Blog #8

Social Class: 
In history class we always talk about countries that have obvious and intense social class differences such as India (caste system). However, the discussion of the United States doesn't come into play, unless it is a conversation about slavery. Unless you are part of this "poverty-struck" group, not many people seem to know/believe that it exists. The United States population has one of the greatest gaps between the wealthy and the poor. Approximately 1% possesses 40% of the nation’s wealth; the bottom 80% own 7%. It's unbelievable to me that the US system can lead one person to debating on what color their 5th car should be, while others go to bed on an empty stomach. 

In " The Line", it was shocking to see someone who had been stricken by poverty and that they were living in a city near mine. They seemed as if they had their life together, a nice sized house, a car, but no. Not everything is, as it may seem. At first, he couldn't face going to the food pantry. He was embarrassed and could not face the fact that he had to get his food off other's donations. It makes me grateful, but worried at the same time, because I am obviously better off than him, but devastation could happen to my family any day. I was aware of this kind of poverty, but when I first think of poor, I imagine the south side, violence, and the other side of poverty they showed in the film. They were in a similar financial situation, but they were unfortunately faced with violence and drugs. It opened my eyes up, because people can be in a similar situation, in a different setting and that people are very good at hiding their wealth or lack of it. 

Nickel and a Dimed:

Barbara decided to test out how it was living a life earring minimum wage. She had to start from the bottom (although having much more education and skills); she started where everyone else did. She had to apply for application constantly and to her surprise, she never got a call back. It was shocking to her, because she thought that the people hiring would've noticed her intellect. It didn't matter to them. As she began to work, she noticed a similar pattern between all of her coworkers; they all (unshockingly) had very harsh living conditions. The privacy, money, integrity, that many had to give up to find somewhere to sleep is so saddening. 

Barbara in the end, earned $1,040, but had to use $517 on necessities. She had lost 40 pounds, never went shopping except for slacks needed for work, and she never bought any medications.

It was an obviously difficult transition and period of living. After this experience, Barbara applauds single mothers and former welfare repents for being able to survive.