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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]It is a common misconception in America that just because someone is poor, then that is their fault.

Everyone is under the belief that in this country of ours, EVERYONE who wants to make it CAN.

And those that do not make it, only do not make it due to fault of their own.

That in America, EVERYONE has a shot at the brass ring.

This is the American Myth. It is pure mythology folks.

Why? For the obvious reason. Do the math.

Because theoretically speaking, there are not enough decent jobs in this country for EVERY single person in this country.

It just isn't possible for each and every single American in our country to hold a decent job here. It could never happen. And anyone who says it could is dreaming.[/quote]

Well, yes, but that is not in contradiction to saying those who work hardest and are smartest are bound to end up better off than those who do not, barring some major bad luck (like being hit by a car crossing the street and turning into a vegetable).

When I was a cild, my family immigrated here with nothing but two suitcases each and less money than it would take to pay a month of rent on a crappy apartment. Knowledge of English at the time varied from very basic to nonexistent. Guess what? Every single one of my family members is currently middle class or upper middle class - the adults worked hard and made the way, the children studied hard (in practical fields) and then worked hard. I also have a number of immigrant friends with similar stories. As far as I and people around me are concerned, the American dream works fine.  [/quote]

Just curious, pp.  How much did the government help you and your family?  What kind of benefits did you receive?  SNAP? Subsidized housing?  Anything?[/quote]

Well, the Government let us in, which was huge. We relied in large part on private charity for people of our background and some family that was here already, but we also did receive food stamps for about 6 months and health care.

I want to make clear that I have zero problem with social net programs like snap, medicare, housing assistance etc. Not just because they helped my family but on general principles - I don't believe people should be hungry or homeless or ill because they cannot or are unable to work. I just wanted to post to say that the attitude that[b] if you start out poor, you will end up poor is not really correct. [/b][/quote]

You have one anecdote. The bolded view actually has studies. Poverty is generational. You had family help. What was your life like where you were from? Was your family educated? Stable? [/quote]

The major difference is the immigrant factor. Most immigrants work very hard to provide for their families. Immigrant poor success is very different from multi-generational American poverty. [/quote]

I agree with this.Most people who move overseas have drive vs the ones who stay in generational poverty born in US[/quote]

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