General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: "I don't think poor people should take from the govt" I busted out crying, "How can you SAY that?" [View all]lovemydogs
(575 posts)Growing up I was aware of and had the belief instilled in me that the poor needed help. People who did not earn enough, single mothers, people who lost their jobs, ect.
LBJ's war on poverty was started during my childhood.
I grew up middle class and while we were not religious my parents had us go to Sunday School, as kids did in those days. We were taught to have compassion for the poor and those facing tough situations.
I was in Jr. High and High School in the 70s when women and minorities were asserting their rights. And helping the poor was even more of an issue.
It was in the 80s as a young adult that it suddenly became something to grouse about. Lazy minorities and women having babies to collect welfare. Eating steaks on food stamps.
During that time I was a divoriced mom going to college with 2 kids. I was on welfare and got food stamps. Believe me, buying steaks was not possible if you wanted food to stretch for a month.
There was not enough to pay for rent and utilities with your monthly check. You looked for apartments with utilities included.
You bought used clothes and shoes.
And the beginning of shaming people for their circumstances began. Very subtle and very slowly.
But, in the last 15 years it has exploded and people now hate the poor.