what reason. Low-income rates and racial/gender issues may contribute to food insecurity, and these factors are explored throughout this session.
Supplemental Readings
“Food Insecurity in America Is Cutting Childhoods Short.” Save the Children, www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/food-insecurity-america-malnutrition-united-states
“Kids in Southern Border and Rural Communities Struggle With Food Insecurity the Most.” U.S. News & World Report, U.S. News & World Report, www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/slideshows/10-counties-with-highest-rates-of-child-food-insecurity.
Frohlich, Thomas C. “States Where the Most Children Go Hungry.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 27 Apr. 2014, www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/04/27/states-where-children-hungry/8151905/
Silva, Christianna. “Food Insecurity In The U.S. By The Numbers.” NPR, NPR, 27 Sept. 2020, www.npr.org/2020/09/27/912486921/food-insecurity-in-the-u-s-by-the-numbers
Session Three:
The third and last session of this study circle explores what actions can be taken to solve food insecurity. Over the past two sessions while participants have been educated about previous knowledge of this issue, they are now invited to share their own thoughts on what action can be taken and what they believe is in the best interest of people suffering from food insecurity. How can they aid their community in ensuring everyone has access to food? How can they better their country as a whole? Various discussion questions are also explores through this study circle.
Supplemental Readings
Dumitrescu, Silvia. “Food Security 102: What Is Being Done To Reduce Global Food Insecurity?” Food Insight, 10 Oct. 2018,
foodinsight.org/food-security-102-what-is-being-done-to-reduce-global-food-insecurity
Georgia, Markita Lewis University of. “5 Ways You Can Help Battle Food Insecurity and Malnutrition.” Spoon University, 20 Oct. 2015, spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/5-ways-can-help-battle-food-insecurity
“Food Insecurity.” Food Insecurity | Healthy People 2020, www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/social-determinants-health/interventions-resources/food-insecurity.
Session One: The Reasons Behind People Suffering From Food Insecurity
What is food insecurity?
“The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.[2] It is important to know that though hunger and food insecurity are closely related, they are distinct concepts. Hunger refers to a personal, physical sensation of discomfort, while food insecurity refers to a lack of available financial resources for food at the household level”
Feeding America
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) divides food insecurity into the following 2 categories:
Low food security: “Reports of reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet. Little or no indication of reduced food intake.”
Very low food security: “Reports of multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake.
Many Americans in any part of the country suffer from food insecurity. Although it is prevalent it is a problem, what causes food insecurity in a household?
Poverty
Addiction (Gambling, Alcohol, Drugs, etc.)
Unemployment/under-employment
Inconsistent access to enough healthy food
Famous People Speak Out
“I never look at the masses as my responsibility. I look at the individual. I can love only one person at a time. I can feed only one person at a time. Just one, one, one.”
Mother Teresa
“Close to a billion people – one-eighth of the world’s population – still live in hunger. Each year 2 million children die through malnutrition. This is happening at a time when doctors in Britain are warning of the spread of obesity. We are eating too much while others starve.”
Jonathan Sacks
Discussion Questions:
What stops people in poverty from simply getting a job and buying food?
How can addiction lead to food insecurity?
Can children be permanently affected by food insecurity?
Session Two: What Geographic Areas and Demographic are Affected Most Heavily by Food Insecurity
As discussed in the previous study circle, the largest cause of food insecurity is poverty.
“Two of these groups, Blacks and Hispanics, reached historic lows in their poverty rates in 2019. The poverty rate for Blacks was 18.8%; for Hispanics, it was 15.7%.”
U.S. Census
“In 2018, the overall unemployment rate (jobless rate) for the United States was 3.9 percent; however, the rate varied across race and ethnicity groups. Among the race groups, jobless rates were higher than the national rate for American Indians and Alaska Natives (6.6 percent), Blacks or African Americans (6.5 percent), people categorized as being of Two or More Races (5.5 percent), and Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders (5.3 percent). Jobless rates were lower than the national rate for Asians (3.0 percent) and Whites (3.5 percent). The rate for people of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, at 4.7 percent, was higher than the rate of 3.7 percent for non-Hispanics”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The harder it is for people of color to get employed, the less money they have, which leads to food insecurity.
Although food insecurity does not just affect one place, it does become prevalent in more communities than others. Low income families in cities or rural areas are more likely to experience hunger.
“Overall food-insecurity rates range from 7% in North Dakota to 19% in Mississippi in 2017, but the range was higher among children – from 10% of children in North Dakota to 24% in New Mexico, according to the latest annual Map the Meal Gap report, published May 1 by hunger relief organization Feeding America. Nationwide, 17% of children lived in food-insecure households in 2017, according to federal estimates, and previous research indicates food-insecure children may be at greater risk of developmental delays, anxiety and poor academic performance”
U.S. News
Statistic proving rural counties experience hunger with no race correlation
“Even before the pandemic hit, some 13.7 million households, or 10.5% of all U.S. households, experienced food insecurity at some point during 2019, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That works out to more than 35 million Americans who were either unable to acquire enough food to meet their needs, or uncertain of where their next meal might come from, last year. For about a third of these households, access to food was so limited that their eating patterns were disrupted and food intake was reduced. The rest were able to obtain enough food to avoid completely disrupting their eating patterns, but had to cope by eating less varied diets or utilizing food assistance programs. The coronavirus pandemic has only worsened the problem. According to one estimate by researchers at Northwestern University, food insecurity more than doubled as a result of the economic crisis brought on by the outbreak, hitting as many as 23% of households earlier this year”
NPR
Coronavirus Pandemic Impact
What are some impacts in developmental delays in people who experience food insecurity in adolescence?
Increased hospitalizations
Poor health
Iron deficiency
Developmental risk and behavior problems
Aggression
Anxiety
Depression
Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.)
Discussion Questions:
How much does racial bias play into food insecurity based on the data?
What can children do to help themselves when experiencing food insecurity?
Does the government seem to be doing anything about this in recent years?
How can learning about these issues help those who suffer?
Does gender or race play a bigger role in food insecurity?
Session Three: What Action Can Be Taken to Solve Food Insecurity
“Part of what makes food insecurity so difficult to solve is that the underlying causes — poverty, unemployment/under-employment and inconsistent access to enough healthy food — are often deeply interconnected. Moving in and out of food insecurity simply adds more stress to a household that may already be wrestling with instability and unpredictability”
Feeding America
Joining organizations who combat food insecurity is a way to help.
What do these organizations do?
Feeding America: “Feeding America is a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs that provides food and services to people each year. Together, we are the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization”
WhyHunger: “To build social justice, WhyHunger works to address the root causes of hunger, such as poverty, racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression and structural inequities that create disproportionate barriers to food and land access for communities”
Share Our Strength: “Share Our Strength's mission is to end hunger and poverty in the U.S. and abroad. We're doing this through our campaigns, like No Kid Hungry, which will end childhood hunger in the United States, and Cooking Matters, which helps low-income families learn to shop and cook healthier”
United States Agency for International Development (USAID): “USAID is the world's premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID's work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience”
Micronutrient Initiative: “The Micronutrient Initiative is an Ottawa-based, international not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and nutritional status of vulnerable populations – especially women and children – through essential vitamin and mineral supplements”
Donating to these charities is a big way someone can help in their own community. Donating food to food banks and advocating for food rights are also ways to help. Running a food drive does a lot for local communities.
Discussion Questions:
What can an average citizen do to promote justice for all to have access to healthy food?
Can just anybody help to promote this issue?
Is a lot being done about food insecurity in the United States?
ABOUT ME
I look back on what I love to do and writing is something that has always been consistent. When I had to begin a blog for my eighth grade class project, I thought I would get a good grade on it and never have to touch it again. Years into the future, I have realized that blogging is something I have a passion for. Through some stories, some memoirs, some poems, and some essays, take a look at the interests I have and the writings I have made.
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