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An Ode to a 'Poor Black Kid' I Never Knew: How Forbes Gets Poverty Wrong

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Re: An Ode to a 'Poor Black Kid' I Never Knew: How Forbes Gets Poverty Wrong

#51

This article alludes to the "bee sting" theory of poverty (see http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2008/03/30/... ). That brings up an interesting question: in historical terms, the subject of this story is quite well-off; he's not always physically at risk, he has ready access to probably non-toxic food, he has shelter, etc. Over a long enough timeline, his life is pretty good. Even his home situation--…

That's a very intersting quote article you quote there. Just one thing : the article seems to claim that not caring to solve one's problems stems from the impossibility to solve them all in a forseeable future. Hence the problems create a "why bother ?" attitude, which in turn creates more problems. This pretty much nails the issue to me. But then the author goes on "The core of the problem has not been self-discipli…

> the more you assist people in solving their problems, the more incline they will be to let their problems rot until you come and solve them again.

I disagree, most people given a chance will try to improve their condition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolsa_Fam%C3%ADlia

Re: An Ode to a 'Poor Black Kid' I Never Knew: How Forbes Gets Poverty Wrong

#52

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think he(and maybe you) underestimate how bad it is. Just because your shitty situation gradually improves, it doesn't make it a good situation, it makes it a slightly better shitty situation.

Yes, but the gradual improvement might have been happening over a long period already, and as a result, the situation wouldn't be bad anymore.

again, underestimating how shitty things are. going from property to turning tricks is a huge step up.
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