As some of you may gather from an initial glance at my profile, I am a college student. One thing that college has taught me in the time that I have been there is how there are many different World views and ideologies, and often times we as individuals get caught up in our own views and biases, that we neglect to consider those of others, whether it be a particular individual, or a societal view that is different from the society that we associate with. One such class that has made me realize this is Culture and Poverty class. I haven't had this class for a whole month and already I am starting to re-evaluate my views on certain things. As of right now, I have a rather solid belief on what I believe certain things to be, but who knows, by the end of this semester I may have a different view of the World. What is all this to say? Well, in the class I mentioned, we were asked to give our opinions on what we think "poverty" is, as well as many other in depth questions, and I would like to share my answers with you all, in the hopes that you all will respond and give feedback on what you think about the issue.
Coming from a relatively poor background myself, I like to think that I have a pretty good handle on who is more likely to experience poverty. I would say that mainly minorities (ie Blacks and Hispanics), experience poverty at higher poverty rates. Not only that, but single parents, mostly single mothers experience poverty. Now this is just in America, that I am talking about, because for me to try to give an opinion that I feel strongly about in regards to other countries would be ill-conceived, as I have not been out of this country. But with media coverage I would guess that those that experience poverty in other nations would be minorities, but not in the same way as in the U.S. I would say religious minorities, and again single mothers.
I believe that some people are poor in the U.S. because for one, when one is born into poor standards, they tend to stay in those poor standards because that is all that they know or have become accustomed to. Now this is not to say that those born into this can not get out of that situation, it is just extremely difficult because the education that they are allotted does not meet the standards that are required to be successful. In is in that I believe government is to blame as well. I have seen too many times how poorly funded education is in poorer areas, areas that are desperately need the funding for the children.
As of now, I see some initiatives taken by the Obama administration to combat poverty, such as Health Care reform and other public assistance services, but my main concern is the reformation of the Educational system, and I don't think that enough is being done in that area. As far as in other countries, I don't see a lot of governmental assistance, just because most countries do not believe in government assistance in matters such as poverty like the U.S. does.
I partially addressed this in the other paragraph but I believe that as of now, poverty is being addressed fairly well in the U.S., but more emphasis should be put on education so that the cycle of poverty can be broken down a little. As far as globally, I'm not particularly sure but from the outside looking in, it does not look like poverty is being addressed as effectively as it should.
I personally think that one way to address poverty is through education. I believe to be true globally, as well as in the U.S. Many of the public services offered to those experiencing poverty are great, short-term options, but can lead to dependency and can be considered a crutch. I believe that if more time and effort were put into education reform, and better educational programming, a lot more could be done for individuals.
I will be updating this blog as the weeks and months progress, just in case any of my views change, or even if I feel I need to expound upon any points. Feel free to comment, I respect all opinions, but please try to keep it respectful as I do not entertain foolishness and disrespect. I look forward to hearing from you guys!
You make some really great points. I especially like what you have to say about education reform, I too believe that it is time for change. In the US we recieve a FREE edcation for the first 12 years rich or poor why is it that poor families do not take advantage of this right, but they wont pass up other governemnt incentives? I think some people are poor because they have been dealt a bad hand and can't seem to find a way out, but others are poor because they are just lazy and don't want to try to get out. If the government took away some of the programs that it offers to lower income/poor people do you think they would try to make a change?
ReplyDeleteThe issues that you addressed above are great! Education is a good source for moving people from poverty, but we currently have programs such as Pell Grants to encourage low income people to pursue a college education. One of the problems is getting people on poverty to buy into the idea of continuing their education. Maybe this issue could be addressed by spending more money on incentive programs that encourage people living in poverty to take advantage of the existing grants. People must be willing to participate in the educational programs in order to make exceptional changes to moving people from poverty.
ReplyDeleteKeith Bailey
I ABSOLUTELY loved your thoughts! I am a being proponent of education. I believe a lot of problems are associated with lack of education - specifically lack of desire to be educated. But for those of us who do strive to be educated, paying for education is hard. Persistance is key; but its not common. In response to KBailey, I agree that we do have some programs, Pell Grant being one of them. But with low income programs we are defining "low income" and I do not believe its being defined very well.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if anyone has noticed but the line for poverty is dropping and more families are being considered impoverished. This in turn cuts the funding and assistance honestly trying to "climb" above this line.
In other words, assistance is available for people who "need" it. The term "need" is being used more strictly and often time those that "need" it aren't using it honestly. And those that may be not extremely poor but no where near wealthy are NOT being accomodated. Just my thoughts....take care!