Reference no: EM132790544 , Length: 3

Introduction

How do over 1 billion people across the world live on one dollar a day? Often times one dollar is stretched to provide shelter, food, medicine and clothing for a family of six or more. In comparison, the world's 1,200+ billionaires make, on average, $273, 973 a day. That daily figure is more than 20 percent higher than what the world's poorest citizens will ever make in their entire lifetimes. This great disparity in wealth is extremely alarming and worth much needed attention.

The documentary film Living on One Dollar follows the experiences of four friends as they live on less than one dollar a day for 56 days in rural Guatemala. They must battle many of the devastating elements that millions of people often have no escape from; the hunger, deplorable living conditions, illness and the realization that there are often no easy answers. This film is a sobering reminder of the incredible suffering that a vast majority of humanity must endure in this world of mass production and technological efficiency.

Discussion 1. What are some of the biggest issues that people in Peña Blanca struggle with? How are these struggles similar or different to the issues that you see people in the United States or in your own community struggling with as well? What sociological theories can be used to analyze poverty in Peña Blanca?

Discussion 2. What surprised you the most about the people living in extreme poverty in Guatemala? How did this change your perspective of those who live in extreme poverty? How did it change your perspective on your own consumption and daily life?

Discussion 3. Do you think that raising awareness through media or social media translates into making a change in the world? Could it? What are some issues you see with this method?

Discussion 4. What do you see as the biggest obstacle to ending extreme poverty in this generation? What are some solutions you can think of that could be implemented here? What kind of long-term impact would those changes have? Do you believe that you have a place in addressing this issue and where do you think you can make the most impact?