The New York Times last week had a great essay, Division Street USA, by Robert Sampson on how the real estate bust and the subsequent depression-type environment has impacted neighborhoods quite differently. Today, the Times writes about the growing use of microcredit amongst growing number of poor in the United States. What was an innovation in Bangladesh has turned into a lifeline for many. I read both those stories and realized that in this new America, poverty and hope are two forces jostling for the future. I am optimistic about our ability to do better.
2 thoughts on “America, Poverty & Hope”
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sir please forgive my ignorance, can you explain to me what micro credit is I’ve never heard that term..thanks
Om, I couldn’t agree more and love the idea that we can benefit from the micro-credit experience in India. I, too am betting on the future. I recognize, however, that it will require intentional consistent and even aggressive effort in whatever form, to ensure the future. I love the ventures you have created and am a huge fan of gigaom. As an African American 50+ year old woman, I recognize that I am probably not your typical demographic profile, but without gigaom, I’ not sure we would be able to follow key technology trends.
I want to introduce you to my venture, itsashort.com. It is a short film, video and webisode distribution platform for award winning media artists. Please check out the launch page and register, follow us on FB. I would like to keep you posted on our progress. These artists frequently don’t have any meaningful option to monetize their work, we represent such an idea, not meant entirely to be disruptive but certainly designed to create more efficiency in this market place…see you on the planes of success….