I don't have internet. I'm supposed to be living at the poverty level, which might explain why I don't have internet. But that doesn't say a thing because I've just ordered internet, and it's costing me between $50-100 or maybe it's $1,000. One can never be sure about things like the internet, or prices, or why I don't qualify for food stamps.
You might not read this blog any more, and I don't blame you. I, of all people, should know a thing or two about keeping one's audience satisfied (and at arm's length). Apologies.
Today I'm thinking a lot about poverty. Yesterday I was thinking a lot about poverty too, and this will probably continue into tomorrow and the next day and next week. Essentially, I'm dedicating a year of my life to submerging myself mentally, emotionally, and physically in the topic of poverty.
Hmm, don't think he's from Montana, do you? He's poverty-stricken, and the first white person I found after I searched "poverty" in Google images was Matt Damon-four pages later. ?
It looks different here, poverty. It isn't dressed in some homeless getup, some dungarees and old white reeboks and too big sweaters or North Face jackets (lucky, lucky). And it doesn't show itself as gymnastically-talented hobos doin' a flip and extending a cup on the subway every now and then. It also isn't BLACK here and by BLACK I mean NON-WHITE. See, I'm just trying to keep in step with American race and ethnicity (or should I say cultural? Diversity?) rhetoric. That's to say poverty isn't COLORED here since we all know white is seldom considered a "race" or "ethnicity" (unless you think white is the only race, and then, well, there are some of that out here, too).
And the "lack of color" thing is definitely a problem. Because many impoverished are white, they seem to be overlooked or mistaken for someone of just low-income, or at the bottom rung of middle-class. "At first glance" reassurance is enough to write-off the very serious problem Montanans face.
Get this: Say you get a job here at Wal-Mart, okay it might be enough for you, but what about your kids? You have to get another service job, but wait--Are you making too much money to qualify for government programming now? Like food stamps and WIC? You are. You have to quit your new job, and then you can't save any money because if you do, you'll lose all your social aid, but if you don't, you'll never get out of this rut. You'll never go to college or vocational school to better your chances of getting another, higher-paying job. Your kids won't go to college either because they won't see the value in education, and will think, "I can get a job here that pays just or almost as much without a college degree." You won't get out, they won't either.
That kind of thing happens everywhere, but don't we usually assume some non-white person is going to wait on us at Wal-Mart? Or at McDonald's? Or some kid will? No, adults do that here, and they're predominantly white. You think, oh she must be alright and okay and getting by working at Missoula Wal-Mart, but she's just getting by and her kids probably have jobs too, or no one to watch or take care of them while she's at work, and they (3, let's say) all share the same room. You don't see the divide between you and her as easily because, to a certain extent, she is the same as you. So you don't think it's a problem, for anyone.
You might not read this blog any more, and I don't blame you. I, of all people, should know a thing or two about keeping one's audience satisfied (and at arm's length). Apologies.
Today I'm thinking a lot about poverty. Yesterday I was thinking a lot about poverty too, and this will probably continue into tomorrow and the next day and next week. Essentially, I'm dedicating a year of my life to submerging myself mentally, emotionally, and physically in the topic of poverty.
Hmm, don't think he's from Montana, do you? He's poverty-stricken, and the first white person I found after I searched "poverty" in Google images was Matt Damon-four pages later. ?It looks different here, poverty. It isn't dressed in some homeless getup, some dungarees and old white reeboks and too big sweaters or North Face jackets (lucky, lucky). And it doesn't show itself as gymnastically-talented hobos doin' a flip and extending a cup on the subway every now and then. It also isn't BLACK here and by BLACK I mean NON-WHITE. See, I'm just trying to keep in step with American race and ethnicity (or should I say cultural? Diversity?) rhetoric. That's to say poverty isn't COLORED here since we all know white is seldom considered a "race" or "ethnicity" (unless you think white is the only race, and then, well, there are some of that out here, too).
And the "lack of color" thing is definitely a problem. Because many impoverished are white, they seem to be overlooked or mistaken for someone of just low-income, or at the bottom rung of middle-class. "At first glance" reassurance is enough to write-off the very serious problem Montanans face.
Get this: Say you get a job here at Wal-Mart, okay it might be enough for you, but what about your kids? You have to get another service job, but wait--Are you making too much money to qualify for government programming now? Like food stamps and WIC? You are. You have to quit your new job, and then you can't save any money because if you do, you'll lose all your social aid, but if you don't, you'll never get out of this rut. You'll never go to college or vocational school to better your chances of getting another, higher-paying job. Your kids won't go to college either because they won't see the value in education, and will think, "I can get a job here that pays just or almost as much without a college degree." You won't get out, they won't either.
That kind of thing happens everywhere, but don't we usually assume some non-white person is going to wait on us at Wal-Mart? Or at McDonald's? Or some kid will? No, adults do that here, and they're predominantly white. You think, oh she must be alright and okay and getting by working at Missoula Wal-Mart, but she's just getting by and her kids probably have jobs too, or no one to watch or take care of them while she's at work, and they (3, let's say) all share the same room. You don't see the divide between you and her as easily because, to a certain extent, she is the same as you. So you don't think it's a problem, for anyone.
This is how they usually dress, just like Sacagawea in the good ol' days. The baby in the snow shoe is a common fashion trend 'round here. So is walking around with Aerosoles mocs.Don't even get me started on the American Indians-these are the REALLY poor people of Montana, but I think it's safe to say that most of us think of Sacagawea and Crazy Horse, buffalo and tall horses, tipis and wigwam--but not blue jeans and punk rock, or long unbraided dark hair or first names like Luke and Steven that sound more American, more normal. In short, we forget they exist in houses and Levi's, and go to schools where white people go, where other financially-unable students attend. We write off their ways as culturally-based and thus impenetrable, so they have lower academic achievement than even white poverty kids because at least the white poverty kids are white, and that's a little bit more relatable. At least we can connect with them enough to make a difference.
Wow. I just feel there's so much to say. Next time, I'm going to write about college education and Montana-that ties in here, but this is already long and I need to research more about ... poverty.
No comments:
Post a Comment