This blog is designed for a class at Brigham Young University. Students use this blog to discuss elements of our multicultural society that we learn about in class. Due to the limit in the number of authors allowed, only students will be able to make posts on this blog. We welcome comments to the posts. Our hope is that this blog will foster dialogue about a number of difficult issues regarding diversity, which in turn will help us to better understand other people's diverse perspectives.
I agree that Mitt used a "poor" choice of words. Saying that we don't really need to focus on the poor is a low blow. When 20% of children live in poverty, children who couldn't help the circumstances they were born into, that should mean something needs to be done. These kids are less likely to succeed, have good health, and stay in school. They had no role in their circumstances. But these unfortunate circumstances leads to them leaving unproductive lives which will in the end, cost America more money. The "safety net" that is in place isn't really a net. Programs that exist do not bring these people out of poverty. Yes, the middle class needs help, there is no doubt. But the poor, those who are suffering and can't escape from their circumstances, need out help even more. -Kimberly Anderson
That is a pretty "low blow." When I was watching this I was thinking about what a mess we have put ourselves into over the course of time. It is almost overwhelming. We need a leader in our country who will build our country up from the very bottom, the very poor. That is how we will find success- for everyone. That is how we will progress. Right now, everyone needs help in this economy, but we ought to really focus on those who honestly can't help themselves- the young children who are born into poverty and cannot get out of the vicious cycle. We need action and not just promises to help, (or even the lack thereof in this case). If other countries can make progress, why can't America? We are the land of opportunity and growth aren't we?
To me, it seems as though those in the upper classes or in power are misinformed or uninformed about the seriousness of the poverty levels in the United States, and I am not only referring to the politicians. They seem to look at poverty as either a relative poverty level in comparison to other countries, (using a phrase similar to "Well the poor aren't starving to death" or "At least they are enjoying the freedoms of the US") or blaming the poor (using phrases similar to "This is the land of opportunity. If you don't sussed, it's your fault.")Although we do have "safety nets" in place such a welfare, I do believe that more can be done to help our fellow struggling Americans, and awareness of the reality of poverty to those from more privileged classes would be a great starting point. Maybe even a future presidential candidate.
The statistics shown for poverty in the United States matched against other leading countries around the world are heartbreaking. We, as a country, need to be doing more for those suffering around us, and like mentioned in the clip, especially the children. They had no choice or control over their circumstances and should not have to suffer as they do. I think a common misconception by many Americans is that if the poor and homeless would just "go get a job" they would be able to provide for themselves. This however is not true. Most are unable to find work or if they do have a job support their families. Like the statistics shown, breaking the poverty line between generations is hard and as these kids are born into poverty they get set on a path that keeps them there.Concerning ourselves with the very poor is something we all need to do.
I think that it is more important for the United States to focus on the middle class. Sure, a better choice of words would have been something like, "Let us work on the middle class and then do what we can to get the lower class up", so yes his wording was quite terrible. But for the resources and unemployment rate the the United States is in right now, I don't know how much can actually be focused on just the poor. First getting the economy leveled to some degree and then getting the poor to have more employment opportunities and such. Helping the middle class would open up more job opportunities, as well as many other things.
I know that there was a lor of extremely important information in this clip, but can we just talk about Mitt Romney for a minute. Admittedly I'm not very up to speed with all of the ins and outs of the United States political system but some of the things that comes out of this guys mouth...GEEZE. He's stated things like "I like being able to fire people who provide services to me", and "Corporations are people, my friend!". Oh and lets not forget his, "I have friends that are NASCAR team owners". Oh really Mitt? Do you? His whole privileged upbringing and his failure to even attempt to relate with the 95% of people in America that are struggling is going to come back to bite him.
I agree that Mitt used a "poor" choice of words. Saying that we don't really need to focus on the poor is a low blow. When 20% of children live in poverty, children who couldn't help the circumstances they were born into, that should mean something needs to be done. These kids are less likely to succeed, have good health, and stay in school. They had no role in their circumstances. But these unfortunate circumstances leads to them leaving unproductive lives which will in the end, cost America more money. The "safety net" that is in place isn't really a net. Programs that exist do not bring these people out of poverty. Yes, the middle class needs help, there is no doubt. But the poor, those who are suffering and can't escape from their circumstances, need out help even more. -Kimberly Anderson
ReplyDeleteThat is a pretty "low blow." When I was watching this I was thinking about what a mess we have put ourselves into over the course of time. It is almost overwhelming. We need a leader in our country who will build our country up from the very bottom, the very poor. That is how we will find success- for everyone. That is how we will progress. Right now, everyone needs help in this economy, but we ought to really focus on those who honestly can't help themselves- the young children who are born into poverty and cannot get out of the vicious cycle. We need action and not just promises to help, (or even the lack thereof in this case). If other countries can make progress, why can't America? We are the land of opportunity and growth aren't we?
ReplyDelete-Nikki Bradshaw
To me, it seems as though those in the upper classes or in power are misinformed or uninformed about the seriousness of the poverty levels in the United States, and I am not only referring to the politicians. They seem to look at poverty as either a relative poverty level in comparison to other countries, (using a phrase similar to "Well the poor aren't starving to death" or "At least they are enjoying the freedoms of the US") or blaming the poor (using phrases similar to "This is the land of opportunity. If you don't sussed, it's your fault.")Although we do have "safety nets" in place such a welfare, I do believe that more can be done to help our fellow struggling Americans, and awareness of the reality of poverty to those from more privileged classes would be a great starting point. Maybe even a future presidential candidate.
ReplyDeleteBrad Yates
The statistics shown for poverty in the United States matched against other leading countries around the world are heartbreaking. We, as a country, need to be doing more for those suffering around us, and like mentioned in the clip, especially the children. They had no choice or control over their circumstances and should not have to suffer as they do. I think a common misconception by many Americans is that if the poor and homeless would just "go get a job" they would be able to provide for themselves. This however is not true. Most are unable to find work or if they do have a job support their families. Like the statistics shown, breaking the poverty line between generations is hard and as these kids are born into poverty they get set on a path that keeps them there.Concerning ourselves with the very poor is something we all need to do.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is more important for the United States to focus on the middle class. Sure, a better choice of words would have been something like, "Let us work on the middle class and then do what we can to get the lower class up", so yes his wording was quite terrible. But for the resources and unemployment rate the the United States is in right now, I don't know how much can actually be focused on just the poor. First getting the economy leveled to some degree and then getting the poor to have more employment opportunities and such. Helping the middle class would open up more job opportunities, as well as many other things.
ReplyDeleteI know that there was a lor of extremely important information in this clip, but can we just talk about Mitt Romney for a minute. Admittedly I'm not very up to speed with all of the ins and outs of the United States political system but some of the things that comes out of this guys mouth...GEEZE. He's stated things like "I like being able to fire people who provide services to me", and "Corporations are people, my friend!". Oh and lets not forget his, "I have friends that are NASCAR team owners". Oh really Mitt? Do you? His whole privileged upbringing and his failure to even attempt to relate with the 95% of people in America that are struggling is going to come back to bite him.
ReplyDelete