Nickle and Dimed Summer Reading
Emily Fontenot
AP English III
Summer Reading
I. Journal: After playing the game Spent, I learned that low-wage workers have to sacrifice many things in life and make difficult decisions. For example, if two bills are due at the same time, they may have to choose which one to pay. Also, they are not able to provide their children with many things most kids take for granted. Children of low-income families may have to miss out on birthday parties, field trips, and even meals because their parents can not afford them. These families may also have to sacrifice their health due to the high costs of health insurance and doctor visits. By playing this game, I realized a decent family income is needed just to be able to provide your family with the basic necessities. It showed me that a low-wage job for an adult will not be sufficient to provide you or your family with a comfortable way of life. I learned that when faced with a difficult decision based solely on a financial means, people will choose things that they would not normally consider a good choice. The main thing I learned from the game is to get a good education so that I can get a higher paying job and not be faced with these tough decisions.
II. Reading and Understanding the Book: 1. The author uses the term “wage slave” to refer to workers that take any job available to them, for whatever wage is offered, because they have no other choice. 2. In the beginning of the book, Ehrenreich sets three rules which include: she will always have a car, never be homeless, and she will never go hungry. Although she doesn’t actually break her rules, she comes close at times and settles for living in a hotel and eating foods from convenience stores. 3. The author’s higher education doesn’t really play a part in the story because she chooses not to reveal that information to anyone. She feels this will allow her to better fit in with the lifestyle of her coworkers. 4. The author’s comment
AP English III
Summer Reading
I. Journal: After playing the game Spent, I learned that low-wage workers have to sacrifice many things in life and make difficult decisions. For example, if two bills are due at the same time, they may have to choose which one to pay. Also, they are not able to provide their children with many things most kids take for granted. Children of low-income families may have to miss out on birthday parties, field trips, and even meals because their parents can not afford them. These families may also have to sacrifice their health due to the high costs of health insurance and doctor visits. By playing this game, I realized a decent family income is needed just to be able to provide your family with the basic necessities. It showed me that a low-wage job for an adult will not be sufficient to provide you or your family with a comfortable way of life. I learned that when faced with a difficult decision based solely on a financial means, people will choose things that they would not normally consider a good choice. The main thing I learned from the game is to get a good education so that I can get a higher paying job and not be faced with these tough decisions.
II. Reading and Understanding the Book: 1. The author uses the term “wage slave” to refer to workers that take any job available to them, for whatever wage is offered, because they have no other choice. 2. In the beginning of the book, Ehrenreich sets three rules which include: she will always have a car, never be homeless, and she will never go hungry. Although she doesn’t actually break her rules, she comes close at times and settles for living in a hotel and eating foods from convenience stores. 3. The author’s higher education doesn’t really play a part in the story because she chooses not to reveal that information to anyone. She feels this will allow her to better fit in with the lifestyle of her coworkers. 4. The author’s comment