Who's Fault Is It That Poor People Are Poor?
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Reasons for poverty is relative.
Could be laziness. Could be health issues. Could be hopelessness. Could be mental illness. Could be (lack of) education. Could be (lack of) transportation. Could be the economy of that particular region. Could be expenses/debt (some of which might be legit, for example paying off medical bills or taking care of no-income elderly parents). Could be criminal history that follows one throughout his life. Could be lack of advancement while the CEOs get bonuses. Could be fear to leave a low-income, steady job for the potential risk of starting a business or moving to a higher-paying job, perhaps as a contractor.
No, the government isn't the answer but neither is motivating one with "bootstrap" mentality.
What needs to be done is education AND employment opportunities, and helping people (who are physically and mentally able) to find and qualify for those opportunities. Those with physical or mental handicaps may need additional support, depending on their disability.
Could be laziness. Could be health issues. Could be hopelessness. Could be mental illness. Could be (lack of) education. Could be (lack of) transportation. Could be the economy of that particular region. Could be expenses/debt (some of which might be legit, for example paying off medical bills or taking care of no-income elderly parents). Could be criminal history that follows one throughout his life. Could be lack of advancement while the CEOs get bonuses. Could be fear to leave a low-income, steady job for the potential risk of starting a business or moving to a higher-paying job, perhaps as a contractor.
No, the government isn't the answer but neither is motivating one with "bootstrap" mentality.
What needs to be done is education AND employment opportunities, and helping people (who are physically and mentally able) to find and qualify for those opportunities. Those with physical or mental handicaps may need additional support, depending on their disability.
Smellin Coffee said:
There is a difference between someone who is poor (or broke) and someone who is perpetually poor. People can go through hard times (3-5 years) but if they continue in poverty, the problem is usually within.
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cpizzle said:
Pretty much the conclusion of the article. The author of the book being discussed is making the point that neither the left or right has an answer for the cultural causes of poverty.
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subllibrm said:
Not yet. Will do at lunch.
subllibrm said:
I read the article, and while it touches on many good points, I think Smellin' hit on some good points as well.
Just my $.02 worth.
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HeDied4U said:subllibrm said:
I read the article, and while it touches on many good points, I think Smellin' hit on some good points as well.
Just my $.02 worth.
For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. Mark 14:5?-?7
I think you may be asking the wrong question. Graduating from an unaccredited college does not help. Unless you've experienced poverty first hand, it is easy to make assumptions. If you are truly interested in the causes, you might want to read "Nickel and Dimed".
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The battle of fff philosophies:
Micro Aggression vs White Narcissism.
Micro Aggression vs White Narcissism.
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subllibrm said:
A voice (motivated by white narcissism) cries in the wilderness:
"You didn't read it either, did you?"
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FTR, I read the article and I've also read Hillbilly Elegy.
I took the title of the thread at face value, so I was addressing the person who asked that question. I stand by my response, "I think you may be asking the wrong question."subllibrm said:
You are correct. I had not read the link you provided. I have now. Sounds like a good book.
I think the "Nickel and Dimed" book is good, also.
I try to listen to both sides on a subject, so I watch Fox News and I listen to National Public Radio on occasion.
Call me a liberal, but I even read what Smellin' writes?
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subllibrm said:
In response to your white narcissist motivated cry.
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The wording of the OP was intentional. I have become aware of that it is common for people to respond to questions in a way that exposes their bias. This one has proven that premise. An ink blot test if you will.
While not technically a hillbilly, I did grow up in a home where the overarching worldview was that everything was stacked against us by "them". This makes for a ready excuse for any failures and also a balm for any guilt one may have for not trying to do better. My upbringing was such that anyone who had been successful had cheated their way. Or if that wouldn't stick, they were stuck up, thought too highly of themselves, got too big for their britches and so on. The unspoken message was don't bother trying to succeed because you can't. And if you do try and make good, we will speak ill of you for the rest of your life.
This where my question of "fault" comes from. I do not subscribe to that worldview because I know that I am responsible for the choices I make in life. But I do understand the mindset.
With that family background, is it any wonder that I have a nephew who is a full blown BernHead 99-percenter? He is totally convinced that all of the pain and turmoil in his life is a direct result of being shutout by the fat cats who rule the world. Needless to say, I do not agree with him.
FWIW I like the basic thought lines of the book (I have not read it yet) as indicated in the article; that both sides ignore the cultural part of the equation.
While not technically a hillbilly, I did grow up in a home where the overarching worldview was that everything was stacked against us by "them". This makes for a ready excuse for any failures and also a balm for any guilt one may have for not trying to do better. My upbringing was such that anyone who had been successful had cheated their way. Or if that wouldn't stick, they were stuck up, thought too highly of themselves, got too big for their britches and so on. The unspoken message was don't bother trying to succeed because you can't. And if you do try and make good, we will speak ill of you for the rest of your life.
This where my question of "fault" comes from. I do not subscribe to that worldview because I know that I am responsible for the choices I make in life. But I do understand the mindset.
With that family background, is it any wonder that I have a nephew who is a full blown BernHead 99-percenter? He is totally convinced that all of the pain and turmoil in his life is a direct result of being shutout by the fat cats who rule the world. Needless to say, I do not agree with him.
FWIW I like the basic thought lines of the book (I have not read it yet) as indicated in the article; that both sides ignore the cultural part of the equation.
Thank you for sharing that. Our past is part of who we are, but, of course, it doesn't define us.
My father grew up in a large poor family. He rarely complained, but occasionally he would say, "all men are NOT created equal."
Fortunately, he survived the war, got an education and was able to enjoy life and support his family. Without the GI bill and his determination, none of that would have happened.
Lately, I have had a shift in thinking. I have worked for some extremely wealthy people. Most of them made sure i was paid well, and my jobs enabled me to have good insurance; however, I'm not seeing the "trickle down" economics that Reagan referred to. I'm not preaching socialism, but I am concerned about CEOs making massive amounts of money while underlings struggling to build a future.
I don't have answers, but i wish i did.
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My father grew up in a large poor family. He rarely complained, but occasionally he would say, "all men are NOT created equal."
Fortunately, he survived the war, got an education and was able to enjoy life and support his family. Without the GI bill and his determination, none of that would have happened.
Lately, I have had a shift in thinking. I have worked for some extremely wealthy people. Most of them made sure i was paid well, and my jobs enabled me to have good insurance; however, I'm not seeing the "trickle down" economics that Reagan referred to. I'm not preaching socialism, but I am concerned about CEOs making massive amounts of money while underlings struggling to build a future.
I don't have answers, but i wish i did.
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