Reading Response 6

The topic which captured and intrigued me the most was the world hunger scenario. World hunger is an ongoing problem which has yet to have a solution. The main cause of world hunger is said to be because of unequal distribution around the world. Third world countries are desperately trying to find ways to feed their families and themselves, but it is harder than it seems due to not only not being able to afford food but also the lack of food in their country. In the US, we do not have this problem at all so it is genuinely heartbreaking to think that people do not have the resources to food and live in hunger. 

Although local food banks are beneficial, the development of world food banks would be even more helpful. In recent years, people have been attempting the creation of a World Food Bank, which would be an international despitory of food reserves to which nations would be asked to donate resources. Our humanitarian impulses love this idea because it assures people in developing and third world countries resources they need to live their life without the constant question as to where they can get their meals and how to provide for their families. As this is a wonderful and humanitarian idea, the reality for the United States economy is not in favor as much. For example, the US took part in the “Food for Peace Program” which moved millions dollars worth of grain to countries with food shortages. This program was extremely beneficial and greatly appreciated by the countries, it was detrimental to the economy of the United States because the taxpayers spent a total of $7.9 billion on the program in just a decade. The main question regarding this predicament is, should the United States risk their economy and well being by helping food-short, population-long countries? 

This question ties back to our lifeboat activity and the trolley problem because how are we, as humans, supposed to know what is morally right and the beneficial thing to do but also not sacrificing the well-being of ourselves? This topic is quite difficult, but I believe that is up to the common good to take a stand on these topics and follow Aristotle and Value theory because it is best to stick to prior knowledge on what is moral in these situations.