picture from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7957387@N05/474541657/




Done by : CHARMAINE NG (5)

This picture depicts a scene of poverty in the modern world, most probably in a third world country, such as africa from the looks of the people’s dressing and structure of the houses.
Firstly, as we can see in the background there is a house with a shelter made of straws. The structure of the house reminds me of the scenario in the story ‘three little pigs’ whereby the wolf blows down pigs’ house. The roof here seems rather collapsible too as I have the idea of straws being a transitory and flimsy material. Having this mind set, I guess they will be in danger when it rains, especially when lightning strikes. From the picture, we cannot see any drains insight which means that they probably do not have a drainage system. Hence floods will occur when there is heavy rain due to much surface runoff and this will result in poor sanitary condition. On the other hand, there is a possibility that the house will collapse as lightning strikes since there is no lightning rods on their roof tops. There are also no proper roads and amenities here.
As compared to Singapore, we have a better lighting protection such as installing lightning rods at roof tops, well constructed roads and many amenities such as shopping malls and schools. I really feel myself blessed and contented living in Singapore.

Apart from these, we can see clothes left unattended lying near the entrance of the house. I guess they had no choice but to leave their clothes there as they probably do not have any furniture like cupboards or even hangers. What’s more astounding that captivates my attention is that they do not have a door at the entrance of their houses. I guess this will allow others to invade their privacy easily as passer-by can easily see what is happening in the house at a glance. Furthermore, this will put their valuables at great risks since intruders can easily enter their house without permissions and grab their belongings.
From this, we can infer that their way of living is indeed different from us. I guess if we were to have any of our pampered Singaporeans to stay in there with these rural settings for a night, he or she will not be able adapt well.
Next, moving our focus to the adult in the middle of the picture, we can see that the man is wearing a white casual shirt with a pair of long pants. Though it may not sound anything unusual, but the shirt which he is wearing has got huge gigantic holes around the chest area. If he was to walk on the streets of Singapore, he would probably be the center of attraction as such dressing is uncommon here. Most people who judge the books by its cover will probably despise and discriminate him. Though he does not have high quality clothing, but I can see that he is contented with his life from the smile he gives. I guess we Singaporeans are too complacent about our life and should posses the same attitude as him.
The equipment which he is wielding seemed to be a saw with its long blade. I guess this has got to do with his profession. He is probably a wood cutter which explains the presence of the wooden logs beside the house.

In my opinion, the photographer who took this picture probably wants to show us the different side of the modern world. As we indulge ourselves in the luxury of the advanced technology and comfort in urban modernization, we should not forget that there are still people living in poverty without proper clothes to wear. Therefore, we should no take things for granted but cherish and appreciate what we have here. As we rest on one’s laurels, we should lend a helping hand to those who need help such as by sharing our knowledge on technologies to them or donating money to them.