This question has been wandering around the avenues of my brain for a while now. As most people frequent The Facebook, I'm sure you've seen those little icons, ranting about people on welfare. You know those little blurbs that rant if you are wearing nice clothes, have neatly painted nails, have an iPhone, or you know, generally look like a middle class American, you deserve to be kicked into jail or have your money revoked. Because how dare you have the audacity to look decent and be on welfare! Why don't you look poor?! I think these idiotic posts are some of the most ridiculous, ignorant pieces of garbage. Or at least it's up there on my list. You have no idea what the specific circumstances are surrounding that individual, do not be so quick to judge. You, good gentlefolk, do not know the specific stories behind that individual. But also, I think so often, we as a society forget that the people and families using poverty relief programs like TANF and SNAP are individuals. They are not some amorphous blob will all the same needs, intentions, situations, and backgrounds. Those on welfare are people, individuals with lives. I think it would due us well to remember that when next we see someone using a SNAP card.
I am on SNAP (Suplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which alotts me a specific amount of money to be used for groceries. I must emphasize the groceries because I cannot purchase hot and ready foods, alcohol of any kind, use this money to treat myself to dinner at a restaurant, or even buy most prepackaged meals. I can buy seeds to plant a vegetable garden if I so desired but not a rotisserie chicken. The limitations on SNAP are restrictive and leave little room for 'playing the system'. I also have a service job, in case any of you were curious, but I'm still in need to assistance to feed myself. So, I work full time and still need assistance purchasing basic needs. I am not an exception here, folks. Many individuals who rely on SNAP benefits have jobs, or are retired individuals. Also, in case you were curious, SNAP is one of the most proven methods to help relieve families and individuals from intense poverty. Amazing what someone can do when they don't have to worry about food.
That leads me into my next question: why do we have so much hate for programs like this? Just recently, Republicans put forth a bill that slashes SNAP benefits by millions. SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) help families physically by allowing them to buy food they need but also mentally by relieving the stress of wondering when their next meal might be. It's hard to explain to the stress and anxiety one feels not knowing how to obtain food, and I'm just one person. I cannot even fathom how much it must intensify if you have children or other dependents. Do really think this will alleviate the deficit? Do you really believe cutting benefits to families and impoverished homes is the answer? Even I can tell you, it won't assist anyone. And don't get me started about the disproportionate numbers of women rather than men on the program. That's another blog post for another time.
America has a real problem with the poor. SNAP is a very beneficial program, I know I need it. And plenty others do. I also believe that SNAP has the power to help a great many people. Yet we as a society expect that those who need to always need SNAP to always need it (which was statistically disproven…yes, yes statistics lie, but roll with me on this one) and that it only propagates a culture of poverty. Many of good ole tax paying Americans see someone using this and immediately want a physical description of poor: ragged clothing, unkempt appearance, dirty. Basically if you don't look like the stereotypical homeless person, you don't need assistance. This is such a wrong image. If you don't fit my narrow view of poor, then you obviously can't be poor.
This is so wrong, and only prevents necessary help form reaching those who need it. We have created this aura of shame around poverty. This feeling is so strong it prevents many, many people from even applying for benefits, when for a majority of the time, these benefits allow for the escape route from living below the poverty line. Shame is not what the American public should be placing on fellow citizens who need help. Poverty does not equate laziness, unkempt appearances, or beget a lower place in life. Poverty is an unheard and often ignored story. So don't judge. Ever. Period.
When that person in front of you, dressed in a jacket without holes and clean jeans, pulls out a SNAP card, don't judge them. Don't continue this cycle of middle class condescension, don't promote this culture of shame.
I am on SNAP (Suplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which alotts me a specific amount of money to be used for groceries. I must emphasize the groceries because I cannot purchase hot and ready foods, alcohol of any kind, use this money to treat myself to dinner at a restaurant, or even buy most prepackaged meals. I can buy seeds to plant a vegetable garden if I so desired but not a rotisserie chicken. The limitations on SNAP are restrictive and leave little room for 'playing the system'. I also have a service job, in case any of you were curious, but I'm still in need to assistance to feed myself. So, I work full time and still need assistance purchasing basic needs. I am not an exception here, folks. Many individuals who rely on SNAP benefits have jobs, or are retired individuals. Also, in case you were curious, SNAP is one of the most proven methods to help relieve families and individuals from intense poverty. Amazing what someone can do when they don't have to worry about food.
That leads me into my next question: why do we have so much hate for programs like this? Just recently, Republicans put forth a bill that slashes SNAP benefits by millions. SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) help families physically by allowing them to buy food they need but also mentally by relieving the stress of wondering when their next meal might be. It's hard to explain to the stress and anxiety one feels not knowing how to obtain food, and I'm just one person. I cannot even fathom how much it must intensify if you have children or other dependents. Do really think this will alleviate the deficit? Do you really believe cutting benefits to families and impoverished homes is the answer? Even I can tell you, it won't assist anyone. And don't get me started about the disproportionate numbers of women rather than men on the program. That's another blog post for another time.
America has a real problem with the poor. SNAP is a very beneficial program, I know I need it. And plenty others do. I also believe that SNAP has the power to help a great many people. Yet we as a society expect that those who need to always need SNAP to always need it (which was statistically disproven…yes, yes statistics lie, but roll with me on this one) and that it only propagates a culture of poverty. Many of good ole tax paying Americans see someone using this and immediately want a physical description of poor: ragged clothing, unkempt appearance, dirty. Basically if you don't look like the stereotypical homeless person, you don't need assistance. This is such a wrong image. If you don't fit my narrow view of poor, then you obviously can't be poor.
This is so wrong, and only prevents necessary help form reaching those who need it. We have created this aura of shame around poverty. This feeling is so strong it prevents many, many people from even applying for benefits, when for a majority of the time, these benefits allow for the escape route from living below the poverty line. Shame is not what the American public should be placing on fellow citizens who need help. Poverty does not equate laziness, unkempt appearances, or beget a lower place in life. Poverty is an unheard and often ignored story. So don't judge. Ever. Period.
When that person in front of you, dressed in a jacket without holes and clean jeans, pulls out a SNAP card, don't judge them. Don't continue this cycle of middle class condescension, don't promote this culture of shame.
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