First and foremost, a short video to put you all into perspective about the truth of
the financial situation in Canada and of the Canadian citizens.
Before I go any further, let us first re-explore
a few basic concepts of Neo-conservatism learned in class:
- A “Laissez –faire” (let market forces rule) approach to economy, as profit and freedom promote innovation.
- A limited set of rules and regulations.
- An anti-collectivist approach that values freedom, individualism and inequality.
- In regards to the role of the Government, a Social Welfare system is deemed unnecessary.
(Hick, 2007)
Keeping these facts into mind and putting them to purpose, I would like to focus on the last two points. Obviously, poverty is becoming a growing issue in our nation. Not only has it become more widespread, but it has taken on a more intensified level. By that, the meaning is people are not only struggling to keep their families well provided, but finding it an arduous task to keep up with the Canadian cost of living (which I am sure you have all noticed, our hefty and rising prices for simple necessities). Not a handful, neither thousands, but millions struggle to keep a roof over their heads.
Keeping these facts into mind and putting them to purpose, I would like to focus on the last two points. Obviously, poverty is becoming a growing issue in our nation. Not only has it become more widespread, but it has taken on a more intensified level. By that, the meaning is people are not only struggling to keep their families well provided, but finding it an arduous task to keep up with the Canadian cost of living (which I am sure you have all noticed, our hefty and rising prices for simple necessities). Not a handful, neither thousands, but millions struggle to keep a roof over their heads.
A neoconservative approach to this kind of major issue is
not the way people living in poverty will find solace. Looking at the way that the neoconservative ideology attributes an importance to freedom and free market; looking at the way it neglects Social Welfare Systems and pushes for inequality. It is arguable that a neoconservative
approach is seemingly what would keep people living in poverty away from the reaches of living happy lives. It keeps them from enjoying simple things such as the warmth of a home, a
nutritious meal, cleanliness of their skin and lastly, the contentedness and peace within
their beings.
The goal here is not to disparage
the neoconservative ideology. Like any other political approach, it will have
its strengths and its weaknesses. Ideologies are much like coins; they are valuable, necessary
and they look promising. However, to a coin, there very well may be a tarnished side. Fear
is, this side to the neoconservative coin may be too sullied to ignore. The goal here is to remind; to remind you all that,
according to the Canadian Council on Social Development, approximately 3.5
million people are living in poverty (CCSD, 2004). Just to help you all visualize this number, think of the entire population of the city of Toronto and more out on the streets throughout Canada. This numerical value was a
statistic gathered in 2004. Now as we near the end of 2012, surely the population living in poverty has grown. As the video above demonstrates with the backing of Statistics Canada, the wealth distribution in our country
becomes ever more so unbalanced.
What we must do as a nation is reverse the
direction in which these numbers skew. The country has seen a rise in rates of
poverty and this is one thing that we must see fall for the better of all. We the people, supporters of the economy with roles and the choice of vote, along with the government, holding the authority to distribute wealth into what programs seen
fit, must collectively take hold of this situation. We must put aside these ideals of neoconservatism, of inequality, before our situation becomes an insurmountable
hurdle.
(CCSD) Canadian Council on Social Development (2004). A profile of Economic Security in Canada.
Retrieved November 1, 2012, from http://www.ccsd.ca/factsheets/economic_security/poverty/index.htm
(2010, January 26) Neoconservatism
in Canada I: Poverty in Canada. Retrieved November 1, 2012, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1hBuuNpsdc
Hick, S. (2007). Social Welfare in Canada: Understanding Income Security. Second Edition. Toronto: Thompson Educational Pub.
Hick, S. (2007). Social Welfare in Canada: Understanding Income Security. Second Edition. Toronto: Thompson Educational Pub.
~Valerie
Dear Valerie,
ReplyDeleteI have found your post very catchy and interesting. I admire how you added some creativity to it. I also like how your title is deeply linked to your main point(if I make any sense).In my opinion, I think you demonstrated a clear explanation of what the issue you have chosen. I like how you have added some suggestions and solutions.
I think that people should become more educated and aware of their financial and political situation. Thus, they can become in charge of making decisions and choose for themselves Many governments manipulate its people by making them believe that they are living in good life conditions comparing to other nations. I believe that comparing countries to each other is unfair because they differ a lot when it comes to resources, to the social issues they face, to their political stand, to their cultural and religious beliefs... etc.
I think that we need to bring the best in each ideology and combine it together to solve what we are facing as citizens and humans. As you have mentioned, poverty is not a national problem anymore, it is a global issue that we all hold the responsibility for.
Thank you for sharing this topic!
-Farah
Valerie,
ReplyDeleteI admire that you were able to grasp the material about neo-conservatism studied in class and use it evidently throughout your post.
Everyone keeps stressing about the fact of our government's inability to step in and guide the people, as this is what they are meant to do. It is evident that they have witnessed what has been going on in our society, but yet they choose to do nothing. The government is Canada's strongest power and without its consent, not much can be done effectively about the issue of poverty.
I also admire the thoughtful questions you have raised during the last few sentences of your blog. I believe that Canada may spend too much more time working on poverty issues in third world countries rather than in our own home-land. I feel that the government becomes hypocritical when they choose to turn a blind eye to the own Canadian poverty found in our very back yards. It is disgusting that the government still wishes to continue to reduce social welfare programs and assistance within our society.
I love the title of your blog and the creative way you have described ideologies as similar to coins in a creative way. Like Farah said before, I definitely believe that bringing the best ideas present within each ideology forward and to combine them as one would help work to create a better Canadian society and lift those who try and work so hard out of poverty.
I believe that the Canadian government should look to other countries as a guide to model themselves after. Some European countries have addressed the issue of poverty as kindly and efficiently as possible, so those who didn’t have a previous chance can now experience life without worry, hunger or financial issues. If Canada is known as one of the best countries to live world-wide, then it better start living up to its name.
- Kara