Poverty In America Research Paper

Poverty
The capitalist lifestyle that permeates the existence of every American is responsible for great competition and prosperity as well as absolute failure, otherwise known as poverty. Poverty is not a new or at all foreign concept in any part of the world. It has existed since the dawn of civilization, one group flourishes while another struggles. But why, considering our present day U.S. technological advancements and overall well being can we not solve such a social dilemma? Poverty cannot be due to just the fluctuating economy and job market, changes in family composition, or simply laziness (1). This problem can mostly be attributed to rising immigration, an unstable and irrational welfare system, and stereotypical racist behaviors…show more content…
This does not mean that the agency always releases clear or truthful information to the public in their yearly reports. For instance, the number of poor people increased by four million between 1989 and 1997 despite the information the bureau released of a decrease in the overall poverty rate from 1996 to 1997. In addition, nothing was said about the truth that the Hispanic poor accounted for almost three quarters of the aforementioned four million increase in America’s poor (2). Millions and millions of immigrants come to America looking for a better opportunity, but the reality is that mostly these people are uneducated, usually already poor, have high fertility rates and ultimately their American dream remains a dream. They drain the resources of our economy for the chance to live in and create poverty; all we get in return is cheap, foreign labor. Did we not abolish slavery over a hundred years…show more content…
“Various Theories on the Causes of Poverty.” Contemporary Issues Companion: Inner-City Poverty. Ed. Tamara L. Roleff. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2003. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Brookhaven CCLibrary Farmers Branch, TX. 28 Feb. 2008 <http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/?db=OVRC>.
(2) Thorn, Linda. “Immigration Is Responsible for the Rising Poverty Rate.” Contemporary Issues Companion: Inner-City Poverty. Ed. Tamara L. Roleff. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2003. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Brookhaven CClibrary Farmers Branch, TX. 28 Feb. 2008 <http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/?db=OVRC>.
(3) Watson, Debra. “Welfare Reform Harms the Poor.” Opposing Viewpoints: Poverty. Ed. Karen Balkin. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Brookhaven CCLibrary Farmers Branch, TX. 28 Feb.2008