Changing the Conversation about Global Poverty

[SuperChristopherZ]

I hate the word charity and I hate all the charity of the world created by Christians because obviously they were looking the other way when Jesus turned over the money tables in the temple but guess what thi ssmall brusque gesture can become big if real Christians overturn money on the Earth and use Love and Sharity instead. No was you Love yourself Love all others, for they are not just neighbors but brothers and sisters in this infinite moment. Each Life is the responsibility of thegovernment

[UnculturedProject]

@SuperChristopherZ I'm not a fan of the government babysitting me. And, please don't misquote The Bible. Jesus was against money changers and threw over the tables of money changers. He was not against money itself.

[mazuk81]

@SuperChristopherZ no need to hate any religious.....m8...every religious is same to god.tnx

[ashrafvai]

man u think real deep. i never thought like dat

[flawedartist]

I feel a little bad admitting this.. but this is the first time I've watched this video. Gave me chills.

It also really drives home why we need to figure out a way to keep your project going. Hopefully we can help do that.

[JanksterProductions]

I totally agree with this. I'd rather see the good the donation does in action as opposed to what happens if I don't donate.

[happilyeverafter999]

There is definately a need for community involvemnet. I like what you have to say, and I hope our paths cross one day in our efforts.

[Rzamortis]

wish i could go down there and help you :P

[sathish1234567890]

I think you bring up a valid point. The big brand charities use the technique of making people feel bad because it does work. People do donate out of guilt, but it really doesn't change anything permanently

[newbrood87]

developed, developing , least develope countries get your terms right those countries you are visiting are the least developed... developing countries are more like south africa, argentina, brazil, etc which are years ahead of least develope countries

[UnculturedProject]

Thanks for the clarification. I actually used/rely on the "first world" and "third world" distinction but switched to "developing world" sometiems.

And the thing is, many of the well-to-do in Bangladesh try and insist that Bangladesh is not a poor country and often pressure me to avoid the term "least developed"..

[Cayannagirl]

You are right on with this video... why guilt people into giving when the real value comes from giving the heart...This is our world and we need to take responsibility and help those that are in need, not by just giving, but by investing in their lives

[lukeabout]

People support your worthy effort Shawn!

You walk the walk!

And show us how its done.

Thank you!

[UnculturedProject]

Hi Monsterdemon - I think most people already know how bad poverty in this part of the world is. Showing how "bad poverty is" isn't the goal of my videos.

If you look at World Vision's latest video on their YouTube channel (the one with the American students going to India) you can see all it does is bang over our head how sad, bad, and severe the problem is. It's a depressing video. And the message in the end? Donate and support to the 30 hour famine.

There has to be a better way.

[Aqua949]

i hear u man. i neva thought of it like how u put it here- and ur totally right, the HAS to b a beta way.

[UnculturedProject]

(Reposting)

I've actually bumped into World Vision in the field here in Bangladesh. They definitely aren't using the donated funds to buy wine & cheese - the money definitely DOES reach the poor.

But I think more people would be more willing to help organizations like that if they saw what I see - the good they do on the ground and NOT their videos showing how bad things are...

[UnculturedProject]

Well, people used to die of the Bubonic Plague. They don't anymore - we cured that. Then people used to die of polio. They don't now - we cured that. People used to die of mumps, measles, and other diseases. We have immunizations for that.

Constant struggle? Sure. But cures and solutions eventually become available? Definitely. I believe extreme poverty can be eliminated in our lifetime. Just like extreme poverty seen in the 1500s in England got eliminated and no longer exists in England today.

[UnculturedProject]

Than I guess us humans will have to fight these "four horsemen" for as long as we exist.

The moment we stop caring about our fellow human beings will be the moment the human race will have lost its humanity.

[martini9799]

agree mate i think evry normall person fell mutch better if can help to others in needs tht my opinion wand we need to care about them tht very important.... great job wth this video im thinking now very seroiuse to go on a mission to Philippines takecare

[streetemail]

i admire you shawn - the world needs way more people like you :-)

[majamarina]

couldnt agree more with you. keep up the good work !!

[catchyphrase92]

You're an example to follow, man. Lead the way through the darkness. Never let that bright torch drop. You're going the right way, and I thank you for it. I thank you a lot.

If only more people were like you...

[cchoi108]

you are awesome, never give up

[GSkunky]

I have to agree with you about those television commercials: I can't stand them. They're as degrading and misleading as they are counterproductive. Not that I'm trying to flatter you (I'm WAY to pompous to ever flatter anyone but myself), but what you're doing seems inspiring and enlightening, whereas most commercials of that kind are guilt-mongering and depressing. I'll take inspiration and hope over guilt and misery any day.

[VeiledMuslimWoman]

Al jazeera last night had a show about poverty in the world, an american woman from world food prog said 500 million dollars is needed to feed the 850 million poor people. Im speechless... makes me flood with tears thinking of those are are starving while there is a plate of food infront of me.

Keep up the work bro....people like you make a difference in our world. Hiyyak Allah.

I was wondering what are the exspenses ur paying to make these wonderfull vids ?

[UnculturedProject]

Thank you for your kind words! I brought my laptop computer which I owned already, but I bought a HDV camera ($2000+ CDN), microphone ($100+ CDN) and backup batteries (about $150 CDN). I record the footage on DV tapes which cost about $2 USD here. But I need to store footage onto harddrives to edit them - and thus far I've spent over $500 USD on harddrives. The power supply here isn't very stable and so I recently bought a UPS for over $200. This all comes from family donations.

[rspawn]

Then to think that 500 million dollars is small change for the couple of hundred multi-Billionaires who own half of the world's wealth.

Unfortunately those 850 million are 'only' the abject poor; those who are starving to death rather quickly. The working poor who make no more than a buck or two a day are also poor; they to are part of the equation of inequity, all 3 Billion of them.

I don't want to depress anyone but it is reality. It is why many people feel something should be done about it.

[rspawn]

...continued..

I have nothing but the utmost admiration for people who actually go out and do something. I'm sorry that i can do little more than give mental support.

[VeiledMuslimWoman]

Salam alaikum brother.

jazakilahu khair. another grt video with a simple yet clear message. i wasnt even aware of oxfam etc etc being on youtube,just goes to show what you do as one person is better than they do as a whole collection of orgs. I love the way you film in the street around the normal daily life of the local people. I would be itnerested to know what the elders of the society think about the poverty level.

[UnculturedProject]

The rich elders often refuse to admit that Bangladesh is a poor country. They often blame corruption, politicians, or have a negative view of the poor.

Thank you very much for your kind words. Peace be with you :)

[rooseveltrp]

rock on m8.

[pakalakamino]

good on you bro. i like the work, the words, and concept.

[silentsilvermonk]

I do beleive John Green from the vlogbros put it best, "They may not know in your pants jokes, they may not speak English, they may not have high speed internet connections, but they're still part of us." (He, by the way, is how I discovered the Uncultured project.)

If I had the daring you had, I would definatly rip up my roots and travel to a place of the world with less benefits than Canada (Oh yeah, you're a fellow Canadian! GO CANADA!), and try doing what your doing! *cheering you on*

[silentsilvermonk]

I do beleive John Green from the vlogbros put it best, "They may not know in your pants jokes, they may not speak English, they may not have high speed internet connections, but they're still part of us." (He, by the way, is how I discovered the Uncultured project.)

If I had the daring you had, I would definatly rip up my roots and travel to a place of the world with less benefits than Canada (Oh yeah, you're a fellow Canadian! GO CANADA!), and try doing what your doing! *cheering you on*

[qkn30989]

Me2 ^^,

They rule.

And Canada rules.

And a litt-a-bitty France i think.

French people are mostly good.

LoL

But then comes UnCulturedProject and owns them all.

^^,

[mpderek]

Amen, keep spreading the word...

[UnculturedProject]

Awesome - another Jeffrey Sachs fan :-)

[adibzaman]

Great to see that someone from Canada is working in Bangladesh to find the cause of poverty and helping the poor kids by spending money from his own pocket. Since the poverty is extreme in Bangladesh by donating some bucks we can make a huge impact in their lives. I have been planning to setup a school in our village where the kids can study before going to the primary school and watching your videso I have decided to start it very soon. Keep the work you are doing and inspire the other people.

[UnculturedProject]

hey adibzaman - that sounds amazing. Please keep in touch and let me know how it goes. Even better - if you can film it and put it on YouTube you can use it to inspire others :-)

[OdiumSanctuary]

good work man, keep it up

[qkn30989]

(Btw i'm from norway. Our oil-fund could erease poverty in less than 20 years, but money and power is the root of corruption)

[UnculturedProject]

hey again qkn30989 - Bangladesh also has a huge natural gas reserves. I really hope they can tap into that and use it to pull people out of extreme poverty.

[qkn30989]

Thnx for answering ;D

That sound great, but perhaps a bit to great. Greed is truly powerful. Don't get me startet on unjustise and corruption =P

You got my subsciption of course, motsy cuz i want to watch your vid's, but also to mark clearly that i support you!!

Keep on going!

[qkn30989]

.. but you have also made me not think those typical things. I don't mean i will follow your example fully. But I feel very inspired, and will consider saving of a little bunch of cash, and travel down to where they are needed, so I can give fly-nets, and pure water and these things, firsthand. I'm writing a bit to much now, but you are dubbeling your effords by showing them. You inspire.

For the love of humanity!

(Just wanted to give you a cheer =D )

[qkn30989]

Looks like you answer everyone here dude =P

And that makes me want to write. Not that you need to answer, but i know you might read this.

When I and most others lay down at night to sleep, we think about "stuff". "What i'm i gonna do tommorow?" "My relationship is'nt working well" or "This day was great" etc, and so on. But when you are going to sleep tonight, you deserve to just feel good about yourself. Not only do you affect the world by at least one whole percent (that's fucking much man)..

[UnculturedProject]

hey qkn30989 :-)

I have to say, I sleep a whole lot better since coming to Bangladesh. Back at home and at school in Notre Dame, I was a insomniac. Usually because I would have those images from those commercials (and what I saw in previous trips to Bangladesh) running in my head.

Although, if you see my video "The Hard Lessons of Aid Work" - I sometimes have a lot of new things to be sleepless over.

[pandaflyz]

I think you are right...We should stop thinking that we cannot make a difference. These people are just like us, but just live in a different country and have less opportunities. We should share what we have with them and help make a difference.

[hanivideos]

good job brother! we are one

[healinghandsofgambia]

Shawn, this is another very insightful thought-provoking video. Excellent job! I'm disturbed by the truly uninspired and frankly stupid comment suggesting that we should "let nature take its course." However, that kind of apathy and lack of human responsiveness is what got us to this point in the first place. And even truly obnoxious comments serve as a spring-board for discussion ... and that is what is needed. You're definintely looking in the right direction. Outstanding work!

[levio91]

they need to get a job

[claireyk]

I couldnt agree more.

[WodansBlot]

Look, man, I know you think you're doing a lot of good, but you aren't. There are six billion people on a planet that can only sustain half a billion. Every time you help these people, you're just creating an even larger population that's dependent on other people to survive and is incapable of survival on their own. The best, kindest thing to do is leave them alone and let nature take its course. There are six billion people on a planet that can only sustain half a billion.

[UnculturedProject]

I wonder if you'd still be saying that if you were among the other 3 billion.

[WodansBlot]

Yes. Either some die or we all die. That's the way it has to be, there is no other solution.

[UnculturedProject]

We all die sooner or later WodansBlot. When I die, I'd like to die as someone that cared for the lives of the other 5.99999 billion people.

[kumaranyc]

Very well articulated. Thanks.

[Rockersx3]

Yeah, fuck you. Probably sitting on your fucking fatass doing nothing

[kumaranyc]

Are people losing the ability to communicate without resorting to foul debasing language? Foul language indicates negativity - not the one it is directed to but the one using it.

[DrinkTeamBozava]

all true. bravo

[shadling21]

Yeah expect some Nerdfighters to drop by. I'm one, and I just subscribed. Thanks for these vids, and thanks for the hard work!

[traybroken]

Wow...I stayed up to watch all your videos in one night.

I had to...I dont recall ever feeling as strongly about something i saw on the internet.

I look forward to the future very much.

Also agree with the "I think some nerdfighters are comeing your way" This is going to be great for you i hope!!.

Ill be watching and hopefully helping best i can.

[Alexhasgoneinsane]

Sir you really have a lot of courage to leave a place that is familiar in order to go and do your part. There are so many things would can do to help the people in our world. You are taking giant steps in order to make the world a better place, Keep up the great work. I hope many people become aware of poverty and I hope many more people join in helping those (without feeling guilty.) Simply giving compassion and time not for the reward but for the betterment of the world.

[etharooni]

Its awesome that you are doing this. I totally agree with you about using guilt as a way to get money, etc.

Keep it up!

I found out about the Uncultured Project through the vlogbrothers, and I am glad I did.

[xpityparteex]

congrats! and good job!!! keep at it!

[Heidi47]

Watch out for those nerdfighters! You are really on to something man. Goodness!

[croissantsarelife]

I agree exactly with what you're saying! Donations are helpful, but they won't cause a permanent change. Keep it up.

[cvmyawg]

This is ridiculously amazing Shawn. Thank you!

/sub

[migps2]

Seems like an awesome idea. Really innovative. Never heard of one like it yet. Will watch and rate more of your videos and also see what I can do.

[gregneri]

Shawn-

What you're doing is simply awesome. I like your approach and how you are utilizing the internet. More power to you. The Nerdfighters got your back.

[marcoismymarco]

awesome concept!

[achampag]

lol i think some nerdfighters are comin your way. i subbed as well

great work man

=)

[rybpo7]

Good work, you little Bodhisattva,you!

[amyvb1]

Yes, I totally agree with you. The mediatisation of the developing world skews the public perception of poverty, not allowing for the nuances needed to actually deal with the fundamental problem. Keep up the good work!

[Indzzgracey]

More people need to see your videos !

thank you for being an openminded global citizen :)

[shehanagins]

nice

[UnculturedProject]

I call shehanagins on that comment.

Do you get that comment a lot? :P

[RIPFILMS]

great message, good delivery. goodluck!

[JuicyOrange]

Well said Shawn.

[UnderdogClothing]

Is it possible to get a copy of the video of the speaker that inspired you to do this? That would be sweet.

[UnculturedProject]

absolutely underdog! the full forum is available at forum2006(.)nd(.)edu . There should also be a link in the description section of y video called "The End of Poverty"

[kingofmars100]

interesting project you have here, I like how you're trying to change the whole outlook on poverty itself and how this problem should be perceived.

Just out of curiosity, which part of Bangladesh are you carrying out this work of community service?

Dhaka?, Chittagong? Khulna?

I ask this because I have worked with a few NGO's in Bangladesh during the summer in Dhaka, near the Mirpur area . Are you working through any organization?

Keep up with the good work :)

[UnculturedProject]

hey Kingman - I try to go to as many places as I can and team up with as many NGOs as I can. But there are a lot of corrupt NGOs here - so its kind of hard to jump in without first checking each NGO out.

[kingofmars100]

I can imagine the problems you face with the corrupt officials. It's quite sad that bribery is such a common thing there. Have you by any chance visited any of the Micro-Finance Institutions in Bangladesh such as Grameen Bank or BRAC? They organize individual exposure trips to show the effect's of micro-finance and throughly show you how the systems works for individuals to come out of poverty. It would be interesting if you were to show how self-sustaining solutions/system are > than donations

[UnculturedProject]

I did have the chance to meet Prof Yunus since coming to Bangladesh actually. It was an amazing experience.

The way I see it, many people are so poor they would need to take out a micro-credit loan for EVERYTHING. And most wouldn't do that and simply do without some stuff (e.g. mosquito nets).

So I really don't believe its a clash between micro-credit vs. donations. I think they go hand in hand. That's the impression I got from Dr. Sachs at least.

[UnculturedProject]

And, kingofmars, children (for example) have different needs that don't always fit the micro-credit solution. They need help with tuition fees, school supplies and nutrition. Loans make sense for college-bound students, but not primary school bound kids.

But I wouldn't even call that 'donation' as I would call it 'basic support'. I'm a huge supporter of the Millennium Development Goals - which isn't so much "donations" as it is basic support.

[GrandNarrative]

I know the reason I enjoy your videos Shawn, is because I feel I get a sense of what is really going on.

This is an important discussion, so lets hope more people get in on it.

[lukeabout]

Great work!

Keep it up Shawn!

Mas Salama

[okiedragonlady2]

Oklahoma here - we have children and adults who go to bed hungry here, we have more and more going on the below poverty rolls. There is an enormous amount of people who do not have insurance and this state has passed a law making it illegal to hire undocumented aliens. Yes, they all have more than most of the poor around the world - but I can find these people here. I prefer to give seed or plants; Community gardening projects. And poverty is just luck of birth - could be me. Hugs.

[UnculturedProject]

okiedragonlady2 - I couldn't have said it better myself. I think its important to help those wherever you can. I am fortunate to be able to do a project like this which allowed me to come to a place where the need was so apparent and the poverty so extreme. But helping around the corner is also important. Human compassion should have no limits. But our ability to travel often is...

[mallupennu14]

Ok so i just have to say you are the best thing since ummmm krispy kreme. haha ok corney jokes aside.

The message of reaching poverty at a more personal level than a phone call and your credit number ... amazing !!!

Thanks for taking time to do this !

You're making a difference in all people not just the poor !

[UnculturedProject]

haha mallupennu14 - its funny you mention Krispy Kreme. I think they have those in India now - but not Bangladesh (yet?).

[perfectfalls]

Well done mate. The discussion definitely needs to go beyond the retarded dimension of pity, and thank you for your work. I am British/Bengali and I'm glad u are handling this project so well. I'm sharing these videos with my fellow mates in the Development studies programme here at Sussex university. Keep it up bro.

[UnculturedProject]

Awesome perfectfalls - the world needs more development people :)

[perfectfalls]

Cheers man, So whens the next vid -- are you still in the country? I'm going there in July. Mainly to see family, but also may be get involved in a few things -- not sure what exactly though. Finding about NGOs and organizations there right now.

[silencedknight]

congratulations!

[thypin200]

Great video! Keep up the good work.

[GlobellePrize]

Another excellent and thoughtful video. I have so much I want to express, I may just have to write you an email later. You are doing something that I've always wanted to do. I'm gonna share this particular video with family and friends by emailing them a link.

[LtotheP0859]

Also in the commercials; I love how they always say for the price of coffee a day.

We are so addicted to coffee in Canada (come on you got to love the Tims) they try and bring that in to it and make us feel more guilty.

[UnculturedProject]

Oh man LtotheP0859, you shouldn't have said that. I haven't had Timbits in ages. I thought overcame my cravings :P

[KevJumbaFanNumba1]

Great video!

[LtotheP0859]

I DIDNT KNOW YOU WERE CANADIAN :D

you just made me a little nationalistic!

[UnculturedProject]

hey LtotheP0859 - I edit out the "eh's" ;-)

[sewerkid]

I completely agree with you! the media oversimplifies the problem of hunger and inquality. Thanks so much for voicing this concern, many of us share it with you.

[levio91]

they need to get a job

[r1c3p1cKeR]

They do have jobs, if you're going to bash someone, bash them correctly.

Your Flaming ability phails you.

[ShadowtheKid]

lol even reviewin' people's complaining skills...

you are a true hater XD

[kumaranyc]

Excuse me, many are looking for jobs - which is creating a global migration both South to North and interestingly South to South.

[AliKemp]

Your videos are fantastic! Your idea of changing the conversation about poverty is spot-on. Poverty has so many variables associated with it (food availability, corruption, etc), and how developed countries deal with it is a whole other can of worms. Where do you think the conversation should start?

[UnculturedProject]

Hey Allkemp - I say YouTube is a good place to start the conversation :-) When do politicians listen anyways? Talking with like minded compassionate people is a great way to changing the conversation :-)

Who knows? Maybe if enough people realize poverty needs to move beyond evoking pity - those charities will stop those ads.

[Chocaz]

I agree with you in this video, & you're doing good trying to change the conversation about Global Poverty through YouTube etc.

=)

[qiranger]

Excellent points. I very much admire your initiative.

[1Day2BeAwesome]

So amazing and so inspiring, I love your humbleness,the message of these videos are amazing. Hope everything is well and safe, so glad that you are still making such a huge difference in the way we think about poverty. :D

Hugs! <3

-B

[BooNBoX]

Yes you are correct. But changing the mindset of people is extremely difficult, perhaps it's a straight forward to ask for donations from the people around the world. Some people just won't understand why should they care so much about doing more than just donate something.

Change the world by changing yourself, then change your friends and society, only after that you may change the world. So always start from ourselves.

[BooNBoX]

Yes you are correct. But changing the mindset of people is extremely difficult, perhaps it's a straight forward to ask for donations from the people around the world. Some people just won't understand why should they care so much about doing more than just donate something.

Change the world by changing yourself, then change your friends and society, only after that you may change the world. So always start from ourselves.

[ExiledMagi]

Your right the message is what keeps everyone veiwing these videos, and the interaction on ways that can help end the poverty instead of just trying to make people feel guilty and donate money. I'm very glad one of your videos was featured and i was lucky enough to watch it, so i could become a proud subscriber to your channel. Your work is great and it's going to go places to help end poverty across the world. Thanks.

[UnculturedProject]

hey ExiledMagi, thanks for the kind words. One guy with an opinion is just a guy shouting on a soap box. But thanks to the kind support from people such as yourself - maybe my work here can have a lasting impact. :-)

[ExiledMagi]

I do think your work will have a lasting impact, it's changed my outlook on life, and i hope it does for others to. :)

[gibax]

Great insights, great video. Keep it up.

[Hiijab]

i agree

[3873236]

EXCELLENT! Keep putting your ideas and knowledge out here, obviously you are making the problem much clearer than the others! Keep up the GREAT work!

[351cleavland]

In response to your statement about donation commercials making people feel bad- my perspective in America is about shame. We have way too much and others too little. They worry about enough food to live. We worry about having right clothes to look cool with our adolescent friends. Pay some money to not feel shame and continue living with our appetite-what a deal. Your videos make "those people" real people- not one dimensional-much harder to ignore. wish this was mandatory in suburbs. Thanks!

[CeReAlKiLlErIsBaCk]

Instead of featuring funny videos, videos of songwriters, YouTube should feature your videos once a week.

[levio91]

epic

[shazk17]

love the stuff ur doing bro =)

as AskCarrieLee mentioned, yeh - cos ur one person u can relate to youtubers more than the prof reorganizations ... well done ^_^

[Ashlee2e]

what your doing is very great.

[petecorn]

I agree. Having the courage to face issue like farm subsidies, visa rules, corruption and governance... while more challenging for the average "punter" to understand...are ultimately where long-term solutions lie. Great job.

[goodall19]

i agree shaun.... good job tc.

[everestwater]

yay shaun!!!!

[Nawaz101]

yes anova gr8 vid keep it up i hope to see more

[Nawaz101]

yes anova gr8 vid keep it up i hope to see more

[AskCarrieLee]

It's also because you're younger, more in touch and one person trying to reach out and educate. That's why you have more subscribers and views, people want to hear what you have to say and learn from you.  You put things in a fresh perspective.

[6Tulips]

As always, thanks for giving us something to think about. Great work.

[Heckytorr]

Another great, great video :).

[kevsmit00]

great job

[alicewantstoknow]

well spoken and keep it up

i've been with you since you had less then a 100 subs and i think what you are doing is wonderfull.

[UnculturedProject]

hey alice - I'm sitting here trying to figure out what I can type that can express my gratitude. When I had less than 100 subs I didn't think the popularity would go beyond that realistically (although everyone can dream...). But, no matter what happens in the future, I definitely will never forget the kind of support you showed from the very start :-)

[fatalsnipes]

Hey this is awesome man. Im really inspired by your videos

[dtothediesel]

Is it really as easy as you described on your page i.e. labtop, camera, etc.

Where else do you want to highlight poverty?

What presidential candidate do you think will do the most to combat global poverty.

[UnculturedProject]

hey dtothediesel, I'm not here to endorse any particular presidential candidate. The simple fact is this should be priority for all of the candidates.

I would love to highlight poverty in other parts of the world. But I'm doing this on my own dime - I'm lucky that I could even come to even Bangladesh. I wouldn't call it "easy" as much as I would call it "hurried".

[alicewantstoknow]

don't worry about gratitude I just really wish you to be a partner tho because I know you would use that little advertisement money wisely.

Perhaps one day I'll have the chance to vote for you ;)

[HOTircCHAT]

lolz weldone

larryh1985

heheheh

UnculturedProject KEEP it UP!!! Bro

[larryh1985]

Lol Thx Buddy !!

[larryh1985]

Yay First View and Comment >.>