We are a society who seemingly emphasizes our commitment to the equality of all. We like to think that all people are equal and are afforded the same opportunities. We like to think that outside of our own bubble everyone lives just like us. We know inherently that it is not so. There is rampant inequality throughout society. According to the text book, inequality is defined as” the unequal access to scarce good resources” (Barisco,et al, p. 231.) This inequality can lead to a portion of society not having access to basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. This inequality leads to a large population of hungry and homeless citizens in our cities.…
Barbara Robinette Moss's “Change Me into Zeus's Daughter” shows how growing up poverty-stricken in the south in America impacts the quality of life a person could have. Many people are familiar with the popular phrase “living the American dream,” which is equivalent with “better” quality of life, but one can't live that dream if they are living in a world of poverty that impacts their mentality, well-being (health), and social interactions. Many Americans are poverty-stricken and underprivileged; it is for this very reason that people will not receive help when it is presented as Moss explains: “Dad forbade acceptance of charity. ' I can take care of my family, by God!' he would shout when a church tried to give us a food basket...”(181).…
Distortion is also used in this article, as American dilemmas are portrayed as more important than urgent issues of hunger and poverty. The first paragraph explains how “today’s culture is solely focused on issues in undeveloped, alienated countries, oblivious to real issues of real people.” This recurring idea undermines devastating world issues and exaggerates trivial matters faced by wealthy Americans. In doing this, the trifle and meaningless issues…
The film portrays Mariana, the female protagonist’s quick fall into poverty with her two young children. Over the course of a summer, Mariana loses her apartment and is homeless and desperate to take care of her children. Her husband’s friends effectively avoid her and leave her isolated with no knowledge of English or means to support herself. Mariana’s story is about the lack of support single immigrant women receive in terms of housing, health, childcare, and employment services. The film also shows the undue burden that Mariana’s children pose to her. Childcare almost always falls on the backs of women, especially immigrant women. Her children are precious to her, but she has a harder time finding employment because she cannot leave her young children alone. This time in their lives is a transformative moment for the…
In Under the Feet of Jesus Viramontes plays with the heartstrings of those who read the story. It explores deeply the subjective and symbolic violence of the exploitation and destruction of migrant workers. The beautiful prose fantasizes the horrid conditions and everyday struggles that plague the family. With one misstep they are crushed beneath the societal system that is meant to even out the playing field. They are set up to fail. The focus is not truly on Alejo’s tragedy, but the symbolic destruction and disposal of a “tool” for the farm owners. Easily replaceable Alejo is nothing more than a broken basket. As Estrella puts it aptly “it was their bones that kept the air conditioning in the cars humming,…
Estrella’s displayed exasperation towards the neglect of her education is distinctively illustrated throughout Under The Feet of Jesus by Helena Maria Viramontes, nonetheless the more concealed theme is noticed by the more attentive reader is the conflicted nature that’s present within the setting in regards to immigration in the United States. These intricate messages are displayed using literary devices such as the use of symbolism, metaphors and similes alongside character progression to construct an atmosphere in the novel that relays not only the hardships that Estrella encountered, but the strength and dedication to get past them. Upon the beginning of the story, Estrella discovers a red tool chest that immediately results in immense…
A brief glance at United States history will provide miniscule details of the reality of the American society, and will instead present the United States as a utopia of sorts. Upon through examination, one will find an America that nearly fits the dictionary definition of a dystopia: "an imaginary place where people are unhappy and usually afraid because they are not treated fairly." ("Dystopia") The one difference being, it is actually a reality, not a fantasy, for the majority of the populace. From the revolutionary era where the elite controlled the mass majority of the wealth, through the industrial age where the elite had an even greater concentration, to the present day, where the upper class live in luxury and the lower class still lives…
Regardless if we are aware of it or not, not many Americans live the supposed American Dream of having a nice car, big house, well paying job, and have a secure family. In the renowned novel The Working Poor: Invisible in America by David K. Shipler he captures those Americans who live invisible in America that work so hard to suffer from the psychological effects of poverty. Not only does Shipler do that but he also indirectly talks about the “American Myth” and the “American Anti Myth through the lives on these individuals.”…
Flash forward to today, America has over forty-three million people that struggle with food security and over one-third of these people are children (Hauptmann, Cole). In terms of poverty, America is slightly worse as over forty-four million people are beneath America’s poverty line. While America has it way better than most other countries that have huge problems with hunger and poverty, America is definitely not perfect. The systems set in place in the 1970’s to alleviate hunger and poverty in America are now overtaxed and misused. Over 25% of federal disability claims were found as unnecessary and seemed to take advantage of only minor…
Growing up in a time where the different methods of media are at an all-time high, it can be difficult to get an accurate view on the United States of America and everything that also goes on in the countries surrounding it. Because of the media’s bias, anyone living in the United States might easily think that America is superior to every other country in any possible category, including education, employment, and wealth.…
America is the land of opportunity with multiple cultures and ethnicities, for years America has been associated with freedom and expression, however this has not always been the case. Since the birth of the nation there has been oppression in America which began with the enslavement of millions of African-American slaves in the 17th century. Slave trade became the economic foundation of America, this was especially true in the South where the economy became dependent of slave labor. This practice of slavery lasted in America for over 200 years until about the mid-19th century, around this period there was expansion of the nation westward, as well as a growing abolition movement in the North. The abolition movement brought to light that the…
Although the United States of America is the envy of the world because of its great resources and advanced technology a great many of its residents live in poverty. In fact, a 12.6% of the population lives below the minimum standards required to maintain adequate health, diet, and shelter (Babbie, 2004). There evidence to suggest that those who live in poverty are also discriminated against in schools,…
When will normal people realize that they do not have the household funds to just go off and spend food or house repair money on frivolities? Many reports are showing that middle and working class people are incurring massive debt because of the reckless spending on big houses, expensive vehicles, and other items that are beyond their budget. There is a stark contrast between the media framing of the upper class to the framing of the lower classes. At best the poor are portrayed as deserving of our sympathy only around the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas). Around these times, the poor are depicted as people who are just down on their luck, working class families who work really hard but just can’t catch a break. The worst types of depictions of the poor are stereotypical bums, drug addicts and losers who are poor because they deserve it or because of their bad decisions. “Episodic Framing” shows some of the problems of the poor, but does not link it to larger societal problems such as limited educational opportunities, high rates of unemployment, and low paying jobs. The media will keep this status quo of depicting rich people as perfect and poor people as…
The United States has great natural resources, the most advanced technology, and a very high standard of living. Despite these advantages, a significant portion of U.S. residents live in a condition of poverty(Eitzen, Zinn, Smith 156). These people are living with inadequate food, shelter, and water. Many of these citizens are discriminated against in schools, courts, and in the job market. These conditions make it difficult to work their way out of poverty.…
Consumerism is the center of American culture. Americans tend to confuse their wants with their needs. With new advances in technology, as well as the help of advertisers, people are provided with easy access to new products that seem essential to their everyday life, even though they have survived this long without them. People cannot live without food, clothing, and shelter. But realistically, according to people's different lifestyles, more than food, clothing, and shelter are needed. Most people need to work to survive. Unless a job is either in their own home, or within walking distance, a means of transportation is needed. Whether it be a vehicle, money for a taxi-cab, or a token for a ride on the subway, money must be spent in order to reach the place of work. For a student, paper, pens, and possibly a computer are a necessity. In order to complete school assignments, these tools are sometimes even required. Schooling is required for many types of jobs, which provide money, which is without a doubt essential in life. Food, clothing, and shelter are not the only things needed to survive. The problem begins when people with a larger disposable income take it too far. A car is definitely needed, but the fastest car in the most attractive color is not. Needs begin getting confused with…