Poverty and the Problem of the "Boot straps": An American Fallicy

So today in my Pastoral Care in Cross Cultural Perspective class, I found myself wanting to weep at the cross. We were having a discussion about Eastern culture (which experiences more communal identity) and Western culture (which has an individualistic perception of identity). Dr. Acolatse, our professor, grew up in Ghana. And she mentioned that the issue of homelessness would NEVER occur in African culture. In Africa, a person would never have to feel the shame of feeling that they failed at making a living for themselves. In our culture it leads to homelessness or suicide--feeling that you can't provide for yourself. Rather, an African would be taken in my a family member, no matter the hardship it proved to add another mouth the feed. As Americans, we look at people as if it is their own fault for not "making it," sending that person in despair. In Eastern culture, you make a living together--not on your own.

What a humbling thought to think that in some places around the world that homelessness and suicide would not exist just because of a way of thinking or a value system.