Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Blog #8 - Culture of Poverty
In the 1960s many social scientists performed research on poverty, and the government even sponsored a study on poverty. Much of what was revealed was not pretty. It still isn't pretty, but the interest is coming back. Read the following article from the New York Times and discuss your opinions. The overarching questions that I have pertaining to the article are 1) what should the national government and local governments do that they are not currently doing to solve problems and 2) what can the individual person do to make a difference and change things?
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1) I think that the national and local government needs to take a hard look at the data and needs to explore ways to help "change the culture" that the article suggests poor people have become trapped in. Putting two times as much money in the education of children trapped in this void would help them be able to pull themselves out. Also, programs likes The Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the like need to provide more outreach than they currently do. Of course, more outreach requires more money. Doing anything to to help reshape the warped image of the poorest of the poor will take a lot of hard work and a lot of money. Only when the government makes poverty a top priority (instead of just throwing welfare at the problem) will anything really get done.
ReplyDelete2) If you are referring to a person stuck in the poor rut, they can try to make the best of what they have and never stop working to improve themselves. They can seek help from community organizations and churches and can become part of a group that isn't in and out of jail. They can work to make better choices so that they aren't just a type, labeled unfairly and slung around in the system.
If you are referring to a person of means looking to help, they can join organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters or can help through other civic org. or church. They can work to change their own perception on the poor. It is true that some are poor because they are lazy or have made bad choices. But it is also true that many are poor because they are caught in a culture that they can't get out of; they wouldn't even know where to begin.
Americans (and immigrants to America) used to have a strong work ethic that pulled them up out of poverty. These are the people that built our railroads and our bridges and our highways. Somehow, this culture of hard work got lost and was replaced by the detrimental culture we have now. Something has got to give.
1) I think the national government and local government should monitor more closely what the money they are investing in these impoverished areas and people. I think money should be invested in educating not only the children in these areas, but also the parents. With education comes better jobs, and with better jobs comes an opportunity to try and pull oneself out of poverty. Educate the children to help negate the theory of a generational curse of poverty. They don't have to live in poverty because their parents did. Also, I believe the government should look into funding trips for children from the "hood" or "ghetto" so that they may see that there is more out there in this world than what they see daily. You'd be amazed at how many children have never been outside of that comfort zone of the projects. If you show them what else there is to offer, I think that will create some initiative.
ReplyDelete2) Individuals must educate themselves, like I said earlier. You are not going to get a great job in this country unless you have a decent education. The more educated, the better your job will be. Educating children and parents will help end the generational curse of poverty I spoke of earlier.
@Nancy I agree that the work ethic is no longer there. People used to seem to work hard for that American Dream, and it seems as if that theory is lost amongst get rich quick schemes.
1.) The government should, instead of spending money on some of these useless things, do like Nacy said above and try to spend more money of community organizations and try to get children involved in more things to help them prepare for their future lives. They should also try to help people get on their feet "instead of just throwing welfare at the problem". With them being more interatcted with the poorer community I believe they people will have more confidence in themselves and stop just reliaing on the government to do everything for them.
ReplyDelete2.)They can do as i say and tell the person/people to, "GET THEIR LIFE/LIVES TOGETHER!". But, people know there is an issue with poverty and need to stop being so selfish and go out and help the poor the best they can. You don't have to go and give them all your money but trying to cheer them up and mabey helping them get off the streets is good enough. People, must understand the poverty rate is rising and once one person goes down that one person starts to lead an entire country down hill because once the government starts to spend money on that person that is less money we it has for other important things and that leads to recessions.
1) I think that the most important thing is education. The government should invest in programs that will motivate kids to want to learn and work hard to make a better life for themselves and their family, and to put those programs into schools to make it easier for kids to join. I also think it’s important to have good hardworking teachers as well, because if the teacher doesn’t show interest or drive in wanting to teach, the students loose the enthusiasm to learn.
ReplyDelete2) The main thing that the individual has to do is to be willing to work hard for what they want. They have to realize that they are not going to be handed everything, they have to earn it. Again, I think it starts with getting a good education.
1. I think the national and local governments should take into consideration all of the money they have put into the research and experiments they've done on poverty. Listen to the interviews and responses of impoverished people and try to come up with a different approach to this situation. Apparently what was attempted in the past isn't working today. America is supposedly the place to be, but our government for years has given money to third world countries. There are countless organizations to help feed and educate children across the world. This is all fine, but what about our hungry and uneducated children and families right here?
ReplyDelete2. I believe there is a lot the individual person can do to make a difference and change things. The individual must educate themselves. They should be in the know of the world around them and keep in step with the times. They shouldn't be afraid to ask for help if they really need it. What can the individual do to help? Anyone can help out with communuty organizations, make donations, community service, etc.
1)Education is the biggest key to solving our problems. There is a large amount of money that could be used on providing our youth with the knowledge they need to lift themselves up, but it is wasted on useless projects. Before just throwing money at the education system, i think we need to study and analyze where the biggest needs are so that we can make the greatest affect.
ReplyDelete2)The main thing that the individual person can do to make a change is to be willing to volunteer their time and resources. If everyone just gives a little bit then making things change for the better will be a lot easier.
@Mona, I agree with your number two. People need to realize that nothing is free, and that you must work for what you want.
1. I think it’s great that Professor Samson walked through the neighborhood, but I feel our national and state government should walk these neighborhoods themselves. They should look at where the poor live at and see for themselves what is going on. When you have a one on one encounter you can understand better. I feel our national and state government should seek to find the cause of things so they can help prevent more people from going down the path of poverty. I mean let’s get are hands dirty and really tear this thing apart. Also I know the more the local government show themselves to the people in the community, and actually show that they are trying the more respect they receive. I know that there are different reasons people leave. Some leave because they don't understand the work. Others cause their family needs someone to take another job to help out. So let’s get them the education help they need and show them they would be able to help their family more it they finished high school.
ReplyDelete2. The first thing the poor could do is stop throwing a pity party. If you don’t make a move to help yourself than on one else will. I understand that sometimes there seems to be no way out, but that’s when you should be able to reach out for help. That’s not being dependent, that just trying to make it. When you get that help, don’t get depended on it and start relaxing that’s when you need to be doing your hardest to find a way out. What I'm saying is if my roof is about to cave in and we put up some post to hold it up, I'm not about to get comfortable and lay down, I'm about to get up and see what I can do to get it fixed.
@ Alex
ReplyDeleteI agree that the government should get more involved.
What should national and local governments do?
ReplyDelete-I think the best thing would be for local governments to set up organizations for the poorer communities such as local scholarship funds and charities for their cities and towns. This would be more effective than anything that the federal government sets up because the general public already has a built in skepticism of anything the federal government does. People are much more willing to donate to local charities because they trust that it will actually help to go towards their community rather than distributed to other places that may have nothing to do with their community at all. In my opinion, the best way to help people get out of poverty would be to focus most on the schools in that area. Make sure they have good teachers and enough school supplies.
What can the individual do to make a change?
-It is important to get more involved in their community because this type of problem effects the entire community and not just the people living in these areas. They can donate to schools, soup kitchens or donate old clothes to help out the families. However, it is also important not to create a crutch for the ones living in poverty. We need to help them learn get out of poverty not let them believe that it is okay and everything will just be given to them. Working with the kids is most important because they'll need an education to be able to get out of poverty. We need to teach them that they have to work hard if they want to get out, that not everything in life is going to be handed to them.
1) What should the national government and local governments do that they are not currently doing to solve problems?
ReplyDeleteI think that the national and local governments should help our citizens who fall under the category of 'poor' in an effort to promote a better, more cohesive society in the future. I think part of that should be some effort to reduce natural segregation in cities. The more we separate ourselves from each other and put those distinctions between us, the hard it is going to be to traverse that gap. I don't believe it's the government's place to provide money and complete support for people who have less money; but, I think their job is to provide opportunities to those who want to change their culture and to give encouragement to those individuals.
2) What can the individual person do to make a difference and change things?
As an individual in a culture and a society there is always the opportunity to promote change if the desire is there. Personally, I feel that people today are so complacent and way to content with the cultural norms to step out and make change (this is the population on whole). It starts with little things socially to have an impact on entire lives of other individuals. I think it all starts with parents and the way children are raised and in turn, they will pass those ideals on to their children and so on and so on. This is where the government comes in and should provide that encouragement and those opportunities for citizens to make a difference in their communities and cultures.
I primarily think the greatest thing to be done is to improve the education system in America on whole. Starting with inner city schools and working out. By providing and environment for people to better themselves and others it will trickle out into the community.
One thing I didn't really like about this article is how it made such a deal about blacks in America. There are so many different ethnicities that are poor and have these problems, not just blacks. For some reason it just bothered me the way that one culture and group of people seemed to be the focus of this article.
@Tmeeks, I like what you said about the poor having to show that they want out. That they have to do something to help themselves and let others know that they are really trying to create a better life so that the community's efforts won't be wasted on someone who couldn't care less if they got out of poverty.
ReplyDelete1. I think that the National Government and or Local Governments should make it somewhat "harder" for people to receive welfare. The process is too easy. It's also very easy for people to "break" into the system illegally. I feel as if the government is somewhat letting these people make the decisions that they make, because if there was no welfare, I don't think people would go around having numerous babies, because they wouldn't be able to afford them. But if they KNOW that they have welfare to count on then they will continue to do what they do.
ReplyDelete2. I think that individual people can set some morals. Also, I think that people that are not in poverty can maybe set some examples and be role models in the community.
@Nancy- I agree with what you said in answer #2. How the people can try to make the best of what they have and never give up. Basically to have faith.
ReplyDeleteI believe the government has done a decnt job in providing some kind of route for people to get out of poverty or to stay out of it. I have no other solution for them as to what they should do about poverty that haven't already tried.
ReplyDeleteBut as far as the people go I could go all day on it. We as Americans these days are brought up in a dog-eat-dog society where we only look out for ourselves and families. People today are no where near as united and together as my parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents had described to me where the people of past years. People today have a very cynical view of the world and think and believe everything and everybody is against them and to some extent sadly that is true. But there has to be a point at which people can fend for each other and trust one another and not be so kept to themselves. As my father would tell me he grew up in a neighborhood that would be classified as poor but everybody there provided for everybody. There was a feeling of comfort around. Although things maybe bad right now in times like these we as people need to come together and combine forces for the better good of everyone.
1. I really can not say what I think the government should or should not do because I really have no clue, as like Lindsey stated, what they have or have not done. Education should be a top priority though. Now a days in order to get a reasonable job, you must have a decent education.
ReplyDelete2.I also agree that everybody has dealt with some sort of misfortune in their life, but we shape our own lives. It takes help to form them, but we actually mold them based on where we wanna go in life, having a pretty good mind set of the possible outcomes on the decisions we make. We go through problems in our life and we as humans have to find someone to blame. So why not the government? But we have to realize that what we do helps with the results of our future.
@ Lindsey
I agree somewhat that it is the parents responsibility to make sure we go to school. But we have our own beliefs and mind structures and sometimes it is not the parents, it is simple the child, some kids just will not listen. Sad to say, they feel the fast life is the best life , and now a days some parents are frightned of what their children have became or is becoming and refuse to be the person to take charge. They are the kids and their kids are the adults. That is what they world is coming to!!!!
@Mike I concur eDuKshun is a big kee 2 sucksess n Amurica. On Erthang
ReplyDelete1. the national and local gov't are doing alot of what needs to do when it comes to the issue and alot of the problem is that people continuously take advantage of the system. However the government could do a lot of redistributing on how the people are taxed. like lowering sales tax and raising the property taxes and possibly raising the sin tax.
ReplyDelete2. The average person could do a lot in their own community anything from participating in the community soup bowl to donating money or food to their soup bowl.
1) I think the government should invest money in educating children from impoverished ares and that the government should focus more on giving a hand up instead of just hand-outs. Hand-outs only promote laziness that much more, and the lazier each generation gets, the longer the cycle of poverty will continue.
ReplyDelete2) Individuals must first and foremost educate themselves. They must educate themselves academically and they must learn and understand that they do not have to live in substandard conditions and that they can do something about it. I also think that often times people living in poor neighborhoods are just plain lazy. They dont want to work and they want everything handed to them. That mentality has to go. However, I understand that this is not the case for every person in every situation, and I understand that every case is not that cut and dry.
1. I think that the government should, like Mike said, instead of just talking about the "hood" and the "ghetto",they should invest money into those places. There is alot of potential in those people that are recognized as staying in the "ghetto" or the hood". Also not only for the ones in those types of places, but everyone who really and truely needs it. Money from the national and local governments can also go towards schools and local/national kids organizations, to help better and further a childs education. Or even to communities or charities.
ReplyDelete2. As far as what the individual should do on a personal level, I think that since school is open to the public that individual should go to school and get a good education, since education is the key to success. When that person go beyond just a high school education, better doors will begin to open up to that individual, and that person wont have to be label as someone out "the hood' or "ghetto", nor would they have to be on welfare. On the other hand, someone could go as far as doing a community event, volunteering once in while, or even donating, and that will make a change in not only that person's life but in someone elses and to what ever resource that person has reached out to.
Harry Potter reference! YESS!
ReplyDelete1. Government should work on the education system because that will be more rewarding in the long run than handouts which do not help the problem. Todays students need to be educated on how to spend their money so that the poverty problem can be fixed.
2. Individuals need to be willing to work for their money instead of sitting at home waiting on a check or cheating the system. Programs that provide financial assistance are being abused and I believe that is one of the main factors that are affecting America's poverty rate. Hard work is not valued anymore. People do not want to know what they can do for themselves, they want to know what other people can do for them. Programs such as Welfare should make a better effort in making sure that only the people who are really in need of their services and are unable to work are accepted.
1. The way I see the culture of poverty, it was a long road to where it is now, and it'll take generations of social change to bring the poverty rates down significantly and consistently. Poverty is perceived and believed by millions of Americans to be their only option in life; this is an overpowering mindset that takes a lifetime of exposure to new ideas to overcome. Most people that live in poverty I have found to be the most stubborn with their beliefs. I'm not sure if there is even a book full of legislation that could turn around the minds of those impoverished to believe that there is hope for them, but for the government not to make serious legislative action towards helping impoverished communities as soon as possible only makes the current generations of children in poverty more and more prone to succumb to this despairing mindset. The most important function of the government for the poor is to facilitate and fund as much education and global experiences as possible to these younger generations living in low income households. Also I feel that the local government is most responsible for the communities in poverty and should be the ones passing community specific legislation.
ReplyDelete2. What an individual can do to help reduce poverty is relative to their own economic standing, but for those who don't feel they need as much help could help poor communities by being involved in community activities, promoting education and morality, and participating in elections and legislation that help educate and invigorate impoverished communities.
@ John- I like your suggestion of the community helping each other. The government, and essentially taxpayers, would be less burdened if they helped in this type of way.
ReplyDelete1) What should the national government and local governments do that they are not currently doing to solve problems?
ReplyDeleteI believe they should look at the situations from a differnet perspective than they are. Most politicians believe that poor people are poor because of their own faults. That may be true for some but there are just as many that are actually trying to make a way and are fighting and struggling to make ends meet. Instead of trying to take away welfare, the goov't needs to try to make a way to give it to those who NEED it as opposed to those who "need" it and are just taking advantage of the situation.
2) What can the individual person do to make a difference and change things?
Individuals can help each other to change things. A person as himself can break easily and can be easily defeated. A group or community of people can't be broken as easily. Together they are strong and can work together to change the way each other's lives are going.
1)I believe that the National and local Governments need to focus more on the environment and education of rural areas. So many times you hear that a child or person is one way because of where they live. In my opinion if you know you have a bad area and nothing but bad things are coming from this area then you should do your best to fix it. In my opinion the government should be doing everything they can to improve "hoods," "ghettos," and "slums." If you improve an area then you have a better chance of good things coming from there. As far as education, I believe that there should be more programs that are parent and child friendly. Yes, the children are the future and we do need to really focus on them but we do have parents that wish to do better and there should be programs that are not hard to find to reach out to them.
ReplyDeleteI know I said that Government needs to help educate the parents but I know that school and college is not for everyone. I believe that Government should also create higher paying jobs in these rural areas. I mean you could make a lot of money being a plumber.
2)As far as the individual that is in poverty now, do the best you can. If at all possible go back to school and try to make your situation better. But most of all never stop trying to improve your situation and never settle for where you are if you are not happy.
1. I believe education is the biggest issue that should be paid close attention to at the moment, financially speaking. The government has done a fairly decent job with getting money out there for education to those who don't have enough to help themselves as well as to help those who are somewhat financially stable. I don't think it's so much as the government not doing enough;it's the people either not taking the opportunity when it's presented or those who are taking advantage of the system and all that the government does do.
ReplyDelete2.What an individual can do to help reduce poverty depends on their financial and economic status. If you are financially challenged there's not much you can do because you have barely have enough to take care of yourself; however, economically you can do as little as helping at a soup bowl or something of that nature for your community. If you are stable financially then you can give to different charities, sponsor community activities that help promote education and things like that. Lastly, whether poor, middle-class, or rich you can take part in some form of government to better not only the community but the nation as a whole.
In my opinion I think that education is the best way to move towards ending poverty. The government should put more money towards education and create more jobs so these people can work and begin to make their own money.
ReplyDeleteAs far as an individual, like diamond said, it depends on your financial and economic status is to determine how much you can help. But at the same time everyone can do SOMETHING! People can start helping the poor by helping them find a job! Not just by continuing to give them things. Help them to start their own life back up.
@TMeeks:
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the government needs to walk through the poor neighborhoods themselves so that they can get a real feel on the problems faced there. How can you know a place if you have never visited? Facts and figures aren't everything.
1) I think that bot national, regional, and local governments should try to change the current venues for jobs and the method for which jobs are acquired. As of now, it seems people think that in order to make a good living in today's society it is vital to have a degree from a four year college. I think this is extremely inefficient and costly for the country. Government should start implementing training/education programs that are extremely accessible and oriented specifically for preparing its students/trainees to enter the workforce immediately. Hundred of thousands of job opportunities could open up if we start adapting to our needs. We need mechanical workers. We need to start marketing in resources and areas that are available to us like farming/energy production/ etc. We need to reintroduce the idea that you can still be comfortable without going to an expensive college that puts you in extremely competitive fields that simple don't need as many workers.
ReplyDelete2) Individuals should start becoming more active. That is an extremely broad term to throw out there but it would render improvements in many areas if simply more people were active. Whether it be supporting/ being involved in politics, acting in community service groups, or pushing for communal changes in society. In order to be successful, and even to survive, people must take the initiative to adapt. Benjamin Franklin once said "All mankind is divided into three groups: those that are immovable, those that are movable, and those that move." To clarify, we need to move.
@ Jennifer
ReplyDelete... Could you be more vague? What does setting some morals mean? And how does having people say "I'm not going to steal" put food on the plate for those in need?
Sorry this is so late.
ReplyDelete1.)
I don't think anyone should have to starve to death. An education should be accessible for all children. An education is extremely important in todays society if one is to be "successful".
I think government programs should be designed to help people that can't help themselves and people that wan't to help themselves. I shouldn't have to support the guy that doesn't want to support himself. I'd be willing to help people that need it. I think most people would be willing to help others that truly need a hand. Is it the governments responsibility do everything for its people? Is it time to sit tight and wait out the storm? Is it time for the government to let the people be the people? Education is the foundation for a latter out of poverty. Its in the hands of the individual to decide how much effort their willing to put forth in life.
2.)
Individuals can help each other. Its nice to have a neighbor. Anyone can volunteer at shelters and soup kitchens. Give to charity.
@You said that todays students should be educated on how to spend their money. How would you do this? Is it the governments job educate people on money?
1)What should the national government and local governments do that they are not currently doing to solve problems?
ReplyDelete-I think the national and local governments should try to invest money into helping people who live in poor environments. Instead of just downing that certain area, help them out. I don't think people can change what type of evironment they come from. With a little help from the government I bet they could.
2) what can the individual person do to make a difference and change things?
-What indidviduals can do to change things is to try to progress from the area they live in. They themselves can get a good education and work hard to move up in society today. Also,affluent people could give to poor comunities who need more help than others.
@ courtney I agree that education is the key to abolishing poverty. Not everyone wants to have a good education though.
ReplyDelete@TMeeks
ReplyDeleteI also agrre that the government should walk throught the neighborhoods themselves. With them going to see things themselves then they will be able to understand what is really going on in the public and seeing things like this really help poeple out when it comes to their true feelings about the situation. "Seeing is believing."
Also @ Jennifer
ReplyDeleteI agree with Andrew. Can you give more information.
@ Megan i agree with your number 2, people should actually do something than just wait around on checks.
ReplyDelete@ Amber, i agree with your number one, i think that money should be spent on higher paying jobs too.
1) I think national and local governments should focus on prevention first by implementing more policies that make the distribution of wealth less lopsided. I don't mean that we should have socialism, but I do feel that the extremely rich get to the point where their money starts making itself, and the extremely poor have to live on their money from day-to-day. For example: tax breaks for the rich seem unnecessary. I also think that the government should spend more effort to make sure that those who are on welfare are spending their money wisely. The government should also fund education systems so that the teachers are better quality and can influence their students before habits are set.
ReplyDelete2)I think the individual who is not in poverty can do as much volunteer service as they can. Sometimes just showing you care and are willing to spend some of your time helps people find more hope to face their life situations. I saw a quote attributed to Mother Teresa that read, "It is a poverty that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." I think that applies to everyone. We like to provide luxuries to ourselves and all the while there are people starving.
On the other angle, I think that those who are in poverty can benefit the most from keeping hope and perseverance. I think the true downfall is when those in poverty resign themselves to it and don't even strive to pull themselves out. It is true that often economic conditions make it seem impossible to stay afloat, but citizens should never give up that goal, and never resign themselves to a lifetime on welfare.
@Amber. I really like your ideas for what the government should do. I also feel like a college education really isn't what everyone should have. I think that the economy's lack of jobs makes more poverty than the lack of formal education.
ReplyDelete1.
ReplyDeleteI think that the American Government's biggest weapon againist is the quality of education. The more educated individuals we have in our country the more successful we can become. I know it's alot easier said than done to improve funding but maybe if we look closer into the budget it could be better improved. If we could take areas with higher poverty rates and re-work budgets in that specific area to allow students with more oppurtunities. Education not really meaning a formal structured 8-3 school day but more so focusing on making sure students are actually learning and prepared to think on their own.
2.
People are ultimately responsible for their own fate. It doesn't matter where you come from, it depends on where you want to be. Also how hard you're willing to work to reach your goals. It's hard to realize it sometimes but we all have the same chances at succeeding. I might not have a trust fund waiting to pay for college but I do have the chance to apply and work towards scholarships.
Anyone has a chance to do what they want.
@ Nancy
ReplyDeleteI really like your thoughts on putting more emphasis on after school/ children's programs.
I think it helps kids develop skills that are just as important as a solid education.
I noticed everyone (including myself) said some form of in order for one to rise from poverty, one must educate themselves, but education is not free and depending upon their already poor financial situation, how would they be able to afford to go back to school or get their GED, whatever the case was? Should it be up to the government to create some type of program to help with this also?
ReplyDeleteLyndsey, I completely agree with what you said about people having to take responsibility for their lives.
ReplyDelete@ Mercedes i whole-heartedly agree with you on the financial situation as far as furthering our education. Everybody is not able to what is asked of them financially speaking. I do feel as if there should be an alternative to those who are financiallly challenged and for those who are not poor but are barely making ends meet as well.
ReplyDelete@julian
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement on how those who are better off than other can help the lower class people. I believe that can also help the poverty situation.
I don't think the Government should be held accountable for the anything above a high school diploma. College is expensive and takes a lot of hard work but it is possible. A lot of people have to overcome it every day. If we're having everything handed to us we'll never develop the survival skills needed to be successful.
ReplyDeleteNancy - Head start was one of the programs created to help the poor get ahead before starting school. How successful has it been? Very good insight in paragraph three. You are also right about the devaluation of the American work ethic.
ReplyDeleteMichael - Good points. Education must be all-inclusive to help combat the overall problems.
Alex - There are many who would argue that welfare was a way to solve the problem. Some people just don’t have the proper skills to get their lives together. :)
Lyndsey - Glad to see you admitting that you (and we in general) don’t know what all the government is doing. How can we find out what is being done? Is there a way/method for the government to ensure that the parents do their job?
Mona - Would you go so far to pay students for learning?
Mercedes - Very insightful. There are many programs which are no longer working. You’ve asked some good questions. The new question is so, what should be done now?
Cortez - There are monies that are inappropriately earmarked and could be better spent.
Te’Kara - Great idea. The people who make policy are usually so far removed that they don’t fully understand. You are right, the person who can help you the most is yourself.
Lena - Many people do hold this thought, but you would be surprised at home many local charities are corrupt. Yes, the entire community is affected.
Hayden - How do you propose to solve the urban/suburban segregation? The schools can be improved, but without the students putting forth effort as well, must of the improvement will not be merited. On your last paragraph, blacks have always been the statistic minority, so much focus is placed on them.
Jennifer - Good point. This is one perspective and I agree that welfare is a broken system and could be reformed. How would these morals be taught? Do we not already have programs in place for these community models?
Ben M. - You are so correct, we are ever becoming an individualistic nation. It’s a me world! We have lost the ideology that your Dad talked about. Consider this, how many front porches do you see on houses today?
Da’Shelle - Good point. You’re life is largely made by the paths you want to take to accomplish your goals.
John - How would you suggest this redistribution take place? Agreed that more people could be helping out in their communities.
Matt - Excellent point. There should be more strings attached to government money. However, would that truly help everyone or create more problems?
Chasity - The government does invest money into those places, but maybe not enough and not in the proper manner.
Megan - Since I’m not a Harry Potter fan, I missed the reference :) Here’s a little assignment for you - check out the Welfare to Work reforms of the late 1990s.
Julian - Good points, but legislation to reduce poverty has been in place since the 1930s, but unfortunately poverty has only gotten worse.
Paris - Good point. There does need to be some serious reform. See my comment to Megan.
Amber - Good point. To see a little of this in action - watch McKenzie Court. The housing has been rebuilt, a library branch was added, and educational programs are being added. Will the educational support work? Only time will tell.
Diamond - Very good points. Not all help comes to you on a silver platter. Sometimes you have to help yourself.
Courtney - Education is a way to end poverty, but the government has been trying to end it via this method for almost 40 years. Not much has worked. A new method needs to be implemented.
Andrew - You are correct. Too much emphasis has been placed on getting four year degrees. The country will always need those who can do just with a two-year or occupational degree. Love the quote.
ReplyDeleteBen - Education is accessible for every child. Good questions. One for you, how would you define successful?
Amani - Why so late? Is the government not already helping out? What should they do that they are not already doing?
Jessica - Why so late? Excellent points.
Madison - In my class? Really?
TO ALL: There seems to be a greater number of you each week not answering your blog on time or at all. That also includes the responses. This can seriously damage your grades and I will not be cutting you any slack because you have from Thursday to Sunday to do this work. Your procrastination is not a good habit to have.
I didn't get home Sunday until very late and since I had to work 5-10 Monday night I assumed you'd like it done before my response.
ReplyDelete@ Jessica thanks for the comment, I believe that if more people would just realize that you don't have to go to college for 4 rears or at all for that matter the world would be a better place.
ReplyDelete@Mrs. Matherson,
ReplyDeleteSorry!! Homecoming threw me off because we didn't have class on Friday, and immediately Saturday morning we went on a trip to the Smoky Mountains and didn't get back until early Monday morning. Normally I remember when I get on the computer but I hadn't that weekend.