Poverty is not an aspiration: Breaking the poverty cycle | Michelle Gethers-Clark | TEDxGreensboro

[@chrystallynn]

The issue with the "job training" programs is if they're done through the welfare program, they push you to accept the first job you're offered. I went through it and ended up getting a minimum wage job I could have easily gotten on my own. The problem isn't lack of jobs, it's lack of skills and a lack of jobs that pay enough to raise someone out of poverty. I believe the answer to that is raising minimum wage, teaching financial management to high school students, and making trade schools and colleges more affordable. You said yourself you went to college. That made the entire difference. The guy got a job as a "food driver", I'm sure that's not enough money to rise out of poverty. His wife is getting a GED, that's great, but again, that gets you a minimum wage job. Learn a trade or go to college, the shift needs to go from work harder to work smarter.

[@SaladaTodoDia]

Why you would "raise minimum wage"? If you do this in a country you automatically decrease the value of money. I've been through this in my childhood. Doesn't work. Want fight poverty? Do things that increase productivity. Make stronger(value) families. Lower birth rate in lower income families helps. Having children later also helps

[@rickross9962]

@@SaladaTodoDia or selling crack and killing the outcasts of society...you cant kill 2 birds with one stone,but 3 men can ALWAYS keep a secret when two of them are dead💯

[@AlexZ-lc6nl]

As an immigrant child who has been through this and is now in college...I can relate. Thanks mom and dad and all the countless individuals who have helped me along the way.

[@jonstewart8113]

I would just like to add that parents that are locked in the cycle of poverty and feel beaten down by the system have a hard time do example and through mindset not passing this on to their children. Children that see their parents always in despair find it almost impossible to self-motivate. They may not have heard of the cycle of poverty but they have lived it and they propagated as the society propagated. It is hard to find inspiration at home from a from a father who has become a drunkard from despair and from a mother that has been beaten down by not being able to supply the basics for her children and from the fact that she has already given up on herself and her situation.

[@spb8039]

I grew up in poverty. I never understood why poor people had children. My mother had 5 children and could not afford 1. But, she and others like her kept having children that they knew had a very limited future. Children that they knew they had no life skills to teach or instill in their doomed offspring. Poor people KNOW that their children will end up just like them and add to the misery anyway. I will never understand it. Never.

[@mikebaker6804]

In working with people in poverty, I do see a pattern of poor personal choices even when better choices are presented. I can think of at least three situations I have seen in the past year.

[@spb8039]

The poverty mindset is the biggest issues. They live in the now, and rarely plan for the future. They choose to have children that they know they cannot afford. They choose partners who will not improve their situation. They choose to self medicate. Most fail to take responsibility for their actions and decisions. Their victim mentality also keeps them poor. These are facts that many people fail to speak on because it sounds like "victim blaming/shaming" when in reality its the truth.

[@hargwaynegegziabhre8044]

So inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story. You are fortunate to have had family who supported your dreams & encouraged you to go after those dreams. Thank you to the Judge who invested in you! We need more people like him. Not only did he write the check for $20 but he gave his time & showed an interest in pushing you forward.

[@jenniferlabruzzo3922]

" All I need is a chance " And once he had a chance he BROKE the cycle !

[@jomontanee]

So sad that it is not true. The mentality trumps everything. Look at the lottery winners. They BROKE THE CYCLE then they went back to poverty and even beyond so fast.

[@jomontanee]

She is such a vibrant storyteller!!!!! 🥰🧡

[@wanitawilliamsea7995]

Wow! And more wow!🤔

[@SaladaTodoDia]

She didn't address any of the most pernicious problems that hold poor back. I've been living in poverty in most of my live and know that's not what will save a population from poverty.

[@rickross9962]

they all say the same thing,just pull your bootstraps and study smort but im like "fvck dat i already got the 🔫",and i got the heart to say join me or die,its either get rich or try sharing but you learn reall quick you live in a bucket full of crabs

[@mademoiselleiris8496]

No child should be born into poverty. Step ONE: Do not have a child if you cannot support yourself first. The path out of poverty is for you to finish high school and especially do not have a child until you can afford it. Learn a trade to support yourself and if you go to college, get a degree that leads to a job that pays. Be prepared that it could take 7 years to get that 4 year degree. AVOID student loans. Do not become addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. Sounds harsh, right? That's because being born into poverty IS harsh. The path out IS harsh. But like this speaker, you can get out if you follow the steps outlined above. Best of luck.

[@jenniferlabruzzo3922]

Once this already happens , then what ?! I don't mean to sound harsh, but it sounds like you are okay with having children pay for their situation. It also sounds like you haven't looked much into what the experience of poverty is. Children often don't break out without someone encouraging them and removing barriers. Harsh truth. The hopeful truth is that when we are willing to do that, people succeed. If you want your children and grandchildren to see more poverty and to have to pay higher taxes as to not have dying people on the streets.. I'd listen more to the people that do the work of getting youth out of poverty,

[@justinward5455]

Weed is legal

[@rjtheripper931]

For every suggestion that you are going to give a million people are going to follow it. The understanding of what our economic system is what is the thing that guarantees wealth and alleviates suffering.

[@rjtheripper931]

13:52 oh the many excuses not to hire someone.

[@threecardmonty8282]

People will have to adopt polygamy into the family unit, just a great way to conquer abject poverty ,always having a parent at home raising the children instead of baby sitters will teach the values of families once again

[@economicdevelopmentplannin8715]

Having mom at home makes sense. But why polygamy?

[@debrataylor3539]

powdered milk and eggs

[@luishernandes9714]

Siempre. Cuenta. La presencia. Saver. Ablar. Modaler. Trasmitir. Si no sabes. Eres.perdedor. enuna entrevista.

[@derrellprice9721]

What would people have done without welfare? They should be thankful for the opportunity. Nothing replaces hard work, dedication and will. Being in this position gives you the only hope for the future. Those who live beyond the boundaries will suffer all the days of their lives. I have had some experience in the poverty arena since both of my parents were dead by my 11th birthday. I focused on getting ahead all my young days and it paid off.