ESSAY
4. What is Poverty?
by Jo Goodwin Parker
SUMMARY
In
the poignant essay titled 'What is Poverty?', Jo Goodwin Parker shares her
personal experiences of living in poverty, shedding light on the harsh
realities faced by the impoverished. Throughout the essay, Parker presents a
candid and unfiltered account of her struggles, starting from her childhood to
adulthood, showcasing the myriad adversities endured by those trapped in
poverty.
Poverty,
as described by Parker, is a state of despair, where basic necessities like
nutritious food, healthcare, sanitation, and education become elusive dreams.
It corrodes not just the physical well-being but also erodes one's dignity,
self-respect, and prospects for a better future. Through her writing, Parker
aims to dispel any romanticized notions of poverty often portrayed by the media
and instead wants her readers to comprehend the dehumanizing and degrading
aspects of living in poverty.
In
Parker's world, poverty extends beyond financial hardships; it is a relentless
struggle to secure a better life for her children. Her husband, unable to cope
with the burdens of a poverty-stricken life, abandons the family without any
farewell. Left to fend for herself and her three children, Parker finds herself
navigating through each day with meager wages from a demanding job. She faces
health issues, such as anemia, due to a lack of proper nutrition, but is unable
to afford medical treatment.
The
hardships of poverty further take a toll on her ability to provide adequate
care for her children. Unable to afford nursery school fees, she is forced to
leave her job to care for her children. Despite her best efforts, she recounts
a heart-wrenching incident where her children were found in pitiable conditions,
emphasizing the challenges faced by impoverished parents to ensure their
children's well-being and safety.
Parker's
narrative serves as a call to action, urging readers to recognize the pervasive
impact of poverty on individuals and families. Her raw and unvarnished account
forces us to confront the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and the need
for comprehensive solutions to uplift those affected by it.
By
sharing her story, Parker brings humanity to the statistics and reminds us that
poverty is not merely an abstract concept but a harsh reality that millions
endure every day. She seeks to break the cycle of silence surrounding poverty
and ignite empathy and understanding among the privileged, challenging them to
advocate for change and social justice.
Jo
Goodwin Parker's essay 'What is Poverty?' is a stark portrayal of the
destitution and suffering experienced by individuals trapped in poverty.
Through her personal account, she shatters misconceptions and highlights the
pressing need for compassionate action to alleviate the burdens faced by the
impoverished. Her words are a potent reminder that poverty is not just a matter
of economics but a humanitarian crisis that demands our collective attention
and commitment to creating a more just and equitable society.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. What is poverty according to Parker?
In
Jo Goodwin Parker's perspective, poverty goes far beyond a mere lack of
material resources; it is a corrosive force that erodes the very essence of
human dignity and well-being. Parker vividly describes poverty as a state where
hope, access to nutritious food, healthcare, proper sanitation, and education
are all luxuries beyond reach. She metaphorically likens poverty to an acid,
gradually devouring one's pride, self-respect, physical health, and prospects
for a better future. This poignant portrayal serves as a powerful reminder that
poverty is not merely an economic condition but a deeply dehumanizing and
degrading experience that affects every aspect of a person's life. Parker's
words compel us to confront the harsh realities of poverty and advocate for
lasting change and support for those trapped in its clutches.
b. How is poverty difficult for Parker’s children? List some
specific examples.
In
Jo Goodwin Parker's heartbreaking account, her three children suffer immensely
due to the dire financial circumstances of their family. They endure a life of
misery marked by inadequate food, lack of proper clothing, limited access to
education, and no medical care. Parker vividly describes the deteriorating
health of her children, painting a grim picture of their daily struggles. They
are deprived of nutritious meals, dressing in filthy clothes, and being unable
to attend school. The incident she recounts of leaving her children under her
mother's care highlights the alarming neglect they face. Her youngest child
covered in flyspecks with unchanged diapers, the next one playing with broken
glass, and the eldest left unattended by the lake all reflect the harsh
realities of poverty they endure. Parker's poignant narrative compels readers
to recognize the urgent need for addressing the plight of impoverished families
and advocating for better support systems to protect vulnerable children from
such deprivation.
c. How does Parker try to obtain help, and what problems does
she encounter?
In
her desperate attempt to seek help for her children's dire situation, Jo
Goodwin Parker reaches out to various individuals and institutions, spreading
her hands in front of them. However, the lack of funds and resources makes this
task incredibly challenging for her. She struggles to find the right people and
organizations who can provide the support her family needs. This often leads to
her moving from one organization to another, waiting and narrating her
heart-wrenching story repeatedly. The process is emotionally draining and adds
to the burdens she already carries. Parker's relentless pursuit of assistance
highlights the arduous journey that impoverished individuals must undertake to
secure basic necessities for their families and underscores the urgency for a
more comprehensive and compassionate social support system.
d. Why are people’s opinions and prejudices her greatest
obstacles?
In
Jo Goodwin Parker's struggle to seek help for her family, the greatest
obstacles she faces are people's opinions and prejudices. Many individuals are
ignorant about the harsh realities of poverty and fail to understand the depth
of suffering it brings. Their lack of empathy and judgmental attitudes towards
the poor lead them to express unfounded opinions and prejudices. Unfortunately,
these negative perceptions hinder Parker from receiving the much-needed support
for her family's well-being. People's misconceptions and biases about poverty
prevent them from offering a helping hand and further isolate those in need.
This underscores the importance of raising awareness and promoting empathy to
break down the barriers that prevent impoverished individuals from accessing
essential resources and support. It also highlights the need for society to
address its own prejudices to build a more compassionate and inclusive
community.
e. How does Parker defend her inability to get help? How does
she discount the usual solutions society has for poverty (e.g., welfare,
education, and health clinics)?
In
her defense of her inability to get help and support, Jo Goodwin Parker
recounts her own harrowing experiences with welfare, education, and health
clinics. She exposes the shortcomings and inefficiencies of these programs that
are meant to assist the poor. Despite being in dire need, she finds herself
moving from one agency to another, repeatedly demonstrating her poverty and
facing shame at every turn. Welfare programs promise assistance, but the
process is cumbersome and time-consuming. School lunch programs do little to
alleviate the dire circumstances of her children's education. As for health
clinics, Parker's life is far from the convenience of such facilities,
requiring her to walk long distances for medical help. The negative assumptions
and attitudes of helpers further alienate her from the much-needed support.
Parker's personal experiences highlight the systemic failures and the
disconnection she feels from these critical aspects of her life due to
society's inadequate solutions to poverty.
Reference to the context
a. Explain the following:
Poverty
is looking into a black future.
In
the essay "What is Poverty?" Jo Goodwin Parker uses the powerful line
"Poverty is looking into a black future" to convey the grim reality
of living in poverty. She wants her readers to understand the profound impact
poverty has on people's lives and their outlook for the future. Poverty, as she
describes, is a constant struggle for basic necessities like food, shelter, and
medical care, leaving no room for hope and improvement. It is a state of
despair and uncertainty, where dreams and aspirations are shattered by the
harshness of daily existence. Parker's words serve as a call to action, urging
readers to recognize the devastating effects of poverty and work towards
creating a more just and equitable society where everyone can have a brighter
and more promising future.
b. What does Parker mean by “The poor are always silent”?
In
her essay, Jo Goodwin Parker highlights the plight of the poor when she refers
to them as "always silent." Poverty strips people of their voice and
agency, leaving them feeling powerless and voiceless in society. Money becomes
the key determinant of their well-being and access to basic necessities, and
without it, they are left feeling weak and vulnerable. Poor individuals often
find themselves in situations where they have to endure others' judgments and
condescension, unable to speak up or defend themselves due to their
disadvantaged position. Their silence is a consequence of their economic
circumstances, which limit their ability to assert themselves and advocate for
their rights. Parker's poignant portrayal of the poor's silence underscores the
urgent need for social and economic change to empower these individuals and
give them a voice in shaping their own destinies.
c. What writing strategy does the author use at the beginning of
most of the paragraphs? Do you notice a recurring pattern? What is it?
Jo
Goodwin Parker's use of the repetitive phrase "Poverty is" at the
beginning of each paragraph is a powerful rhetorical strategy that effectively
emphasizes the multiple facets of poverty. This repetition not only reinforces
the central theme but also establishes a connection between the narrator and
the readers. By addressing the readers directly and involving them in the
discussion, the essay becomes more relatable and personal. Parker's casual
writing style further enhances this sense of intimacy, making the readers feel
as if they are engaged in a heartfelt conversation with the author. This
approach not only draws the readers' attention but also evokes empathy and
understanding for the hardships faced by those living in poverty. Overall,
Parker's skillful use of repetition and conversational tone makes her essay
compelling and impactful, successfully conveying the harsh realities of
poverty.
d. How does Parker develop each paragraph? What details make
each paragraph memorable?
In
each paragraph, Parker develops her description of poverty by starting with the
repetitive phrase "Poverty is," followed by vivid and poignant
details. She uses concrete examples and personal experiences to paint a clear
and relatable picture of the hardships faced by the poor. These details make
each paragraph memorable as they evoke strong emotions and create a lasting
impact on the reader. For instance, she describes the lack of proper food,
medical care, and education, the struggle to provide for her children, the
humiliating process of seeking assistance, and the helplessness of the poor in
the face of societal prejudices. By grounding her essay in specific and
evocative details, Parker ensures that each paragraph resonates with the
reader, effectively conveying the harsh realities of poverty.
e. In the final paragraph, how does the author use questions to
involve the reader in the issue of poverty?
In
the final paragraph, Parker skillfully employs questions to create an engaging
and persuasive tone, drawing readers into the issue of poverty. Her direct and
informal conversational style serves to connect with the audience on a personal
level. By posing questions, she challenges readers to reevaluate their
perspective on poverty and urges them to look at the poor with empathy and
indignation rather than pity. This approach stirs the readers' emotions and
captures their undivided attention. Through her masterful use of questions,
Parker effectively drives her message home, successfully shedding light on her
own struggles and those of others facing poverty. As a result, the final
paragraph leaves a powerful and lasting impact on the readers, compelling them
to reflect on the harsh realities of poverty and the urgent need for social
change.
Reference beyond the text
a. Define a social problem (homelessness, unemployment, racism)
imitating Parker’s style.
A
social problem is an unyielding storm that ravages the very fabric of society,
leaving behind a trail of devastation and despair. It is the heart-wrenching
sight of homelessness, where individuals wander through the cold and
unforgiving streets, seeking refuge but finding none. It is the agonizing struggle
of unemployment, where countless souls yearn for meaningful work and a steady
income to secure their basic needs, only to be met with rejection and
disappointment.
But
perhaps the most insidious of all is racism, a venomous poison that seeps into
the very soul of humanity, perpetuating division, hatred, and injustice. It is
the invisible chains that bind individuals, communities, and nations, stifling
progress and tainting the purest of hearts with prejudice.
These
social problems are not mere statistics or headlines; they are the harsh
realities endured by real people, each one bearing their burden of suffering.
Poverty, in its many forms, strips away dignity, robs dreams, and crushes hope.
The homeless are not just faceless figures; they are mothers, fathers, sons,
and daughters, battling not only the elements but also the stigma of their
circumstances.
Unemployment
is not a mere economic indicator; it is the loss of self-worth and purpose,
leaving individuals grappling with feelings of worthlessness and rejection. The
unemployed are not just numbers in a spreadsheet; they are skilled and capable
individuals, yearning for the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
And
racism is not an abstract concept; it is the daily oppression faced by people
of color, a constant reminder of a world that refuses to see their worth and
potential. The victims of racism are not just statistics in a report; they are
human beings, deserving of love, respect, and equality.
To
address these social problems, we must not merely offer sympathy or turn a
blind eye. We must embrace an unwavering anger, a righteous indignation that
fuels our determination to dismantle the systems that perpetuate such
injustices. We must raise our voices, challenge the status quo, and demand change.
But
above all, we must extend a hand of compassion and empathy, recognizing that
the struggles faced by the homeless, the unemployed, and those oppressed by
racism are not theirs alone. They are our collective burdens, and it is only by
standing together, united in our pursuit of justice and equality, that we can
truly begin to heal the wounds of our society and pave the way towards a
brighter, more inclusive future.
b. Using adjectives to highlight the futility of the situation,
write a short definition essay on Growing up in Poverty.
Growing
up in poverty is a daunting and relentless journey, marked by a constant lack
of essential resources and opportunities. It is a pitiful situation that sows
the seeds of discontent and frustration, leaving one in a perpetual state of
vexation. Happiness becomes an elusive dream as poverty gnaws at the very
essence of joy. Every endeavor is shadowed by the overbearing weight of
economic hardship, perpetuating a cycle of irritation and disappointment.
In
the midst of poverty, life takes on a monotonous and wearisome tone. The
absence of financial stability deprives one of the ability to explore and
experience the richness of life. Opportunities for growth and development
remain elusive, as dreams are shackled by the chains of limited means. The
simple joys that others take for granted become distant fantasies, and the
pursuit of happiness becomes an arduous battle against the harsh realities of
poverty.
Growing
up in poverty is a perplexing experience, as one grapples with the enigma of
disparity and inequality. The vast chasm between the haves and the have-nots
raises questions that seem to have no answers. Why must some endure a life of
struggle while others bask in abundance? The injustice of it all leaves a
lingering sense of bewilderment, further fueling the frustration and despair.
Every
day becomes a frightening journey through a labyrinth of hardships and
struggles. The fear of not having enough to survive, of being left behind, of
being judged and stigmatized, looms large. The path to progress is marred by
obstacles at every turn, and the constant battle for survival takes an
immeasurable toll on one's physical and mental well-being.
Yet,
amid the darkness of poverty, there is resilience and strength. Those who grow
up in poverty learn to navigate adversity with determination and courage. They
find solace in the bonds of family and community, supporting one another in the
face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. They draw strength from the hope
that tomorrow may bring a glimmer of light, a chance for change.
Growing
up in poverty is a harsh reality that shapes the lives of millions, leaving an
indelible mark on their journey. It is a struggle against the odds, a fight for
a better future. The experience is tinged with sorrow and weariness, but also
with resilience and hope. As a society, it is our collective responsibility to
break the chains of poverty and pave the way for a more equitable and
compassionate world. Only then can we truly begin to heal the wounds inflicted
by poverty and create a brighter and more promising tomorrow for all.
Best of Luck
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