I was struck when I read Dana Mathews' column, "Collegian writer brings world to readers," Jan. 9. In anticipation of her trip to India, where she would be staying in a child labor village for a few days, she remarked, "While these children may be fortunate to live in a community that takes care of them, they work 12 to 14 hour shifts, are served only a cupful of rice for lunch, and earn about $2 per month." I cannot believe this could be considered a community that cares for these children or is a fortunate lifestyle in any way. It is unfair to take this single statement out of context because I assume she did not mean to be unsympathetic after reading her column in full, but her comment does show an unfortunate impression that she and many other people may have of poorer countries like India.

Modern-day slavery is something that plagues our world, and there is no place where slavery and child labor are acceptable lifestyles. These children are not fortunate to be living in those conditions, and it requires an greater awareness and sensitivity among all of us to really think about these global issues with compassion.