Most people have forgotten the meaning behind traditional or religious festivals

 
93 
January 1, 2020 
81.
 
Housing for the poor 
Some believe that because everyone needs a place to live, governments should 
provide houses for those who are too poor to afford their own. 
To what extent do you agree or disagree? 
Many reformers are of the opinion that it is the responsibility of governments to provide 
public housing for members of the public too poor to afford their own homes. In my 
opinion, although there are some situations when this might be necessary, it is better to 
allow people the opportunity to pull themselves out of poverty. 
Those who support government assistance in housing programs point out the institutional 
shackles that keep people in poverty. In the United States, there is a long, painful history 
concerning African Americans that began with slavery, discrimination and still shows its 
impact in various more muted forms of racism. These people have few chances to escape 
poverty and own their own homes because they have difficulty getting a good education 
and then a job. If governments provide them with housing, that frees up their money to go 
to the education of their children and can break the long chain of poverty that has blighted 
their path in America. 
Although the above-mentioned argument has its merits, in my opinion people who help 
themselves are more likely to be able to maintain their success. Charity is a notoriously 
double edged sword because it fosters dependence. Someone who is in poverty who works 
hard and finds and escape and manages to own a home will develop reserves of willpower 
and determination that will serve them their entire life. Their self-respect will also help 
them in their work and encourage them to hold onto their house, regardless of obstacles. If 
the government simply gifts this person a house, they will be much less inclined to take 
care of it and will not develop any of the qualities that will spell out their success in life 
more generally. 
In conclusion, people who are more self-reliant are more likely to be successful and hold 
onto their homes. The role of government ought to be more subtle and include educational 
reforms aimed at opening up opportunities that individuals can themselves seize. 
Word count: 329 

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