The book ‘Nickel and Dimed’ By Barbara Ehrenreich seems to the naked eye to be a collection of adventures through the impoverish communities across America, and the corrupt workforce; one which this country runs upon in order to complete laboring work, while staying within the set labor laws and confines. However, from my collected knowledge so far, I believe that this book represents the corporate detachment between those who they are presumably helping, and the government system and officials themselves. Through the experiences the author undergoes, I have realized as an onlooker, the divide between low-wage employment and government. *
As Barbara goes from job to job, first as a waitress, then as a cleaning lady, then as an aide in a nursing home, there is no denouncement, per se, of the government. But, the anger she has with her situation builds as she realizes that nobody is going to help her. Within each of her jobs she learns about her co-workers and their situations, many living in their cars or relying on another income source to make ends meet for their share of the rent. Many of these people are also immigrants both legal and illegal. Even though the conditions are bleak, none of these individuals, or Barbara herself, is recognized within the government eye as one who needs financial sustainability, thus it is not given.
I don’t think that circumstances currently are any different. You would think that within the time lapse between 1998 and 2010, there would be changes in the way people on the fringe of society are supported. There are so many people slipping through the cracks of our society, as if there is no place that they fit in any socio-economical classification or ranking. The economical crisis has really made many people struggle to keep their lifestyles. And, those who were never comfortable, work more jobs, more hours, or become so poor that they can no longer support themselves. Only at this stage does the government take action and create opportunities for these people, who have become so accustomed for fending for themselves that they deny this help because of their pride. Just as Gale does in the story, not admitting to her homelessness, or willing to use the congressmen in order to achieve better standing.
There is a certain air of ignorance, which carries into the acts, and decisions of those who create and enforce laws. I feel as if there is a lack of understanding as to how people are surviving on $6.50 an hour each day. There has been no legislature to my knowledge passed claiming that those who are struggling, and on the brink of poverty, may receive benefits from the United Sates System. People who are working day in and day out don’t get food stamps, or free housing. Those are ONLY offered to people who have no other options, and make such a small salary, or no salary at all and the government is forced to give them a certain amount of things to help support a better life, even then there are restrictions as to how much the system can help a person.
However, on the other side of this issue Barbara explores the idea that if the government were to help people make a life for themselves, they would become reliant on the government and people could not conduct themselves in such a way that is appropriate because one could not interact or sustain themselves upon the lack of understanding and experience they have had. The civilization needs to stand on its on feet, just as our founding fathers intended, some responsibility and strength must be given to the people, and the government shall not interfere.
Or should it?
