Poverty, Inc.

Michael Matheson Miller's documentary asks harsh questions about whether Western humanitarian projects in the developing world are rooted in genuine altruism or a neo-colonial need to maintain dominance over African, Asian, Latin American, and Caribbean countries. Poverty Inc. calls out international bodies such as the United Nations and World Bank, nongovernmental organizations, Christian relief operations, and the U.S. Congress for having very little to show for much-publicized efforts to fight worldwide hunger and poverty. Rather than work to create equal partnerships in the developing world and enable countries to be active participants in the global economy, current outreach is seen as maintaining a perpetual state of dependence on financial and food aid. Or, as Ghanaian software entrepreneur Herman Chinery-Hesse glumly observes, “I see multiple colonial governors. We are held captive by the donor community.” Miller also chides celebrities including Bono and George Clooney, and all-star music fundraising efforts such as “Do They Know It's Christmas?” (both the original British version and the Glee remake) for reinforcing the stereotype of Africans as being too stupid to take care of themselves and in need of white Western intervention. Presented in both the full-length version and a 55-minute abridgement, this provocative critique of global socioeconomic policies is highly recommended. [Note: this is also available with public performance rights for $295 from Ro*co Films Educational at www.rocoeducational.com.] Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)