"Global Village"

"If we accept any principle of impartiality, universalizability, equality, or whatever, we cannot discriminate against someone merely because he is far away from us (or we are far away from him). Admittedly, it is possible that we are in a better position to judge what needs to be done to help a person near to us than one far away, and perhaps also to provide the assistance  we judge to be necessary." (232)

Many countries which need foreign aid are in such a position because of historical atrocities committed during imperialism and colonialism. Those countries which are "offering" aid have a moral responsibility to do so because they created instability and brought turmoil to these less fortunate countries.

Although I understand the facility to assist those countries less fortunate due to today's 'global village', I also understand the bureaucracy behind these international organizations. It is essential for an individual to investigate where his or her funds are being allocated.Many organizations have been criticized for keeping the funds in order to pay staff rather than donating them to the actual cause. However, many of these organizations are legitimate and are also familiar with the people in the countries they work in. It is important to be culturally sensitive when entering any country. Many first world countries have a 'savior complex' where they believe their aid and their solution is the best solution. This is not always the case, different people and different cultures have unique solutions with regard to their situations and although they may not have the monetary support to 'fix' the problem, their ideas and opinions are important when attempting to find a solution. With regard to this situation I agree with with Peter Singer that proximity allows an individual a better position to judge what needs to be done, however proximity should not deter from assisting a people.

When the people in the country are involved, the aid becomes less top-down and trickle down into something organic. Those people involved learn to problem solve and learn essential skills. I do not believe providing funds alone will solve the problem of famine, however it will alleviate some of the historical barriers placed and may supply a short-term 'cushion' while the people of a country attempt to rebuild.