Poorest Region of America - What It Really Looks Like

[Oopsie Daisy]

This video is depressing and eye-opening. It provides a lot of insight into their way of life and struggles, but it also makes me wonder why they support politicians and policies that provide little or no benefit for themselves and their communities.

Southern West Virginia to Eastern Kentucky is the largest region of economically distressed counties in the country. In many ways, it's a different America here. But what's it feel like to travel through this region in Appalachia and what do the locals have to say? Join me on this epic road trip to find out.

https://www.arc.gov/map/county-economic-status-in-appalachia-fy-2022/

[Norrrm]

1. This is after Trump brought back all the coal jobs like he promised..

Promises made. Promises kept.

Right?

[Johonny]

2. These areas often have lost all local news sources

Most get national news and they mostly watch conservative news sources. They thus tend to worry about social and national issues that have little to do with their actual problems they are facing.

There is no easy solution. They vote for people that "solve" trans women in sports. They got what they voted for. The only problem is, that isn't making their life any better. The disconnect that government can work, can improve their life simply exists and has been taught to them.

When people say, the liberals need to get better at messaging. Many laugh this off. But it is critical to have news media that reaches these people that is frankly telling them there is another way.

[RJ-MacReady]

3. the solution is

To leave these people behind. They are ingrates who spit on the very hand that reaches out to help them.

[DeepWinter]

6. I had a job

That took me into a black rural community in Appalachia. It was crushing poverty. This is who you're talking about. You can't take a razor blade and split apart the objects of your hate in these communities.

[WarGamer]

13. THIS is the correct answer.

[Johnny2X2X]

16. Envy

So I think these small towns exist in most states. And there's the left behind feeling the people give off, but it's all being driven by envy. Envy of the cities who they imagine get more help than they do. Envy of the people who live in suburbs, who've gotten degrees to earn good livings. But also, envy of those that got out, those with the talent or the brains to move to where the jobs are and thrive.

And where there is envy, there is doubt, they fear the more populated areas because they have doubts in their own abilities to make it in those places.

You find the same thing in the upper penninsula of Michigan. It's a place where copper mines used to support people, where small manufacturers existed. And now there is nothing. There's tourism, to an extent, and then there. The manufacturers that are there are few and far between, people drive hours to work at them. And that has made people bitter. And sheltered.

But there's also a resiliance that is admirable too. People do take care of each other. People help out with projects around the house. You see people checking on their neighbors even deep in the woods. It's not a place with awful people.

But I agree, why should we care anymore? These people vote against their own intersts consistently. I care more about those struggling in the cities, who have at least bothered to try to be in a place with industry that exists.

[Passages]

4. Our outreach has to change.

Town halls, and try to get on local radio stations if possible.

[True Blue American]

8. Bernie Sanders tried that. He went right into

West Virginia. Both he and the State Senator told them the Coal mines were never coming back.
One young minor stood up, said,” I was born a Coal Minot, I will be a Coal Minor until
L I die.
They even built a new Prison to provide jobs. Could not get workers so they had to close it.

After the war and even today smart people go where the jobs are..

[Passages]

11. He did well there and the lessons should be to keep at it until we get their votes back. imho

SANDERS: Well, I think it raises a fundamental issue about politics in America today and who we are as a civilized society. I understand that the right wing has done a very good job in suggesting that freedom - and this is the Koch brothers' line - you know, freedom is about ending Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid and actually abolishing the concept of the minimum wage. So Steve, you could be a free guy and work for $4 an hour. Aren't you a lucky guy?


https://www.npr.org/2016/05/05/476844437/sanders-reminds-appalachia-voters-he-has-championed-their-cause

[True Blue American]

17. But it has to be a flood of meetings, not just a trickle.

I think the new DNC CHAIRMAN MADE THAT CLEAR. WE NEED YOUNG, dedicated workers. I am all for that.

[Passages]

21. Yes!

100% agree.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

5. What did tRump say in 2016 after winning the then Nevada caucuses?

"I love the poorly educated!"

Keep bringing that statement up! This is what he thinks of people not of his clASS. He has no patience or tolerance of those too limited in scope to even care.

Sad, but true.

[Ursus Rex]

7. I ... dunno. This seems patronizing, or maybe condescending ...?

"Look at these straaannge people, who are so much different from you, normal viewer" or something like that.

[Hellbound Hellhound]

10. Recced. Lot of superior, "Holier than thou, how dare you filthy peasants" vibes. n/t

[Oopsie Daisy]

20. Outrage-hunting serves no useful purpose.

>>"Look at these straaannge people, who are so much different from you, normal viewer" or something like that.
Nobody said that... except you.

>> I ... dunno.
Correct.

[Hellbound Hellhound]

9. This video is an incredible deep-dive into rural and isolated America. Your take is incredibly privileged.

An America where people feel the government has failed them, has espoused only the whimsy of the "Big Cities" and has catered solely to the coastal elites. You say it's depressing, but I've watched this video several times before; These people are HAPPY. They're happy and sure, troubled, but who isn't? They enjoy their lives, they're proud of who they are and where they were raised, they cherish their families and locales and homes, yet you call it depressing?

Why? Because they don't live like you? Because they vote differently than you?

These people have made a joyous life for themselves and because you see them as "The other" you call it depressing.

Screw it, I'll eat the hide.

Check your privilege. Be better. Because you're no better than them.

[Oopsie Daisy]

14. Oh yes... it's very depressing. Food insecurity, no healthcare, few jobs, limited education opportunities *

* living in poverty, and dealing with a rampant drug abuse problem. Indeed, that's very depressing. I'll stand by my assessment of that. One of the townsfolk even pointed out those are among the reasons why the younger generation is moving away at their first opportunity. In a way I'm reminded of how some people argued that the plantation slaves were "happy" and that they truly believed what they were saying, but that didn't make it true. Perhaps the folks who are leaving have endured all the "joy and happiness and pride" that they could bear. This video took a hard look at the "Soft Underbelly" in an honest and frank way... it's unclear why anyone would want to "attack the messenger" and try to change the subject.

[WarGamer]

12. the same dude did one of the Mississippi Delta region...

?si=XcwrIqAsFdBOgE9T

[Oopsie Daisy]

15. There's another youtuber who has a series of videos called "Soft White Underbelly" *

* and he explores and reveals the human condition with thoughtful interviews and photography. His videos are DEPRESSING too ( yes, I said it again 🙄 ) Whether it's addiction, mental illness, homelessness, physical and sexual abuse, dealing, prostitution, panhandlers... he's not afraid to tackle any of these topics and explore what went wrong in these people's lives that led them to where they are now.

Many viewers of his channel are touched by the stories and they end up donating money to the people he's interviewed. But, with their generosity, I'm sure others will complain that their "privilege" is showing and because they're giving and trying to help someone, they must believe that they are "better" than the person receiving the help. Isn't that sad?

https://www.youtube.com/@SoftWhiteUnderbelly

[Mountainguy]

18. Southern WV

Voted heavily Democratic up through the oughts. It was, I think 2014 before Republicans had a majority in the state legislature.

They gave us lots of chances and we never fixed their problems.

[Blue Full Moon]

19. War on poverty

President Johnson in 1964 went to Martin County, KY to get support for the unconditional war on poverty. Medicare, Medicaid, Head Start, food stamps, education and tax cuts to help create jobs. All the things that the republicans hate.
I will go a different way with this. Before Reagan got into office he had his representatives go to the local churches to preach republican ideas and to paint President Jimmy Carter, the best example of a Christian, as the Anti Christ (I think Musk fits the bill). Evangelical churches use hypnotism. Then republicans promised them that the coal mines would be hiring. The problem with that is the mines were already automated.
Putting companies and job opportunities in only large population areas and wealth have created this. Then the attitude of some that they are better than other people went right along. Depression and poverty fuel drug use. They used the Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia as the test market for Oxycontins. I believe it was Kermit WV had 3,000,000 oxycontins.
When Ted Strickland was voted in as governor. I was talking to someone in the Democratic Party. I said that would be good because that should bring something to Scioto County. Was promptly told no that was not going to happen because it would look like favoritism. Any jobs would need to go up to Cleveland, Columbus et cetera. So when he lost reelection what was said. Look he didn't even help the area he was from.
Neglect and apathy and everyone who denigrates fly over states.

[misanthrope]

22. Oh, it is JD Vance's people

He claims identification and allegiance to that slice of America, right?