Monica+Mooney+RP+Post+5

Monica Mooney RP Post 5

From the research I have conducted I have learned a great deal of information on a variety of aspects relating to my main topic of humanitarians. I have gained knowledge on a widely accepted definition of humanitarians, the overall work of humanitarians, some examples of real life humanitarians, and even on a psychological side, the motivations of their actions as well as their general impact on the world.


 * To begin**, **according to the Global Humanitarian Assistance Organization,** humanitarian aid can be classified as acts that come about in times of dire need to assist in the health and well being of a population. **Often** times this kind of help can be received after wars, natural disasters, political upsets, and other types of emergencies.

As far as real life humanitarians go, I have compiled a list of some of the world's most notable humanitarians, based off of the research and personal response to their work. I find these people to be both an inspiration and a valuable asset in my paper, for not only do I plan on citing their general actions but also delving into their inspiration and their driving factors that truly push them to do what they do. **For example,** Oprah Winfrey, TV socialite is deeply involved with global literacy organizations. Using her social strength and her media influence, Winfrey extracts the physical and monetary support from all over; however, her actions do not come as a surprise. Education is an area that is near and dear to her heart; as a child she suffered from physical and mental abuse and turned to books and school as a safe haven. **After** taking drastic measures in her young life and eventually getting a second chance as she embarked upon her adult years, Winfrey looks to her childhood schooling as an influencing factor in her life. **Along with that**, Oprah Winfrey has personally taken it upon herself to be the voice for those who cannot be their own voice. She supports a variety of charities including AIDS organizations, her own Angel Foundation, and many others. All of this ultimately stemming from her own personal life experiences.

I have also stumbled upon a variety of sources that contradict one of my main points that I am trying to prove through this paper; the positive effect of humanitarian aid. **According to** studies conducted at Tufts University, students have compiled examples that prove that humanitarian assistance does more damage than good. **One source** states that aid that is given to third world countries, often times those in Africa who lack social structure, is a waste. They go on to argue that this type of aid merely paints a picture of impossible realities, that these countries are too unstable to utilize such help. Another source examined the costly aspect of this kind of aid and posed questions regarding the economics of these situations. This study specifically focused on aid given to regions of Ethiopia, where much more money was spent on improving the livelihood and not the original goal of providing food aid. In situations like these, I found myself asking the question, //how much aid is too much?// And thus gave me another question to ask myself whilst researching further on this topic.