Review of ‘The American Way of Poverty: How the Other Half Still Lives,’ by Sasha Abramsky, 2013. New York: Nation Books. Paper, 355 pages.
Solutions from a decade ago that would still work...
It is interesting to look at some of the timeless notions here in this pre-COVID-19 book in which we hear some of the exact same information on the lack of understanding of the poor we have in our nation almost ten years later. People, in general, do not know what it is like to be hungry, to want a hot shower, to need basics like shaving cream and bandaids and money for coffee.
Abramsky is insightful and sends the loud message that our society does not have a good handle on what poverty is, how powerful it is, how damning it can be, and how hard it can be to escape. Your average American is in fact rather ignorant about porverty.
As leaders, we must develop a better understanding of the current high levels of poverty in this nation and comprehend the terrible living conditions of many Americans. As educators, we must inform people not only of the realities of poverty but about some of the possible solutions for the poor. As helpers on the streets, we must provide info on current resources and on ways to help people escape the evil grasp of poverty. As voters we must send the message people need help and we want to be led by officials who understand that. As taxpayers, we must demand a certain level of “bang for our buck” and get people food, housing, and safety.
The housing problem in most big cities, for example, is the fault of the mayors—not the federal government. With all the COVID-relief dollars out there, where is the housing? What is your mayor doing to help?
Sasha Abramsky does a very good job of explaining how in the last few decades, up to 2013, especially, politics and public policy cut back on the resources available to the poor. Now with the COVID dollars available in 2022 we should be seeing solutions—poor finding food, the homeless finding housing, and the unemployed finding work.
Is relief happening? Quickly enough? Broadly enough? Securely enough?
Those most impacted by the current bad economy are always those who can afford it the least: the American poor. Because they lacked resources going into this crippling situation, they have little to draw upon to survive now that a lot of the resources they need are being removed.
The idea has been—under Bill Clinton and others—that workers can save money on their taxes if social support programs are cut. Giving away less money would mean the government needs to take in less tax money, it is often argued. Moving people from welfare to work is an honorable notion—but only if there is work for them to embrace.
Poor people deserve assistance, we would all agree. And certainly Americans who are working deserve a break, but does it mean they have to house other families in their basements? Share their food and utilities? Raise other people’s children because large families must be broken up into smaller units to be housed in different locations? Share cars, share dollars, share bread—but share what kind of dream?
Abramsky shows the situation current a decade ago—and does offer some good solutions that still make sense today!
She also shows the solutions offered by some other people. As a nation, it is certainly time to come together to help solve the crippling poverty that is eroding at America. I myself deal with students and families who tell what it is like to sleep outdoors, frequent food pantries, scrimp and save to buy just the basics—and then get lectures from people saying they should work harder or find a job or not be so lazy.
In two chapters, especially, Abramsky proposes some great ways to remedy the current situation. In “Shoring Up the Safety Net,” the author shows some of the more ridiculous aspects of the current rules for accessing federal programs like the food stamps so sorely needing by a huge number of Americans. For some Americans, work programs are required if they want to continue receiving benefits like this. For others, there are complications receiving food stamps in addition to health care. Abramsky shows how some of the holed need to be plugged.
In “Boosting Economic Security for the Working Poor,” Abramsky shows some of the crazy shortcomings of current programs (of 2013 but basically the same programs). For example, some people are not eligible for certain benefits simply because they have some kind of employment. The problem is, the income may be so very low it does not provide enough resources—like for the person who cannot receive medical assistance but faced with a serious illness and huge bills cannot afford to pay them because their very low salary means they cannot qualify for Medicaid. Income thresholds and other technicalities need to be looked at.
Abramsky has proposed in this important book some very good solutions—including the reasons for the proposed solutions. We as educational leaders should champion the cause here, encouraging many other people read this book and consider the solutions proposed. Elected officials, teachers, bankers, business owners, nonprofit organization leaders, clergy, and food pantry staff members should all be considering the solutions provided here by Abramsky.
But should we also as educational leaders not be involved in proposing solutions?
As educational leaders, does it not make sense for us to offer our assistance in solving the current recession? Solving the current disabling situations for the poor—as bad in the inner city as it is in desolate rural settings—and also in decaying older suburbs?
As leaders, I think we need to help lead in the “solving process.” We have so many skills and talents that can help in these sorts of areas:
· Building community
· Fund raising
· Educating people about needs
· Meeting with elected officials
· Public speaking
· Leading others to action
· Drafting legislation
· Seeking input of experts
· Forming consortia
· Convincing others of our proposals
· Reviewing the research
· Problem solving
· Building consensus
Many of us already volunteer our time and energy for a variety of important causes. Perhaps we can find—or better yet design—a more formal process for addressing the plight of so many poor Americans right now who need a break, need resources, and need hope.
I recommend this book as a starting point for the personal libraries of educators and also as a good conversation starter for beginning to form a structure or process or group or system to help lead the way in solving some of the problems and providing some relief. This is a call to arms, and I challenge others to join in the march.