Is Poverty In America More A Choice Or A Condition?

[Fandango 1,439]

I think ppl are taking this 'choice' word too literally. No one would say 'hey yeah give me poverty, that's GREAT!' but they are choosing to 'remain a victim' of whatever system/rap music/etc we want to blame for their free will choices that keep them in their situations.

If you want to pull yourself up by your boot straps and make something of yourself, you can. Everyone's sayin 'oh but that's the exception rather than the rule'...HELLLLLLLO? this is America...home of the 'American Dream' where pretty much masses of people came here with nothing and made something of themselves. How is it the exception when there's a whole stereotype about what one can achieve here?

No, stereotypes are not 100% truth. But they are based in truth...that's how they became stereotypes in the first place.

Edited June 14, 2007 by LisaD

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I think ppl are taking this 'choice' word too literally. No one would say 'hey yeah give me poverty, that's GREAT!' but they are choosing to 'remain a victim' of whatever system/rap music/etc we want to blame for their free will choices that keep them in their situations.

If you want to pull yourself up by your boot straps and make something of yourself, you can. Everyone's sayin 'oh but that's the exception rather than the rule'...HELLLLLLLO? this is America...home of the 'American Dream' where pretty much masses of people came here with nothing and made something of themselves. How is it the exception when there's a whole stereotype about what one can achieve here?

No, stereotypes are not 100% truth. But they are based in truth...that's how they became stereotypes in the first place.

As I see it - its not too dissimilar to depression. Plenty of people seem to believe that a person can just "pull themselves together" and not be depressed - but that's really misunderstanding the condition, as anyone who works in psychiatry will tell you.

A cycle of poverty is not all that different in many respects. When you've people living in the inner city who have lived in poverty for 2 - 3 generations, it wouldn't be unrealistic to suggest that there's a conditioning effect - family history, environment all of these things influence how you approach things and are able to perceive, seek out and capitalise on opportunities. If you have a pessimistic outlook - it stands to reason that you will have problems.

[Dan J 277]

I think ppl are taking this 'choice' word too literally. No one would say 'hey yeah give me poverty, that's GREAT!' but they are choosing to 'remain a victim' of whatever system/rap music/etc we want to blame for their free will choices that keep them in their situations.

If you want to pull yourself up by your boot straps and make something of yourself, you can. Everyone's sayin 'oh but that's the exception rather than the rule'...HELLLLLLLO? this is America...home of the 'American Dream' where pretty much masses of people came here with nothing and made something of themselves. How is it the exception when there's a whole stereotype about what one can achieve here?

No, stereotypes are not 100% truth. But they are based in truth...that's how they became stereotypes in the first place.

You can say that, and alot of people do. But lets say everyone thats in poverty did that? got college degree or whatever they needed to get ahead in life. What would happen?

We end up with a bit of a paradox. You could be making $100,000 a year, but if everyone else is making more than you, the economy will adjust and you will still be in poverty. Its all relative and there will always be a group of people at the bottom. No matter how much money they make, the bottom is still the bottom.

We are, not matter what we do, going to have people in poverty. The real question is what do we do as a society for these people. Indirectly it is in our best interest to make sure basic needs are met, as that will reduce crime and elimite the homeless population off the streets. We can never elimiate poverty, but we can do things to keep the number of people in poverty low and meet the needs of those in poverty.

No matter what we do, there will be freeloaders on the system. People who wont contribute in any way, and just reap the benifits.

[mawilson 2,133]

We end up with a bit of a paradox. You could be making $100,000 a year, but if everyone else is making more than you, the economy will adjust and you will still be in poverty. Its all relative and there will always be a group of people at the bottom. No matter how much money they make, the bottom is still the bottom.

I have to agree. The poverty line is considered to be the minimum dollar amount needed

for individuals, couples or families to purchase food and meet other basic needs.

The current poverty line is about $10-15k, which in some parts of the country is more

than enough to live quite comfortably.

[Henia 11]

I think with all the jobs (even thou many are going overseas) there are still so many jobs (or 2) that pay decent...and public assistance that people should be doing well. Esp they cut out their luxuries BS out...and started family planning (not have kids so early and keep having them).I know in my dH's country literally there are NO jobs and the people who do work barely make enough per day to feed a family of 3 (that day).... So yes I think its a choice. Car notes, luxury homes, BS sugary prepared frozen foods, going out to eat daily...all this is just extras that make people broke.

[Fandango 1,439]

I think with all the jobs (even thou many are going overseas) there are still so many jobs (or 2) that pay decent...and public assistance that people should be doing well. Esp they cut out their luxuries BS out...and started family planning (not have kids so early and keep having them).I know in my dH's country literally there are NO jobs and the people who do work barely make enough per day to feed a family of 3 (that day).... So yes I think its a choice. Car notes, luxury homes, BS sugary prepared frozen foods, going out to eat daily...all this is just extras that make people broke.

You make a v good point here. I had a friend way back who made GREAT money, but was always twisting that they were havin it hard due to bills and whatnot...ok, that's your dealio then.

One day, D & I went out to lunch with them & between all the frozen frilly drinks, appetizers, meal, dessert they ordered, their lunch bill was 75 bucks!

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

My wife and I make a point of never eating out with people like that. I'm not busting my budget for nobody.

[Addie_Goodvibes 0]

In different part of the country it can be labeled as a choice where in other places a condition of of circumstances left over from family history such as poor education, environment ect..

With the increase in the illegal criminal Alien invasion bringing the 3rd world , poverty, crime, & lack of skill or education into USA, USA is becoming more of a poverty stricken nation.