Right now, the debate over raising the minimum-wage is sweeping the nation. New York Times writer, Steven Greenhouse, explores how parents across America are finding it almost impossible to support their families on the minimum wage in his article: Low-Wage Workers Are Finding Poverty Harder to Escape.
In Chattanooga, Tennessee one woman relies on food stamps and other financial aid in order to support her son and daughter on her $9 an hour salary at a nursing home. A divorced man, had to quit school and pick up a $9 an hour restaurant job in order to support his daughter, while living in his parent's basement. These families and many more constantly rely on public aid, but not by choice. Though they want to make better lives for themselves they are burdened by the scarcity of opportunities to do so.
"Poverty, Inc." showcased the negative effects that constant donations and handouts had on third world countries and their economies. For example, it closes businesses, disrupts work ethic, and even dehumanizes people because "no one wants to be a beggar for life." We have a similar- though not so extreme- case here in America. Sure, we have many forms of public aid available to border line poverty citizens. However, are we truly fixing the problem, or just making it worse? Maybe a rise in minimum wage truly is the answer? Or maybe it's something more?
Families that border the poverty line usually don't have the same opportunities as others. Therefore, instead of more public aid and raising the minimum, we should give these people more accessible opportunities at education. Most minimum wage workers don't have a college degree. Instead of investing money into raising the minimum and sustaining these low-wage jobs, the government should be investing money into education. So that people can obtain better jobs and make a living on their own. After all, an increase in wage could actually put more employees out of jobs because a company has to pay its employees more.
Like in "Poverty, Inc." we need to help people rise from poverty and create better lives, not continue their lives of eternal begging.
Ashley, I loved to hear about your insight on this problem. Your standpoint was obvious and your connection to Poverty Inc. opened your blog to a wider audience. Good job.
ReplyDeleteAshley, I liked how you addressed the counterargument and provided your solution to the problem. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteAshley i really enjoyed your article, not only did you analyze the article you even then proceeded to question it, then provided your solution to the problem and opinion on it. Your article was very insightful.
ReplyDeleteAshley, I liked how you gave your own ideas about how to fix the poverty issue in America, and the connection to Poverty, Inc. felt really natural. The American examples make the reader aware that his problem occurs even in America, making the problem close to home, which is harder to forget that poverty in Africa.
ReplyDeleteGood job!
I really like how in your writing, you addressed the problem, and then gave a solution to that problem, it made the writing seem very analyzed and like you put a lot of effort into this. Great job!
ReplyDeleteAshley, you did a very good job analyzing this and connecting it to Poverty Inc. while also inserting your own opinion. Good Job!
ReplyDeleteAshley, I was automatically drawn into your blog when you mentioned the examples of the woman and man trying to support their children. I thought you did a great job defending your argument, and I loved the connection to Poverty Inc!
ReplyDelete