GEND 356: Coontz's "Self Reliance and the American Family"

Concieved by Unknown
The average person (i.e. not politician necessarily, but the typical person you would meet on the street) opposing welfare and government assistance is not someone that I enjoy spending a great deal of time with.  But lately, I feel as though this anti-poor discourse has gotten worse (or I am becoming more aware of it) and has seeped into the mindsets of my closer family members (who I thought were more liberal).  The media does an excellent job at twisting the blame of a failing economy onto supposed "rampant welfare fraud"





When this isn't the reality of what is going on.  Most importantly, I think, this draws attention away from structural issues of capitalism that should be getting more attention.  And goddess forbid those who are working ask for a livable wage instead of the "minimum"
cartoonpolitics: "Well he would say that, wouldn’t he ? ~ (attributed to Mandy Rice Davies)
source
But I digress.

Coontz discusses the historical government assistance programs that have shaped our standard of living today, suggesting that the image of individuals pulling themselves up by their bootstraps is nothing more than a myth.  What is happening now is that politicians that grew up benefiting from some form of government assistance are turning around and cutting it when they get into office--Coontz mentions Phil Gramm (213).  Meanwhile, welfare is still being painted as something completely and totally unnecessary and everyone is simply lazy.  

Another thing that this article reminded me of is when Time Magazine came up with this cover:
source
And there was some concern with how our generation is not buying their own houses and cars and seemingly no understanding of how we're suffering from skyrocketing Student Loan Debt and the American Dream is not something that is attainable to the majority of us.  (Not to mention living with our parents saves money, and taking selfies and posting them on the internet is keeping us sane, but no we won't even explore that idea).

Oh, and then there was this extremely embarrassing video.

I can't even.
And since then there have been some stellar parodies (so I'm not just simmering in anger):
source


source

ME ME ME RRICA
source
And many other internet references to this kind of thinking.  In relation to Coontz's article though, it isn't the same as it was for previous generations.  There are structural issues not being addressed.  Welfare is vital for many (and that system still has its flaws) and it isn't merely panhandling for drug money or other common misconceptions.   
Category: , , , 0 thoughts
In Smithfield, RI 02917, USA

0 thoughts:

Post a Comment