Blog #5

Chaudry argues that “we are asking the less fortunate to strive and work harder, we are deeply discounting our public responsibility for the children born into poor families and disadvantaged communities”. These are powerful words that are very true. One video in particular provided information about the poverty line and stated that poverty level is considered $21,000.00 of income or less for a family of four. The video then went into detail about very common, not excessive, expenses that are associated with providing for a family. The picture painted was bleak. It seemed that nearly no money was remaining after just a handful of necessary expenses were paid for. This is a vicious cycle.

The video’s provided insight into this vicious cycle and poverty in general. The interviews that I watched were sad, but enlightening. I found much of the commentary to be shockingly sad. I wouldn’t say I was naive to the thoughts of the low-income families interviewed. I just hadn’t thought about the trials and tribulations that these people go through every day. Most of the people interviewed had very little education. They had dropped out of school at very early ages to help out with their family. Most of the reasons given for dropping out were to help support their family. I do not fault these people for this, as this is necessary for their survival. They need food, shelter, water etc…..and work is a means to these basic necessities.

Progression on these delicate issue’s of the working poor needs to be made. The readings and video’s prove that many people are overlooked and left behind. Our governmental systems seem to lack the compassion necessary to take better care of these people. Rome wasn’t built over night but our society needs to be aware of these issues. I am guilty of forgetting many of the problem’s our world faces. And I to faced many of the struggles that were mentioned in the readings and the videos…..It seems that I have blocked out those difficult times in my life, these reading’s and videos reminded me of where I came from, and the trials and tribulations that I have endured.