Wanting To Be Poor in America

St. Croix in the Caribbean - Taken from www.delargy.com

Let's imagine that you had to start life over again, and while you were destined to be poor, you could still chose your native country.  With this stipulation, what place or nation would you then prefer to be in?  Initially, when I pondered this subject, I declared that I would like to live somewhere sandy, beautiful, and warm like the Caribbean.  I could almost picture kicking my feet up in a homespun hammock and watching the sun set over the gorgeous Caribbean waters ... as I nearly starve to death and then die of malaria and lack of medical treatment.  Or not.  Perhaps the Caribbean, tropical as it is, would not be a good choice; yet, which country would more fully take assist its financially-strained citizens?  After some research, I've decided that it is my own country, the United States, that would be better.  Thus, America is the prime place to be if one is poor as it provides governmental assistance, exceptional medical opportunities and care, and an overabundance of material goods and housing.

Our Government Aids the Poor - Taken from www.briansbits.com

First, the government of the United States is much more giving than other places (excluding socialist and communists wealth-leveled areas).  Governmental assistance, in form of food stamps, tax cuts and "free" education, parks and libraries, is overabundant to the America and especially geared to assist the poor [Hovde].  Also, according to Elizabeth Hovde, approximately half of America does not need to pay their income tax, which may be the only helpful thing that the government makes exceptions for, and the U.S. of A. provides many opportunities for anyone to 'pull themselves up by their bootstraps.'  Take the education sector, for example, and the large amount of federal help in paying for college tuition and buying books; many students I personally know at ICC have qualified for a great deal of federal aid due their financial status and/or family history.  Then, I know other people who regularly receive food stamps (or WIC), so it seems apparent to me that the government can, and does, care for all.

The (Female) Poor and their Weight - Taken from www.heritage.com

Then, the medical opportunities and overall health of Americans, even poor Americans, are much better than those in poverty overseas.  Despite the current lack of nationalized healthcare, which may be for the better, the United States excels in good medical care as they admit and give care to the poor in hospitals and doctor clinics (unlike other countries) and because there are many programs, even within the hospitals themselves, to  accommodate the needy [Hovde].  Additionally, as researched by Robert Rector, under-income families eat well; they "actually consume more meat than do higher-income children and have average protein intakes 100 percent above recommended levels ... [and, they] grow up to be, on average, one inch taller and 10 pounds heavier than the GIs who stormed the beaches of Normandy in World War II."  Health appears to be much better, therefore, in America where anyone can go to a hospital and even the poor eat right.

A Typical (Huge) Lower-Income House - Taken from www.affordablehousinginstitute.org

The last and least point, the average amount of material possessions in America's poor seems outrageous; nevertheless it shows that even in America, we are better off than most people [Hovde].  For example, in 2007, the poor in America owned a great deal of material goods with over two-thirds of them owning a vehicle, various electronics, some sort of entertainment system, and home appliances like a microwave and a dishwasher [Rector].  Then, the houses of the poor (which are owned by 43% of them) typically have three bedrooms, a garage, one-and-a-half baths, and a porch or patio, and they contain a large living space that is bigger, on average, than the homes of the well-to-do Europeans [Williams].  I could easily find a good housing space, or board in one of the many woman's shelters until I become more self-sufficient, if I was poor in the United States.  It would be distressing to live elsewhere, I believe, as housing and material possessions are so scarce and of low-quality for under-income families.

My Dream (Even If I'm Poor) - Taken from www.www.aikenpodiatrists.com

In conclusion, America, the land I call home, is the best place for anyone, but particularly if they are poor and need help.  Through its many governmental programs (just think—even receiving mail is free here!), medical help and nutrition, and amount of wealth in material possessions, the United States' poor actually live very well.  While this fact may be due to the way one defines "poor," argues Robert Rector, I tend to think that America is very friendly to those down in luck and it enables dreams by its motto of liberty, life and the pursuit of happiness.  Thus, if I had to be poor, I would choose to live in America as it offers the best living experience to all its citizens.  Even the great outdoors, on second thought, isn't that bad, and anyone can relax at the beach, climb picturesque mountains or plant a flourishing garden here in the US.  And who knows; even if I was impoverished, I could work through my poverty, become more independent (as the government encourages me to), and finally go and relax on some Caribbean beach. 

Works Cited

Hovde, Elizabeth. "Income in Perspective: America's Poor Are among the World's Wealthy." Oregon Live. The Oregonian, 4 Aug. 2012. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.

Rector, Robert. "How Poor Are America's Poor? Examining the "Plague" of Poverty in America." The Heritage Foundation. The Heritage Foundation, 27 Aug. 2007. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.

Walters, Walter E. "Where [It Is] Best To Be Poor." Creators.com: A Syndicate of Talent. Creators Syndicate, 2010. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.

Hip-Hop Is Top

The Realm of Hip-Hop Artists - Taken from: www.musicoversleep.com

In the article, “How Hip-Hop Music Lost Its Way and Betrayed Its Fans,” author Brent Staples pointedly degrades the genre of hip-hop music as he finds it dangerous.  Many hip-hop artists like 50 Cent and Tupac, according to Staples, give into the stereotypical view that African-American blacks are violent, deal drugs and have no education.  However, it is Brent Staples who holds the stereotypical mindset, for hip-hop music is not the only dangerous genre as there are numerous exceptions of good hip-hop music and demoralizing songs from other artists.  Thus, a review of the other genres, as well as the positive music of hip-hop, is important to demonstrate that this kind of genre isn't all that bad.

Taken from: www.mentallyawake.org 

First, it is narrow-minded to only point to the degradation in hip-hop music when there are so many other genres that contain graphic violent and sexual materials.  Music such as hard rock and rap can easily fit in such a negative category, and the Caucasian presence in rock music directly contradicts Staples’ stereotypical view that White Americans are normal and moral.  Another predominant "white" genre, country music, further disputes this article as I have heard country western songs that would rival any gang lord’s head-bopping hip-hop.  One country song in particular, "Gunpowder and Lead" by Miranda Lambert shocked me by her repetitive references to alcohol and cigarette use as the singer waits to murder her boyfriend.  Although this song of Lambert may be extreme, it simply illustrates that there will be bad artists and good artists in all genres; one cannot just focus on a particular type of music. Of course, one can also point to the good music in country, rock and rap, and there are many good and enjoyable songs to listen to in these genres, yet to claim that these are solidly good and that hip-hop is completely evil is irrational.  

Tupac - Taken from wwww.fanpop.com

Then, the ever-increasing amount of good music in hip-hop directly disputes with Brent Staples' claims in which he tries to shame this genre.  Megan Hook, in her article "Hip-Hop Music for the Entire Family," lists several "family friendly" posts that do not contain violent and sexual content that would be inappropriate for younger ears to hear.  Her lists of songs and artists include popular bands like Bruno Mars, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Flo Rida, Pitbull, Rihanna among others [Hook].  Then, from personal experience, older hip-hop bands like Tupac (which were mentioned in Staples' article) have created touching songs like "Letter to My Unborn Child."  Tupac has also written songs such as "Life Goes On" and "Dear Mama" which many still find to be inspirational.  Finally, even the singer and rapper 50 Cent has lighter, less objectionable content, especially in his songs "New Day" and, more recently, "My Life."  50 Cent does collaborate these songs with other artists, such as Alicia Keys and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, which adds to the respectability of his music.

Taken from: www.musiccourtblog.com 

Overall, there is much evidence which disputes with Brent Staples and his poor view of hip-hop music.  While Staples cites violence and crime rates with this specific genre, it can be also found that country and rock music contain shockingly similar messages to hip-hop music.  Then, hip-hop music can be kid friendly and encouraging as well, like some of its musical counterparts.  Staples is giving into stereotypical views of blacks and their music as he only downgrades the hip-hop genre of America, and, in doing so, he becomes no better than the rough New York gang lords who live that sort of life.  Music is much more than a particular tune or beat, and as there is so much good to offer in the hip-hop world, I believe that it is equal with the other genres.  

Works Cited:

Hook, Megan. "Hip-Hop Music for the Entire Family." Mom.me. BermanBraun, LCC., 2013. Web. 19 Mar. 2013.

Staples, Brent. 2011. Argument! New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2011. 299-300. Print.

Diet the French Way!

A Variety of French Cuisine
Taken from www.huyenchi11.blogspot.com 

In America, French cuisine and diet are not synonymous words; in fact, there are quite opposite for to go to Europe means to gain a pant size (or two).  Yet, the French, and in particular, the French women, tend to be thinner than most while eating high-carbohydrate and high-fat foods daily [Asher].  What is the secret to this madness, then?  How can they eat whatever they want while maintaining healthy (and much lower than the United States') weight?  As Sally Asher states on her website, www.girlsguidetoparis.com, the French way of eating is all in the mindset, which controls the portion eaten, the exercise taken and all the enjoyment in between.

This is a Russian spin-off of an already hearty French meal
Taken from www.washingtonpost.com

The daily amount that it is eaten is perhaps the most surprising aspect in any Frenchwomen's diet.  According to Sally Asher, "Decadent foods are treated like a delicacy, eaten only after a meal and in small amounts. French women would rather have a slither of silky smooth mousse cake than a whole slab of fat-free cake that doesn't thrill the taste buds."  Also, while incorporating the amount of food, many Frenchwomen choose to eat more natural foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and yogurt in addition to the more traditional wine, bread and cheese.  Kathleen M. Zelman, a leading dietitian who has spent some time in France, has observed that even in groceries, there is an entire aisle filled with yogurt while only small section devoted to what Americans tend to favor, such as chips, cookies and soda.  However, the French tend to eat smaller portions of these healthier foods as well, and adults always stick to three meals a day [Zelman].

Walking is the favorite pastime in Brittany, France
Taken from: www.brittany-ferries.co.uk

Then, the French exercise regularly, but not because they want to, but because they have to [Zelman].  Many people must walk to their work or to the metro station (which is usually not far away) as owning a vehicle can be challenging in France [Zelman].  Imagine if more Americans walked to their destinations, or if they stopped working out at the gyms, which makes them resort to binge eating later.  Yet, if they added these types of exercise in their daily lives, wouldn't that help them attain a healthy weight?  Additionally, the "carb fest" during or after exercising is a large factor, for unlike Americans, "when French people walk or drive, they usually are not eating, drinking coffee in cardboard cups, or talking on cell phones" [Zelman].  As previously researched, eating while distracted (i.e. while watching television, driving a vehicle and etc) actually leads to more food being consumed, which, in turn, makes for an overweight life style. 

A Classic, yet Artistic French Meal
Taken from: www.omahanightlife.com

Finally, in reference to the last point of a life style, Frenchwomen enjoy their food and they have a different mindset about eating than Americans do.  Sally Asher recommends a variety of tips on eating slow, talking small bites, and choosing what to eat first, yet all her hints boil down to the common phrase, you need to eat to live and not live to eat.  This French mindset means to set aside a time to eat, and sitting down to enjoy the meal [Asher].  Author Mireille Guiliano affirms this French thinking by stating, "We sit down and eat for pleasure, using all of our senses" [Zelman].  To compare, how many times do we sit and completely enjoy the food in America?  Or does the United States have a more "just eat and fill up" mentality?  While the people of United States buy and consume large amounts, the French pick and choose what they like - which rewards their waistlines and pocket-books in the long run.

For Your Sweet-Tooth: Le Pain Au Chocolat
Taken from: www.alitchick.blogspot.com

In conclusion, the French in their food choice, portion, mindset and exercise helps them regulate their weight, which, on average, is far healthier than that of the typical American's [Zelman].  To diet the French way would be a great change for the American people, yet I think that it would work for anyone.  Who cannot resist eating their most richest foods, such as the the chocolate-stuffed French bread, le pain au chocolat, without getting fat?  Personally, I think that the switch to French eating would be quite easy; it would only be the portion control and exercising that would be hard! 

Works Cited:

Asher, Sally. "The French Diet: How French Women Eat Rich and Stay Slim." www.girlsguidetoparis.com. Inspire Partners, LLC, 13 Jan. 2013. Web. 06 Mar. 2013.

Zelman, Kathleen M. "How the French Stay Slim." MedicineNet.com. MedicineNet, Inc., 10 Mar. 2005. Web. 06 Mar. 2013.