Don’t let Pope Francis leave the Philippines because it seems that we need him to actually mobilize resources and inculcate changes in the country. What does it take for us to act on these short-term improvements and actually build on them in the long run? (Image from World Now)
As Pope Francis visits the Philippines, a number of scholars have expressed concern over the ways that his presence can/will further inequality in the country – with the rich having an upper hand and the poor remaining in the margins, and whether or not his visit can bring about more equitable, democratic structures.
Gossip is in itself a deviant act and is sometimes considered a crime because it is a form of retaliation and a means of redistributive justice against others. Lower class individuals who are powerless use the law against the powerful upper class commonly employ this approach. (Image from soulshepherding.org)
Dingdong has conspicuously consumed his wealth and connections to conspicuously display his love and in so doing, to conspicuously inform the world as well that he’s such a success, a man above most men. (Image from PEP.ph)
As I was spending my time reading my Facebook news feed, there’s this picture of two people kissing that catches my eyes and made me think of everything I just learned in sociology and anthropology.
Given the way we reproduce our behavior, it is not surprising that it is very hard to break the vicious cycle of inequality and poverty in the Philippines.
The online reincarnation of Verstehen was launched exactly a year ago. Indeed, it’s been one year. Once again, we are humbly reminded why we continue to breathe life to this endeavor for readers like you.
Black and white. Chess, seen as a fight between two opposing kingdoms, reflects the clash between groups in society. The photo showing a white king standing on top of two black rooks emphasizes how one race in society can be more favored than another race
The point is: weddings enable and constrain, and I feel most couples prefer a ceremony that’s more enabling than constraining. The choice of some couples to defray all wedding expenses (as was the case in the two weddings I attended) is a subtle attempt of bride and groom to lessen that constraint, wield a little power, and assert their independence. (Image from tuscanaresort.com)
But woe to the reserve army of labor! Already disadvantaged by being the first to be laid off when the recession began, they are now doubly disadvantaged by a new manufacturing order that renders their labor unwanted. One long-term effect will be greater poverty for the unemployed, and eventually, a larger divide between the poor and the rich. (Image from globalresearch.ca)
VERSTEHEN 