A Position Paper

Not In Favor of Poverty Porn

by Althea Angela C. Miranda
October 12, 2022

People have different statuses and stances in life wherein

some are in a very low position, most high up, and belong to the
average type. Poverty porn is some of the tactics used for the
sake of gaining empathy and somehow convincing people to give
donations to the said program charity (Dortonne, 2016) by some
organizations. The thought of giving really is good, considering
that it will also be of great help to those who will receive it,
but utilizing such tactics makes it so that some may go to fraud,
only gaining sympathy for the sake of receiving more.

In today’s time, poverty porn is widely exposed and used

throughout the world, may it be in media, tv commercials, blogs,
and even in government. As a student, I greatly oppose such as it
brings lots of dangers and disadvantages not only to those who
donate but also to the people who experience poverty as well
(Hiles, 2020), some of the reasons is that the money raised was
not even given fully to those of need but to those who
commercialized such instead. It invades most of the privacy the
people have, manipulating and stereotyping the fact that not even
most people in poverty look like in such. Poverty porn is also
perceived as a racist act (Gershon, 2019) wherein mostly Africans
are said to be included or linked to it, making it even more
concerning as if given the job to donate photos to get money or
help.

People strive for their families to be able to live a good

life. Sustaining one’s needs is hard for everyone, especially
those with fewer chances and opportunities. Helping one by giving
them money and other essential needs is good, but for me, I think
that giving them a lesson would be better. Being able to teach
them how they could advance in life considering the circumstances
they’re in makes it so that they’ll be able to take a step
forward, on their own, for the sake of their loved ones and
themselves as well.
References:
DORTONNE, N. (2016). The Dangers of Poverty Porn.
https://edition.cnn.com/2016/12/08/health/poverty-porn-danger-
feat/index.html

HILES. (2020). Poverty Porn.

https://u.osu.edu/introhumanitiesonline/2020/04/06/poverty-porn/

GERSHON, A. (2019). The True Meaning of Poverty Porn.

https://medium.com/@aarongershon/the-true-meaning-of-poverty-
porn-b8e0bc64c407