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What does in fact have an impact is both the competition from abroad and/or a change in lifestyle that directly affects their pocketbook has a long-term effect on their financial situation (Shipler, The Working Poor 39-76, and 77-82). According to David Shipler, "No one who works hard in America should be poor" (Shipler, The Working Poor ix-xii). However, Shipler found many "working poor" all across the country, and in this examination delves as deeply (much more, and in a more detailed manner than Barbara Ehrenreich in Nickel and Dimed) into the reason and consequence of their condition. Some, to the chagrin of folks like Bill O'Reilly, Shipler has followed for a long period (Shipler, The Working Poor 301-309). Although, as far as Shipler is concerned, the problem is multi-factorial, (aside from the fact that they have no time for rage) Shipler argues that the ascent and decline of the nation's official economy has almost no real impact on them (Shipler, The Working Poor 3-12).
The author states in his introduction that he hopes to upset both liberals and conservatives, and he accomplishes his goals. His presentation is a close to unbiased as I can imagine, written in an interesting informative manner. Some of the people you will meet in this book will break your heart, while others will simply tick you off. Highly recommend.
Each vignette demonstrates the fragility of life in the abyss of poverty as meager circumstances hinder opportunities. He encourages broad thinking and follow-through in public policy reform, and Shipler skillfully contrasts the conservative and liberal viewpoints in American policy initiatives.The Working Poor appeals to the compassion Americans have for the less fortunate, while the vignettes bring the harsh reality of daily poverty into focus. The working poor are every race and age, American and illegal immigrant, those born into the cycle of poverty or those who have significant debt and no resources to combat it, yet sheer determination seldom improves their lot. Shipler traveled America to find their stories, and he describes in almost excruciating detail the normalcy of their daily struggle as they report to work for minimum wage or less, sometimes bartering work for goods or services. They are the people we often fail to notice: these men and women who make our beds at hotels, wash our dishes after we splurge on a night out at a restaurant, or toil in the fields to bring us the freshest produce. Shipler his thoughts on the health care reform initiative. He asks pertinent questions about the willingness of our country to make sacrifices to lessen disparities in wages, health care access, and education even as he details the combination of factors that result in poverty. Shipler also examines society and government.
I was particularly impressed with his efforts to continue contact with the people he interviewed. Poor judgment, language, illiteracy, lack of knowledge, or personal weaknesses become insurmountable barriers when apathy breeds suspicion of bureaucracy. These are David Shipler's subjects in The Working Poor: Invisible in America. Shipler's recommendations for change and the politics of poverty may be too dull for some, yet I would give this book four stars based on his exceptional insight and descriptions of his subjects. The author aptly explains that many who endure poverty share the burden of responsibility. The ambitious few look for stability and alternatives, but others resign themselves to their circumstances. I would be most interested in asking Mr.
I believe everyone in the U.S. Many of us, in fact, are one bad choice or one serious illness away from being part of the working poor.
Shipler tackles this difficult subject with compassion and honesty. This is not one of those books that is boring to read, with endless facts and figures.
David K. Most people are not poor because they are stupid or lazy.
Shipler engages his readers with his conversational style of writing. He introduces us to some of the working poor, tells us of their hardships and their victories.
This book sheds light on a subject that has too long been swept under the carpet. should read this one.
She tried to relate or experience what the poor experienced. I read this book because of all the great reviews and because I really loved Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed. Of course, each character has a sob story. I liked Nickel and Dimed a lot because Barbara herself attempted to make a living while taking a minimun paid job. Author blames the system and argues that no matter how hard the poor try, they are rarely able to get themselves out of poverty and into a better situation. Basically, each story starts with a character with a bad childhood, living with parents who are also living in poverty, are uneducated and never get a chance to leave and expand their horizons.
This book on the other hand is just a bunch of stories of poor people. This book is told in a third person narrative and basically recites several stories of poor Americans and how they live each day. Her experience made me feel like I was experiencing each situation with her. And of course, the cycle repeats with their children and on and on. While I don't mean to belittle their situations, I just find a recitation of each person's life to not be helpful. While some of the story is interesting, it can get a bit preachy and whiney at times.
There's nothing new or special about this book, so I gave it two stars because it's well researched but the stories themselves get repetitive and boring.
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