Poverty in the United States
The U.S. Census Bureau has reported that over 30 million Americans are living in “poverty” (2010 Census). That means, about one in every ten Americans are living below the poverty line. Although there is not a direct definition for poverty, it can be generally defined for most Americans living in the United States. First, an inability to provide a family with nutritious food, clothing, and reasonable shelter can clearly show how “poor” can be described in the United States. In addition, in order for a family to not be considered under the poverty line, it must have enough yearly income to pay for monthly bills, and afford Medicare. Next, the family must be able to own a few televisions, computers, and other essential home items. Overall, “poverty” can be constituted as not being able to provide family with needs such as nutritious food, paying monthly bills, and the ability to own essential home items.
Initially, a family must be able to have access to nutritious food, clothing, and a roof to live under every day in order to be considered above the poverty line. In Parker’s essay, definition of poverty includes wearing dirty, and worn out clothes: “Poverty is living in the smell that never leaves” (Parker 410). Therefore, not only does the family need to have access to clothing, but it needs to be cleaned daily, and so, the family needs to be able to afford water, and a washer, or at least a Laundromat. More important, the family must have access to nutritious food. The author in Parker’s essay, says that “I give my children grits with no oleo or cornbread without eggs and oleo.” This is a perfect example of a family below the poverty line not having access to nutritious food, which constitutes the definition of poverty further. Obviously, the family must have a roof to live under every day, but in addition to that, it must be heated and comfortable. If the family had to turn the heat down to below 60 degrees, that would be considered poverty, since the family is
Initially, a family must be able to have access to nutritious food, clothing, and a roof to live under every day in order to be considered above the poverty line. In Parker’s essay, definition of poverty includes wearing dirty, and worn out clothes: “Poverty is living in the smell that never leaves” (Parker 410). Therefore, not only does the family need to have access to clothing, but it needs to be cleaned daily, and so, the family needs to be able to afford water, and a washer, or at least a Laundromat. More important, the family must have access to nutritious food. The author in Parker’s essay, says that “I give my children grits with no oleo or cornbread without eggs and oleo.” This is a perfect example of a family below the poverty line not having access to nutritious food, which constitutes the definition of poverty further. Obviously, the family must have a roof to live under every day, but in addition to that, it must be heated and comfortable. If the family had to turn the heat down to below 60 degrees, that would be considered poverty, since the family is