In today's world, where we are constantly exposed to pain and rejection through various media channels, the question of why we should help the poor is a pertinent one. The answer, however, is quite simple - if the poor were capable of helping themselves, they would have done so already. Similarly, if governments had the ability to eradicate poverty, they would have done so by now. It is therefore our collective social responsibility to take accountability for the welfare of the less fortunate, as they are unable to do so themselves.