Hundreds Attack Shops, Cars, Set Fires in Somalia Food Protests

published tuesday May, 6
by the Associated Press
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,354326,00.html

This article talks about the tensions and reactions of the increase in food price in Somalia. The increase in food prices have gone up 40% since the middle of last year, and it is continuing to increase. Financially, people are in trouble because now they are worrying about getting enough food to feed their families. Since this has been going on for a long time, people are beginning to take action and show their anger and frustration. Violence has clearly increased over the past week, there have been riots in the streets, counterfeiting of money, multiple deaths, stones have been thrown at stores, cars have been put on fire, etc. People are now blaming the weather for the increase in food prices. The president of Somalia is now making a new currency which should help the counterfeiting problem. Somalia is in much danger, about half of the population is in a famine because of a drought, the food prices are too high, and violence has taken over the streets.
This article would relate to the AP World theme, Impact of technology, economics, and demography on people and the environment. It would relate to this theme because the increase in food prices has greatly impacted the lives in Somalia. We can see this through their violent acts that they have recently displayed.
Food prices have always been an issue, and it has always continued to increase. The increase in food prices is thought to be due to the use of corn for ethenol and other biofuels, low grain supply and drought conditions cause a higher demand for the food. The price of basic grains are now said to be at their all time high. Because of all these problems, it is causing the poor people to be in hard times as well, since they can’t even pay for the food.
This article was written by the associated press which is just an organization with the purpose in writing things about what is happening in the world. Because of this fact, one can infer that there is not much bias present, and that it is more factual than opinionated.
Among this article I would have liked to have heard from one of those unfortunate people who are experiencing this struggle, one of the poor members of Somalia’s society. Hearing from them can help one understand exactly how their lives have changed because of the increase in food prices, and what their future might bring.
I feel very bad for the people in Somalia that have to go through all of these struggles, and just for a basic necessity like food. I couldn’t imagine wondering on a daily basis if I would be able to eat, or have enough to eat that day. Because of this long, difficult struggle for them, I can see why there are violent actions being taken at this time, they are getting impatient, and possibly angry that all of this is happening. However, I do not agree that those actions should have been taken, this is happening to everyone, not just one family. I don’t understand why some people have to put harm on their community and neighbors because they are upset with things when everyone else is in the same situation, it’s not right.