Reading Response 1

"Live Free and Starve"
In this article, Chitra Divakaruni makes the assertion that the bill to stop the import of goods into the U.S. produced by child labor is a bad thing. She makes the argument that this will cause many child laborers to lose their only source of income. Even though she understands that the life of a child laborer is less than favorable, she strongly believes that child labor is necessary for these children to survive. She states, "It seems conceivable to us that someone could actually prefer bread to freedom." Although I do see her point, I still strongly support the passing of this bill. As Americans, our ethics dictate that freedom is important over all. If we were to suppress our own moral beliefs when dealing with child labor, we would lose what little integrity we still cling to. I am biased, however, because I can only see this situation from the perspective of an American, having never actually witnessed child labor.

"The Singer Solution to World Poverty"
In this article, Peter Singer explains his reasoning about the morality of donations to charities, and he makes many harsh accusations. His stance is that when we spend money on luxuries, we are using money that could be used to save suffering children, and this is morally wrong. Singer uses many examples that display his ideals concerning charitable donations. Though he makes a few strong arguments, Singer's evaluation of the similarities between the film Central Station and neglecting to donate to charities is questionable to say the least. He even compares those who believe in "follow-the-crowd ethics" to Nazis. Personally, I strongly believe that many of his comparisons and convictions were in bad taste. I would agree that it is important for those of us who are fortunate to help those in need, but he believes that there is an absolute moral obligation to do so. He disagrees that the impersonal nature of donating to charities makes a difference. Even though he is only trying to explain his point, Singer comes off as aggressive and narrow-minded, and I'm confident that this will limit the persuasive effect of the article.