Two American Families (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

[@CraigNAnderson]

Who else loves these timeless documentaries, years in the making.

[@edgywagy145]

Couldn't believe my eyes it says posted 2 days ago but it was about the 80's the 90's and the 00's. Just amazing!

[@dr.m.hfuhruhurr84]

I certainly appreciate these in many ways for numerous reasons.

[@timmcgrath1117]

What is there to love? That was the most miserable documentary I've seen in my life.

[@edgywagy145]

@@timmcgrath1117 It's about real life in America, unfortunately, not Hollywood scripted. The documentary is not the issue but the reality of it. There is not Happy End because there isn't. Don't kill the messenger

[@dr.m.hfuhruhurr84]

@@timmcgrath1117 well yeah b/c the soundtrack suc’t 4 starters to begin with. & least they didn’t let Dianne Sawyer narrate, interview & direct the cinematography during any of the production as far as I know Stay well, do good work rocking on and don’t eat dolphins 🖖😷👍

[@TurkanaNation]

This is exactly what I love about Frontline...This is 30 years in the making. Wow

[@A_T__]

Same

[@emmetee9675]

Much Respect for the time and dedication to the years following up with these hardworking families. May God Bless everyone.

[@watchdealer11]

Can we please give some respect for Keith! First son from the family to graduate high school and college. Gov job with good pay and benefits and a property investment and a side hustle! Taking care of his nephew. What an amazing and humble person!

[@chijiobi7760]

Can't agree more

[@sierrachoco5271]

Absolutely!!

[@MrsFJohnson]

Whats crazy is that those times in industrial areas didnt need to have high schoolnor college degrees to make a lot. Times have changed, but he withstood and came out with a great character because of a great parental foundation.

[@namingthem5268]

And he might still be single girls! Lol... 😀😀

[@plum_loco]

And made the conscious decision not to go around fathering kids!

[@mikewatt8706]

i have big respect for these 2 families who tried their best. any man or woman who gets out of bed to work no matter how shit the job is is a hero.

[@nursetonna5268]

Beautiful ❤

[@lvega5606]

That's exactly what I was thinking. This is honest work, here, that they're doing. The work that makes the world run.

[@ddlyify]

I really respect that black family's hustle and their determination to stay together. Those are really invaluable qualities.

[@LoveMusicSound]

Right 🥺

[@leonardu6094]

Likewise the White family

[@baileysbutton8124]

It’s because they had a strong father and mother and foundation. They never gave up on their family no matter what.

[@yourhucklebearer9451]

Black families are some of the strongest.. SO LONG AS THEY STAY TOGETHER... But isnt that the key to all of this no matter the color? White families arent nearly as strong but have a slightly better stay whole rate overall.

[@ddlyify]

@@yourhucklebearer9451 I wouldn't go that far. This PARTICULAR family, who happens to be black, is very commendable. I only called them black to distinguish from the other family which fell apart.

[@namingthem5268]

I cried when jackie said she felt like a failure. YOU are Not! You raised 5 beautiful children who didn’t stray towards evil, you succeeded at a marriage for all those years, you kept your head up & your faith in God....you are a smart, beautiful, successful woman! Never doubt that! ❤️👍🏻❤️

[@emzywillrich7243]

And they didn't lose their beautifully decorated and well-maintained home.

[@Excellence4]

@@emzywillrich7243 And my parents are still in the same home PAID OFF... and its even more fab.. Thanks too bad you guys didn't see the FUN part of us growing up!

[@aliciathimo2038]

Yup

[@camillelongmore5057]

@@Excellence4 hey hope everyone is well would really like to see a 2021 update blessings

[@poet82n]

@@Excellence4 Maybe you should give video updates on your channel. I'd subscribe. Your parents are AMAZING! I wish your mother could mentor me.

[@AmyLee-yb5bx]

I met Mrs. Stanley today randomly at a store and we chatted away about real estate and other things for a good 10 minutes. At the end she mentioned this documentary, but didn’t go into detail. I had tears in my eyes during this whole thing. Such a strong family! Her and her husband are to truly be admired!

[@lvega5606]

That is so cool that you got to meet her in real life. I admire her determination and elegance.

[@MarcellineAbomo]

Who else loves these timeless documentaries, years in the making.. Who else loves these timeless documentaries, years in the making..

[@thatblvckhippie1911]

Any suggestions for others?

[@Juju-l3o]

It’s so nostalgic but also shows that nothing has changed.

[@simonsays6739]

Mrs Stanley, you are far from a failure. You raised a family and the children you raised have integrity and good character. You and your husband are exceptional and a blessing to this world. This has been my goal as a parent, although money is a necessity; your legacy is a good structure in your family tree. Great job Mr. and Mrs. Stanley.

[@simonsays6739]

@@snowwhite7704 Mrs Stanley stated specifically that she felt like a failure. No reason other than that.

[@killa46464]

Well said 🧡 forever golden

[@barrett5540]

Amen & Amen. Dear sweet brother & sister Stanley, The inheritance you leave to your children & your generations to follow, is far above the worth of rubies & gold! I understand you feeling like failure, me too; but hold fast to the knowledge that you have given the greatest gift to your hires: a living faith in Christ Jesus! Bless you over & over again. With love, Your sister in Christ.

[@gladysbell8116]

'F.ffff6

[@kaosinc]

@@simonsays6739 " Mrs Stanley stated specifically that she felt like a failure. No reason other than that." @ 1:00:21 Hmmm!

[@gigamay1]

"Fake it till you make it" There is nothing fake about that woman. Shes the real deal!

[@LoveMusicSound]

Indeed 🥺 Pray their fate changed for so much better.

[@jenniferleedy6024]

amen!!

[@natashaibanez6134]

Love that woman, so inspiring, so beautiful

[@eileenwalsh9779]

She is so beautiful - inside and out. I thought all the adults in the story were such good people. Even the dad who left the family I can see the pain he went through and the love they did share ... this is heartbreaking!

[@bigmotor3845]

Nothing stronger than a made up mind

[@KristynRaeV]

When Keith zips up his gown to be the first man in his family to graduate high school... That smile deserves all the love in the world!

[@Nicholas-f5]

That's amazing to think about, right?

[@MrViyasan]

Put a smile on my face to see Keith move up that economic and social ladder. Education and support from parents proved to be the key.

[@princess_ama]

The scene where they showed the family eating together and then cut to the mom eating by herself is just heartbreaking.

[@Ketla_Pitso]

😢

[@skillmanlaw2]

SShelters are full, no more entries, 2023, November. Prayers but true. I wanted them to get back together.

[@JenniferJones-bo1rx]

Yes very Sad

[@unabashed]

Yep. And look how society scorns women who are single and child free by choice, saying they'll "die alone." Welp, there goes that theory out of the window.

[@eratoisyourmuse659]

​@@unabashed Wtf? She has children. Totally unrelated.

[@maburg713]

Both of these woman -- these FAMILIES -- are the furthest thing from "failures"!! They have been knocked down, again and again, yet they've risen to meet each challenge in their own ways. I hope they all know they are the epitome of who and what we value as human beings. Decent, kind, hard-working - and they have every right to hold their heads up high.💜

[@tanyaarmendariz4047]

Absolutely ❤

[@octaviahicks-braye9859]

Two incredible mothers. The fathers and children also endured. I pray struggle and poverty do not make us self centered

[@davidmurray6070]

Well done Frontline. I'd almost forgotten how good real journalism could be. Wonderful families with challenging but real-world lives. Inspirational.

[@sophiapetrillo3008]

“My parents put a lot of time and energy into us. Into making us who we are… there are people who look like me, who live where I live, who are dealing with situations and struggles that I’ve never seen… I’ve never seen the inside of a jail. I can’t tell you what a gun looks like. I don’t know what drugs or even alcohol looks like. ...I have to give all that credit to my dad along with my mom.” YOU, Mrs. Stanley, are NOT a failure. You’re an inspiration. 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻

[@probablyworking3905]

Agreed. She left her inheritance within her legacy.

[@freefly4269]

Out of all the kids, Keith is the stable one. By deciding not to have kids and focus on himself and career, he learned life’s lesson better than anyone just by watching his parents struggle. Kudos to everyone in this documentary, hope you are all doing well, staying healthy, happy and safe. Thank you Frontline for another great documentary.

[@The4preston]

The other son who enlisted in the navy and was working in Afghanistan might be doing well, too. I know people who went that route. Those foreign contracts can pay mega $$$$$.

[@unabashed]

​@@The4prestonyes, he likely made out well financially. I truly wish the best for him, and all of the children. They seem to be such kind people.

[@creoleladee]

Delaying parenthood is one way to avoiding poverty. If you're young without a trade or degree you're decidedly behind the 8 ball. Yes, I know every child is a blessing and the two of you are in love but, one cannot live on love. You can't depend on your family either as though they may love you, they are struggling too. ex. An acquaintance had just relative, her Mom, in the area when she became homeless . Mom lived in subsidized housing. The rules stated overnight guest could only stay ONE night.

[@Juju-l3o]

I can’t believe both of the Neuman boys took the exact same path as their parents, it’s sad how poverty descended down to them but some from their own choice.

[@yvonneplant9434]

​@@creoleladeel

[@steffaely]

The African American family is so inspiring. The mother is so smart, hardworking and charismatic. She is amazing! I cannot believe she said she was a failure! She think she’s an inspiration!

[@SOULRELIEF22]

Her preaching husband stayed in LOVE with JESUS! 🙏🙌

[@VexingCode]

Not only that, they don't play the victim card, they are hard working, faith and family unit. The destruction of the nuclear family is one of the greatest enemies of America, and especially African Americans.

[@victorwayne7346]

ALWAYS DIE TRYING ALWAYS.

[@hellooutthere8956]

Yes compare them to the white family. I felt the white woman's pain from betrayal by her husband wanting to bail. Blk ppl are unaware tht the white culture doesn't have tht unity. You should be proud. I didn't have tht closeness in my family and I want tht more than anything.

[@frederickweeks4962]

@@hellooutthere8956 you are correct. I think in these times all families are affected by the present conditions, but during that time (and before) there was a lot more stability.

[@Viedrcia]

I admire the Stanley family and their refusal to give up. It broke my heart when the mom said she feels like a failure cause that woman is far from a failure no matter what they've been through they keep trying.

[@juliusreed5273]

It’s money out there just look on the ground

[@payableondeath9091]

@@juliusreed5273 🤣does it grow on trees as well?

[@ivyherstory]

I have so much respect for the Stanley family. They did the very best they could for their kids while keeping their heads above water. I too, was disheartened for the mom. I saw her as a strong woman who really thought creatively outside the box. I think the Stanley parents did a phenomenal job for their kids.

[@1whocs486]

Amen that's what I said to... I love them and they are what families really look like 💖

[@StaticImage]

Exactly this

[@rig4365]

I miss Bill Moyers' show. He was a class act and had very thoughtful conversations. I'ts nice to see him again here. Great documentary

[@tonirose6776]

I echo your sentiments. I believe that because he so obviously a kind man, he could persuade people to be so open about their lives over many years.

[@marysalisbury9270]

He's still around! Great man!

[@timmcgrath1117]

I felt like it was a lot of fluff. He's no doubt a nice guy, I could tell that much, but he's telling the white lady that she's got such spirit and she all but took the air out of the room whenever her pouting mug was put on the TV to complain.

[@gardensofthegods]

@@timmcgrath1117 I felt really bad for that white lady because she lost her mortgage and then had to live with other people and knows she will probably have to work till the day she dies and if she's lucky she will end up being able to have her own trailer home ... ? I think she just felt exhausted and beaten down

[@jonbeltrano3925]

Frontline documentaries just hit harder when you see them a decade after they aired. So much insight, so many warnings. I'd love to know what these families are doing today.

[@Misslynndance]

This!!!

[@kenrickbaughman992]

Yes. Frontline PBS is legitimate Top Shelf journalism ❤. I love Frontline and everyone involved with it. The staff, camera operations and so forth. Thank you Frontline ❤

[@davidcurameng]

This 💯

[@PaperRaines]

Going by the sequence of the documentary, the obvious answer is they're doing worse now. All they did for two decades was deteriorate as individuals in their families. There's no reason to believe that changed since this stopped recording

[@ClementIV]

They released an update just days ago.

[@julimessick1007]

Reliving my life, divorced with 4 children. $80 a week child support & working 2 jobs in the late 80's into the 90's. Tears 😢

[@aja8521]

My mom had to do that with 2 kids in the 70’s & 80’s. Father is a millionaire. To busy blowing money & traveling . $300 a month is all he paid, and when he was traveling we had to go without. I had a job at 15 to help out. And I gladly did.

[@leannesmith5818]

@@aja8521 how come your father only paid 300 a month did he at least buy y'all a house

[@nolabrown3034]

Sounds like my story. Was hard but myself and my 3 children made it. No welfare, no outside help except from caring neighbors who gave from their hearts. I still thank them 30+ years later.

[@julimessick1007]

@@nolabrown3034 Stay Blessed

[@juneharvey4069]

Been there did that, most of those years no child support. When I look back don't have any idea how we survived except for the grace of God! I say that in all sincerity!

[@aaronwentzel4145]

Watched this in college in 2007 when it was called "Surviving the good times." Changed my paradigm forever. Incredible to see that they've continued their longitudinal study.

[@ZMAN_420]

Agree 👍🏻I wish more ppl would watch. Union yes good pay, pension, health insurance. Very rare today, MAKES ME SAD! I'm fortunate to live near Chicago and I am in a union. I wish so many people weren't against unions. All those people need is try a union job with decent pay, full time, full benefits for a year. Then they would be union yes! GREAT COMMENT BY THE WAY! 👍🏻

[@daniel213141]

Unionized workforce in the US has declined from around 30% in the 40's and 50's to less than 11 percent today. I was arguing with someone about the positives and negatives of a higher minimum wage. He asserted that Sweden doesn't have a minimum wage and has a high standard of living. I countered that Sweden's workforce is close to 70% unionized. This compels non-union employers to compete with comparable wage and benefit packages.

[@aaronwentzel4145]

@@daniel213141 The right was led to believe unions are counter to competitiveness in wages. Another lie that many hold yet fail to fully understand. Yes, unchecked unions can become corrupt, but so can an unchecked private sector that uses its political power to spread fear and misinformation. When collective bargaining was destroyed by Walker and his cronies, Wisconsin lost one of its major incentives for great educators to stay in the state and the field. Another blow to unions.

[@ZMAN_420]

@@daniel213141 THAT IS THE PROBLEM! I LIVE NEAR CHICAGO AND AM A UNION MEMBER FULL TIME JOBS, GREST BENEFITS AT COMPANYS CSOST THEY HAVE ENOUGH MONEY, GOOD PAY, A CREDIT UNION. BANKS ARE JUST SCAMS! YOUR CORRECT IN MY OPINION. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW SO MANY PPL ARE AGAINST UNIONS? AND NEVER WORKED A UNION JOB?

[@daniel213141]

@@aaronwentzel4145 Absolutely, you know what they say, that Unions are only as strong as their weakest link. There was a time, when I joined a union, where a new member was slowly indoctrinated about the trade union movement; you weren't led to believe that all you had to do is just just sign a union card and think everything was right as rain. You were encouraged to stay informed and to know your collective agreement. Many unions have gotten away from that responsibility that is integral to a vibrant collective. For the life of me, I can't understand why any card carrying member of a union would subscribe to a right wing ideology. This end of the political spectrum has done nothing for the working class and the equality it engenders.

[@EdugeBDroN]

2 parents working full-time shouldn't be in poverty

[@ZMAN_420]

Agreed what a shame! SAD! In the 70's and earlier. THE FATHER WORKED HIS UNION JOB WOITH GOOD PAY, GOOD BENEFITS. MOM WOULD STAY AT HOME WATCH THE KIDS. NOT ANY MORE! AMERICA THE BEST COUNTRY? IF YOUR SCAMMING PEOPLE AND ARE RICH! Great comment 👍🏻by the way!

[@MrLandonweber]

Tell Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema that!

[@LEuler-wl1jp]

while I understand the way you comment, its the jobs that determine how much you make

[@GuestYouTubeUser]

@@LEuler-wl1jp You mean your skill? They have no skills in demand. Like Computer Engineers today are on high demand. So high that they’re paying too much money for them. $130K plus a year! Because the demand is high, but little supply.

[@handsomerob5600]

NOBODY should be in poverty

[@coletteosullivan-nguyen4602]

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley are far from failures. Their authentic story of faith, family, and love is very inspiring, especially when contrasted with the out-of-control world we find ourselves in today. What a blessing to have stumbled across the documentary on KZbin! It will no doubt continue to inspire for years to come. The way they raised their children is worth more than any amount of money they could ever leave them. May God continue to watch over and bless this faithful and loving family!

[@jamesstone9213]

Yeah dey government baby's

[@OldCBnGuns]

I agree the Stanley’s made it work. Especially with such a large family

[@jonwinder6622]

@@jamesstone9213 HAH holy shit

[@onewomanandsomesongs]

I agree. They are wonderful parents and a huge success.

[@V.E.R.O.]

I felt bad for the lady who thought she was a failure, society in general places too much importance on status and the material trappings of success. She's a success, she and her husband and the family had a great attitude and work ethic and they stayed together. I would rather have that than live in a mansion alone.

[@russelladams7134]

@Veronica C I like the photo of your cat. I had a brown cat like that. He passed away.

[@V.E.R.O.]

@@russelladams7134 I'm sorry for your loss, they're very loving kitties.

[@russelladams7134]

@@V.E.R.O. Thank you. I had the cat for like five years. I adopted him in 2013 when I was working at this apartment complex. I took him home with me. It was like in the summer. I eventually took him to the veterinarian and the doctor diagnosed the cat with Feline H.I.V. He hadn't been neutered. He left the house one day and never came back. He left the house many times and would come back like in 12 hours but this time he never came back home.

[@V.E.R.O.]

@@russelladams7134 Oh no! I got Rusty in the Summer of 2013 too, he was a kitten that had been abandoned under a tree inside a taped box with holes. My friend who's a veterinary tech found him and gave him to me, she knew I always wanted a ginger kitty. I found a place that did neutering for free and got him microchipped. I live in an apt so I used to let him out at night to go in the yard for a bit but stopped once I saw a family of raccoons nearby and even and coyotes started to come down from the hills to roam the streets at night. He's now almost 8 and pretty big, approximately 20 pounds. The raccoons and stray cats sometimes come to visit him and stand outside the window looking up lol.

[@tyiffpeijc8702]

Back to original comment (no offense): it's particularly sad that she blames herself for not doing enough to get to success, when she seemed to be _incredibly_ hard working, and willing to sacrifice so much. Upward mobility in American society is way too hard, and it's crushing a lot of potential, like hers. Imagine what she and people like her could contribute and amount to if the structures for upward mobility were actually sensible.

[@JamesCarson25]

I wish there was a way to make a donation to the families who told their stories. We pay over $10 to see fictional movies, I feel we could make a contribution in some way for these very deeply touching stories.

[@andym7333]

set up fund me evem u can on fb

[@gailakraeszig2866]

What a beautiful idea.

[@banksterkid5930]

Thsi is from 2013 Don't know about their current situation

[@dawns1017]

My contribution to these families and their children is to continue to support folks like Bernie Sanders, and the Justice Democrats. Anyone working for minimum wage, should not have to live in poverty. Twenty years later, these kids are making $2 more than their fathers had made at their lowest paying jobs? Like all other developed nations, America should pay for our health coverage. Look at the debt the one family incurred when the father was sick and hospitalized for a short time. One ticket out, is college. That one son had to go to college via credit card. My husband and I went to college and beyond. The debt and loan payments were exorbitant. 30 years ago, our combined loan payments were equal to our current tri-state typical mortgage. We had decent jobs, but were unable to seriously participate in the economy and buy a home until we were age 40 plus. In order to go to college, my son had to have a parent co-sing for his student loans. Now my husband , if he wants to maintain great credit, helps my son, by again paying bone-crushing student loan payments. There should be student loan forgiveness. This country was, and is still, set up so that those with money and power can keep that money and power. The Southern strategy to get poor white folks to vote against their own interest, keeps those in power who refuse to increase the minimum wage, refuse to provide healthcare to all (even though our tax dollars pay for their salary and for their healthcare), refuse to provide regular stimulus checks for those in need during a pandemic (Canada and other countries provided their citizens with $2k every month). Yet, poor folk continue to vote for people who despise and use them. Some congress people act like paying for college is some crazy green new deal nonsense, but in this documentary, those who went to college, even community college, were able to do a better than those who did not. Wake up America. If you want to live the American dream, stop voting for people who are living the American dream, and working every single day in Congress etc to make sure that you and all your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren will never even fathom living that dream. All poor folk and middle class folk need to vote in the interest of their kids and grandkids. My heart broke watching this documentary. (Climbing down off my soap box, while these "old" bones can still climb).

[@mamarobyn]

That's a great idea James!!

[@doekjehermans2813]

"The reason they call it the American Dream is because you have to be asleep to believe it." George Carlin, so true.

[@cynthiawilson5066]

Love George Carling ain't that the truth

[@E-99x]

Not if you get an education. My whole family came from poverty, we all work in fulltime jobs with benefits. You just need to pick the right fields: healthcare, technology, energy, science. The worse fields to be in rn are customer service, food industry, and factory jobs.

[@leiannsoftrockkirby8588]

Now today looking at the world how it is you find out that they sold us the delusion of the American dream The children became door stop kids they forced both parents to work then the kids pay the ultimate price having no parental supervision

[@kingsolomon0]

😂😂😂

[@QueenLadyQ]

Yes and in the 80's immigrants come in like a lion America is really good at taking care of immigrants, no taxes for 7 years loans and grants for businesses no credit checks.

[@kimmyceeisme]

I am SHOOK at how well the little Stanley boy legit understood politics!!!! 😱 Fist bumps to the Stanley’s🙌

[@Lucky14970]

Damn... That black family knows how to hustle! Super props on how to never make excuses!

[@bob3ironfist]

@Nym Grace Making one mistake when you're young that turns out to be a big mistake should not be a lifetime sentence to poverty.

[@Shusha0029]

That's because they are partners. The white family all were living in the same house but living different lives. No teamwork.

[@loricrawford1952]

I agree and their kids are pretty awesome!

[@abatude5879]

Right 💗💞

[@mistyhess3546]

Yes! Absolutely inspired me!

[@Godisgreater123]

Jackie, if you see this, you are an amazing woman, full of strong faith and not a failure! You are an awesome , positive person and i KNOW that you can do very well in real estate , now with your kids all grown!!

[@tracyjane1000]

Am obsessed with the Stanleys. Wow wow. Amazing amazing people. You are NO failure - look at your marriage that survived hard hard times and look at your beautiful children that you raised. You gave them a loving safe environment to grow up in and that is priceless. No failing there - just pure winning ❤️

[@126missday]

I agree

[@stallion5110]

Well done

[@BayouPrincess78]

Absolutely agree she is an inspiration on so many levels. Much love and respect

[@JOHN----DOE]

It's all about expectations. The end of WWII created a unique economic situation that will never, ever happen again, plus Republican and corporate selfishness have been allowed to destroy all the New Deal policies and a century of union progress. The Stanleys are a monumental human success, in this or any age. Life is suffering, eventually if not today, and it can't be avoided; it's how you deal with it, and these folks have dealt with it superbly.

[@Excellence4]

You’re right my mother isn’t a failure she’s amazing thank you

[@matthewgardner2144]

Bill Moyers is one of the best, if not THE best interviewers/producers of documentaries. He has so much soul and really listens to his subjects.

[@prairiewolfedogg]

The power in Moyers' work arises from his introspection in telling stories about the human condition. Politics and ideology are not allowed to overshadow the story.

[@sabrina.natalie]

One of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen.

[@PaperRaines]

Go through PBS' KZbin channel.... believe me, they have even better documentaries on low income families Which, in and of itself is a depressing sentence to write out

[@rm4861]

Have you seen “Fourteen Days in May”? I blew my mind! Amazing film that if you haven’t seen it, you need to! Have tissues near by.

[@tyiffpeijc8702]

@@rm4861 Different topic but equally important. Incredibly sad. Makes my stomach churn

[@rhoduskal-cious3243]

It’s authentic!

[@ageofechochambers9469]

What (century of the self) bbc , if you dare to wake up .

[@arenag.1920]

The lesson was best learned by Keith. He saw his parents' struggles and he steered his life to a different and better path. Got his education, works hard, postponed having kids and is educating his nephew in hopes of getting him to have a good life. Be like Keith. Kids are a blessing, but parents are not always a blessing for their kids

[@dalestanley4740]

eh...

[@wiseonwords]

Well, the Stanleys were certainly a blessing to their kids! Come on, now. Be more open-minded and generous spirited.

[@roxannerodriguez7075]

Well both of these fathers were doing well, taking care of their families better than many others- UNTIL they lost their jobs... It's not fair to say they weren't a blessing on their kids when something out of their control happens. Like losing a factory job, while all the other factories were closing too...

[@harmony3279]

It was the mother that made it possible for Kieth to get his education so his parents are blessings!!

[@Cbd_7ohm]

@@harmony3279 You missed the point.

[@forgottenwinner]

Makes me sad when you see wealthier folks use the tired trope that the reason these people are poor is because they're all supposedly lazy.

[@timmcgrath1117]

Completely agree but not every mfer needs to be having kids, never mind 3 of them when you have no business doing such a thing. Just because you CAN do it does not mean that you should. Sorry but if you have 3 kids, are not living with them, are on unemployment, have zero going on to improve your situation you are your own worst enemy. These are the kinds of people that will make it easy to point to the poor and say things like that but that doesn't mean that everyone should be treated that way either.

[@kristiyahmarie4944]

Having children is a biological imperative. It supersedes the fleeting economic circumstances. Children are born during wars. If you want to stop children, most women women would be able to. I doubt most men would be able to stop unless resorting to homosexuality or masturbation.

[@catherineblair550]

@@ethanswimmer1287 Not everyone is poor due to bad decisions like that. Income absolutely DOES matter. So is what you do with that income.

[@007mia7]

@@ethanswimmer1287 It's fascinating to see how people like you perceive these situations. You are fully indoctrinated to the point you are wholly unaware of it. You are the prototype they've succeeded in creating. It's brilliant actually. It's not what you know, but who you know in this world....please believe it. Most people (like this) are fully indoctrinated. Tax slaves. One way of thinking. Working for their money as opposed to having their money working for them. The "American Dream" was sold to everyone...and MOST bought it....hook line & sinker. It's all a racket. Many don't read the books they SHOULD read, they are sticking to the "programming". If they're lucky...they may be able to pay their way into a $40K a year job after college...BEFORE taxes and student loan debt. Then they can create future tax slaves.

[@JK-gu3tl]

Most wealthy people support the status quo, even the welfare state.

[@Thefrugalgal]

Everybody who today thinks the 90s were soooo much better than today needs to watch this. This is how I remember the 90s.

[@AusWash]

We need a 2021 update. What an amazing story

[@julieannemichelle]

I find it so interesting when documentaries can follow a person or families for a duration of time.

[@beckyjomiller2040]

I wish they would continue this and do a 2021 update.

[@MrDonny27]

Ik

[@edgywagy145]

@otha cindy As most of us are ..add to that Covid or 6ft under

[@lovecindy2661]

I'd love to see an update too, but only with good news! I don't think my heart can handle it if things don't get better for them!

[@edgywagy145]

@@lovecindy2661 It is what it is !

[@timrooney6333]

1:20:00 There will never be a 2013 -2016 update. The years following this continued to be challenging for non-skilled labor. Many duped into debt got worthless diplomas and realize now they are simply non-skilled but in debt too. Simple. Do a job that others won't do or, if you have talent, a job most others can't do. Nobody "gives you a job". You make what you are worth that is that. Just do it.

[@BarelySaneGenius]

The fact that wages are the same after 20 years is maddening

[@solidstate9451]

The starving wages of the 90s

[@notavailable4596]

They aren't the same. The minimum wage in the '90s was like $3.50 or something, and those industrial jobs they're referring to now pay $30-40 an hour if not more for the people lucky enough to have them.

[@misstuxbrandi]

Who doesn't feel like a failure in America at least once in their life?😔

[@chaoswitch1974]

People who come here from countries where they're much poorer and cannot find work.

[@jeannevacca1328]

I’m gonna lose my house. Declaring bankruptcy. I’m a Family Nurse Practitioner, disabled, an Army vet, and I’m a failure. Raised a daughter and she knows I’m a failure.

[@chaoswitch1974]

@@jeannevacca1328 That's terrible! You're not a failure. You're a victim of the system like so many these days. The way this country treats our vets is embarrassing. I'm sorry.

[@sandraressel2262]

@@jeannevacca1328 You are NOT a failure! Your financial circumstances do not define a woman who is strong and disciplined enough to serve our country and study your tail off to become a nurse practitioner-I know people who are brilliant who had a tough time accomplishing that! You are a wonderful woman created in the image of God, and I would bet the farm that people who know you think a lot of you! Don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t ever forget that the Lord will have your back, and I am going to lift you up to God in my prayers, Jeanne.♥️

[@DJiNstncT]

@@jeannevacca1328 it does not sound like you’re a failure at all! Things happen sometimes that are out of our control and that doesn’t make anyone a failure. Not everyone had a smooth ride to get where they are going , try to stay positive and on the right path 🙏🙏

[@ekLuca]

Imagine, paying for your house for years, with all the penalty payments she probably overpaid for her home many times over, but still lost the house in the end.

[@everymp]

Yes. That's greed right there. There should be a maximum payment limit on mortgages.

[@bd3825]

Then the bank sold it for 35k. A total slap in the face.

[@honeybunch5765]

Yes that is exactly how it works, it is unfair and those collection clerks working for the banks also only receive an average pay. It's only the executives making bank and they do not have to do the dirty work harassing people to pay and taking their homes away. I always find that so ironic.

[@honeybunch5765]

@@bd3825 because they have already made their money over and over again, that is why they can sell it under its value.

[@smd4751]

Yes it shouldn't be that way. There is something very wrong with that picture. The corporate greed in America is killing the people in many ways

[@Islabyrd]

I love the mindset of this beautiful African Amercian family. Wow beautiful family with real core values. And Terry, you can see how hard shes tried to keep her family together. Both families are an inspiration.

[@jr42a1]

Just keep on multiplying !!!

[@patrec7638]

Wait, did you think for a moment that the majority of black families have other "core values"? Everyone wants to be happy, raise a family and live the American dream - skin color is only something that leftists love to push. It's the dividing line they use to split the country and pit everyone against one another.

[@Islabyrd]

@@patrec7638 it has nothing to do with skin colour I am from South Africa, believeme we fight for equality for all of us, perhaps you have misinterpreted my comment.

[@rickstevens7292]

neither family are an inspiration...they are both a symbol of how broken our system of governance is in America. if our government really wanted to work well and efficiently they would only tax us on our consumption...not on our income. That way we would truly be free to earn an income and if we want to be consumerist whores than so be it. If we wanted to do the contrary then our lives would be totally different. And yet, our government takes 1/4 of our income and then says..."you will also be taxed on your consumption" and so we have less and less to live our lives. chew on that for a minute or two. it is interesting when you come to realize that we are actually all slaves because someone figured out how to lock up the food early on and ever since we have been introduced to that system of work = survival.

[@jacobjacob4139]

@@Islabyrd Pat completely misunderstood you, I'm from Soweto, much love sister.

[@roberthamilton4141]

A true visual image of the African American family. We have fathers and mothers that stay together. Our families are not all broken as the news try to portray. We know how to deal with hard times and keep on moving. This has been our entire life here in the United States, from generation to generation.

[@karinteeples6517]

Truth! The Feminist Movement is a huge player in destroying the Family Unit. Mother’s weren’t honored for staying home and instilling her values into their kids. The Family was a safe place for children. In 2022 it’s a dysfunctional mess… a. Moral failure. Divorce creates Trauma in children. It’s changes who they are and until we face that, we can heal.

[@Lpm100]

This was in the 1980s

[@joycampbell6157]

This applies to every single race!!!!

[@superafrikanmedialabs8237]

@@Lpm100 Corrrection, the 1990's

[@126missday]

You are so right we are use to the struggle & know how to make it through while helping others too.

[@lauraprewitt7475]

The Stanley Kids have completely stole my heart in their first segment (that’s how far I have made it & already tearing up)!! Their young’s are willing to start a business to help their parents save their home! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ohwiseone7069]

The middle class is a distant memory, while the rich get richer. This is an unsustainable social construct. Give people who want to work a job they can be proud of, and give them a living wage to do it.

[@steppamanjroy9886]

Well people say capitalism is better than socialism & all it ever does is expands the gap between rich and poor the richer get richer the poor gets poorer

[@prancer1803]

@@robertross4699 factory workers used to be ‘middle class’ because of unions up until the 70s. Now... factory work without substantial education is probably little more than minimum wage. Why? Because automation has replaced routine, repetitive tasks that don’t necessarily require a lot of training. Now it takes way more education to get a well paying job... while companies automate or go overseas to manage labor costs. On a small scale, this causes unemployment for less educated adults. On a larger scale tho, it leads to lower prices for consumers and allows consumers to purchase more.

[@ZMAN_420]

Well said. VERY TRUE! SAD!

[@ZMAN_420]

@@robertross4699 NO FACTORY WORKERS WERE MIDDLE MIDDLE ? WHEN THEY WHERE PAID CORRECTLY!

[@ZMAN_420]

@@robertross4699 nurse is upper middle class? Your comments are STRANGE!

[@sierrachoco5271]

The Black Family is amazing how they manage to hold themselves together. Hats off to them!!

[@MsSexyDiva4Lyfe]

That’s what we do!! Sad to say, but we are used to the struggle. If you know where we came from there’s nowhere to go but up!

[@jermainelatimer804]

@@MsSexyDiva4Lyfe me and my wife were just discussing that. The struggle is the every day thing for us and we both make over$20hr. Especially when you have to pay for every single thing. No government assistance here.

[@MsSexyDiva4Lyfe]

@@jermainelatimer804 Right! I make bout 60k a year and be struggling at times! The gov won't help until the absolute end!

[@apacademy]

Couldn't help but think that too. NOBODY'S coming after the white family with racial profiling while driving or just living, nobody has targeted their children for poor outcomes in school, etc, no one discriminates against them when applying for those jobs, a mortgage, college admission, I mean EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE. The real news is how little the average white family's net worth is... but the top 1% in the country got just about ALL the gains from the economy for the last 50 years...Everybody else got the debts. How long will middle and lower class whites continue to blindly follow along with the system ? It's not equal. Black families STILL have to overcome twice as much to get half as far...And still we rise !!

[@jermainelatimer804]

@@apacademy your speech is FLAWLESS!!!

[@Kiwiwanderer]

What a powerful marriage the Stanley’s have. What a hard working good man, husband and father. Jackie an organised, disciplined , supportive wife and strong woman, wife and mother.

[@keilahmichalspann8883]

The Stanley brothers were spot on with their comments on US Presidents and politicians in general. Such wise children!!!

[@randibgood]

Much smarter and politically astute than most adults-then and now.

[@dalestanley4740]

My political views have changed a little since then, but like the 11 yr old me once said "If everyone just focused on themselves..."

[@superafrikanmedialabs8237]

@dalestanley4740 OH WOW YOUR WATCHING 😳😳😲😲😲

[@anikajoy5739]

This is heartbreaking, to watch good people and their families struggle.

[@reginabelieva588]

This IS REAL ACROSS AMERICA😪when I. heard her say she sent A $1000 OO (GOOD- FAITH) PAYMENT & THEY RETURNED IT... Trust and BELIEVE THAT THIS IS TRUE IT HAPPENED TO ME. NOT ONLY THAT I SENT 3 GOOD-FAITH PAYMENTS TOTALING ~$850.00 each with LATE FEES ~$12.00 each. ONE PAYMENT WAS LATE FOR OVER 30 DAYS THE OTHER TWO WERE 1 FOR A CURRENT &. AN ADDITIONAL- - - IN ADVANCE. You won't ever NEVER guess NOR BELIEVE what the finance company!did: 1)took ALL PAY MENTS; 2) waited ~15 days then 3) REPORTED VIA ALL CREDIT BUREAUS I WAS MORE THAN 90 DAYS LATE... then 4) REPOSSESSED THE VEHICLE & NOT EVEN REPORTING THE!R ILLEGAL REPO TO MY LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT!!! IDK my (so-called) car was REPO'D & EMBARRASSED HUMILIATED BEFORE MY NEIGHBORS AFTER! TELLING THEM MY!THOUGHTS IT WAS STOLEN/TO LEARN...IT WAS "REPO'D" Despite my CA Customer Service Ins Commission& BBB Complaints to this day this erroneously & illegally remains on all my credit reports/for the next 7 yearsThis IS REAL ACROSS AMERICA😪when I. heard her say she sent A $1000 OO (GOOD- FAITH) PAYMENT & THEY RETURNED IT... Trust and BELIEVE THAT THIS IS TRUE IT HAPPENED TO ME. NOT ONLY THAT I SENT 3 GOOD-FAITH PAYMENTS TOTALING ~$850.00 each with LATE FEES ~$12.00 each. ONE PAYMENT WAS LATE FOR OVER 30 DAYS THE OTHER TWO WERE 1 FOR A CURRENT &. AN ADDITIONAL- - - IN ADVANCE. You won't ever NEVER guess NOR BELIEVE what the finance company!did: 1)took ALL PAY MENTS; 2) waited ~15 days then 3) REPORTED VIA ALL CREDIT BUREAUS I WAS MORE THAN 90 DAYS LATE... then 4) REPOSSESSED THE VEHICLE & NOT EVEN REPORTING THE!R ILLEGAL REPO TO MY LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT!!! IDK my (so-called) car was REPO'D & EMBARRASSED HUMILIATED BEFORE MY NEIGHBORS AFTER! TELLING THEM MY!THOUGHTS IT WAS STOLEN/TO LEARN...IT WAS "REPO'D" Despite my CA Customer Service Ins Commission& BBB Complaints to this day this erroneously & illegally remains on all my credit reports/for the next 7 years

[@eloisaferruzola3680]

I am totally agree, our government needs to start helping our people more, instead of helping other countries. We suppose to be there riches country; however there are so many hard working families who are just verily making it.

[@jaggirl]

It's happening all over. To many great people.

[@jaggirl]

@@reginabelieva588 that's terrible. Even 1K was a fair bit back then. Damn banks are not willing to compromise.

[@reginabelieva588]

@@jaggirl IKR!

[@christopher7824]

The part towards the end broke my heart where it showed the Nuemanns eating spaghetti together as a family of 5 in the early 90's, then it cut to 20 some years later where the mother was quietly eating spaghetti alone. Both of these families exemplify everything American people should be. Good, hard-working people who strive to make an honest living. Yet, they are presented with an unending stream of financial hardships through no fault of their own. Everyone, in both families, are much better people than most of us and deserve much more. Our society must reward people like this with more stability and security.

[@freedomordeath89]

"no fault of their own" taking on a mortage with a family of 3 and only 1 working person...that's their error. Not having planned their financials. Beliving the LIES about the "murican dream". The American dream is not GETTING IN DEBT to get a house you can't afford. The American dream is to raise your own family. I agree that the job situation is F***ed up. But if you KNOW that your job is precarious and doesnt pay well...you DO NOT keep a big house and mortage. You scale down to something you can AFFORD. Instead she spent hundreads of thousands on mortages and debt and interest...that's plain STUPID.

[@mkb5984]

Hope it never happens to you

[@freedomordeath89]

@@mkb5984 happened already, my parents did the same...we were LUCKy cuz when he lost his job, he had some stocks and it was the Tech bubble, so he did a lot of cash with the stock and he could pay for the house despite being unemployed. But he was a moron to take a mortage he couldnt sustain.

[@GottaWannaDance]

They do. They reward the rich.

[@GottaWannaDance]

@@freedomordeath89 You're correct. What they should've done was buy a junker passenger van and live there ... Or maybe just live in the street. Others do. They could, too. You're talking out your butt.

[@JNAMOTORSPORTS]

Thank you PBS for showing how long this has been a on going problem for middle class people and how hard it is finically and mentally for them. Please keep airing these old documentaries and how things haven’t changed much You can see the depression and desperation

[@keybraker]

Depressing, the USA is literally a third world country with a Gucci belt.

[@james-faulkner]

A Gucci belt? Only because some shit-kicker picked up some hog shit and wrote Gucci on his belt with his finger.

[@ravenesence8141]

Yeah...a "Gucci" belt...spelled Guccie & came from China...free shipping, of course.

[@mainmotto]

As phuck

[@MrTmenzo]

Bonkers. You truly don't know what dirt poor in a third world is. Research poverty in mexico or africa

[@layla2892]

While this is horrible, this poverty isn’t as bad as real third world poverty were ppl only get payed $1 or a few cents. The USA is far from third world watch documentaries on real third world countries and then come back bc promise its much much worse.

[@gigiatkins5923]

When this BEAUTIFUL woman was talking about how she didn’t get to show the high end houses I could see how deep the hurt went and it broke me in two. You are so far from being a failure I can’t even tell you 🙏

[@lilsyevasifuentes7628]

Yes, how sad she the look in her eyes was, also it was the feeling that there's nothing that she could do about it... I feel she attributed her the color of her skin to be the reason for this... I admire this woman

[@susanwinkler3346]

We had a very short stay in the States over 30yrs ago.Employees then earned an extremely low amount,something like 80dollars a week.From the looks of it ,it hasn't, changed ,the poor get poorer and the rich get richer.l think it's high time USA needs to wake up,and do away with a great many draconian ideas ,and actually step up into the 21st century.

[@Somewhere-In-AZ]

Trip down memory lane. My family suffered through all the same as these families. Except my husband left in 88. So I did it alone with no help at all. I remember begging the mortgage company not to take our home. Had to pay half my wages to child care. We eventually had another family move in with us. That mother worked nights and I worked days. We shared the bills and took care of each other’s kids. That’s the only way we all made it. Tiny 3 bedroom house. It was crowded but we were ok. All 6 kids turned out fine. (My 3 and her 3.) She was killed by a drunk driver when the kids were in high school. Their dad took over after that. Such tough years.

[@solidstate9451]

Very clever of you two mothers to struggle together and make it together.

[@plum_loco]

Mr. Stanley has not aged a day despite performng very laborious jobs! He is an amazing man...he is a strong father, and his love for his wife and children just shows!

[@Excellence4]

Yea my Father looks amazing STILL. Thanks

[@demeraragold4644]

Very true. Even after his illness and hospitalization.

[@laurakeoghan2103]

And the way Mrs Stanley looks at him 😍😭😭😭

[@harmony3279]

Yes it does.

[@harmony3279]

Yes.

[@anikajoy5739]

You can tell the Stanley's raised their kids right. "That's my son! That's my son!" They are so proud of their son at graduation.

[@heatherbrooks1979]

The Stanley family is an inspiration. They never lose their positivity no matter what. I admire each of them.

[@lesleywillis3650]

This was the best documentary I’ve ever seen. The Stanley’s gave me chills the moment they stepped on the screen. First of all, the whole family is absolutely gorgeous. Like model gorgeous. And their faith, love for one another, and perseverance is admirable. I love how they stayed together. The mother is in no way a failure. She’s an angel. And her husband is one of the strongest men I’ve ever seen. As for the Nuemans, I love them but was sad that the husband let life get the better of him and left his family. The mom was so strong and great and did what she had to do. I pray blessings over them all for the rest of their lives because they deserve it.

[@colinvanblaricom6573]

Notice how the Caucasian family was also model gorgeous at the beginning also (especially the mom). Sadly it seemed like the struggle of poverty took their toll on them in more ways than one. The Stanleys were able to stay looking gorgeous throughout it all though I'm sure that was probably intentional on the networks part when searching for families for the documentary because the more attractive they are, the more viewers it draws in.

[@MsGoodforthesoul]

⁠@@colinvanblaricom6573 that part got me 😢. Terri Newman was gorgeous at the beginning of this documentary. It was so sad to see stress and poverty age her 😢

[@sabrina.natalie]

@lesleywillis3650 - I agree. They are absolutely breathtaking. That scene at 15:07 - With Nicole, the oldest, reflecting about her mom was a beautiful shot. I loved her gorgeous purple lipstick and statement earrings and her gorgeous hair - peak 90’s fashion in every way! I also loved the Stanley’s maturity. The children were so well behaved, polite, and exuded so much self-awareness. You didn’t see the parents arguing with each other - if anything, they leaned on one another for support, guidance, and comfort. They acted in the capacity of a partnership and had a strong foundation through their faith. Such a beautiful family - both literary and figuratively.

[@wendyperryman7693]

⁠@@MsGoodforthesoulI agree, Terri was very beautiful and so was her husband. I knew their marriage would end once he mentioned divorce due to the financial stress and once he started working third shift. He barely saw his kids, he no longer slept with his wife. The family unit collapsed because they had to focus on making another dollar. That really made me sad. We work so hard to raise a family and to provide our kids a good home but many times in doing so we lose all that we are fighting for. How ironic 😢

[@julieerin115]

The Newmans were a sad lot, but I'm not surprised that they ended in divorce. There just didn't seem to be as much love compared to the Stanleys.

[@lordcron]

I'm so glad to have watched this. I'm in my early 50's now and was feeling the same things over the years that these two families were going through. I pray these two families are still strong and prospering now. The lord will find the way.

[@banest0]

Amen! God bless you!

[@regisnyder]

Me, too! It was very interesting to see the impact of all the federal administrations had on both families since the 1st Bush was in office.

[@ThrowDown14]

I can’t help but think religion today is the same as it was in the Middle Ages, a method to placate the masses in the face of pretty crappy living situations. Capitalism loves God, it maintains order for the impoverished while the rich get richer on their hard work

[@ross5506]

Also am in my early fifty's, Canada and America has sold out to 3 world country's. We need The business man back Trump, he did more than any other president has done. We need him back for 2024! Trump was the only president that stop the wars since 1989! He may not be a polished president, but when your attacked 96% negative rate by the MSM.

[@michellesakael2148]

This was awesome. Beautiful people beautiful lives ❤

[@c.a.greene8395]

Thank you to both these families, for allowing us into their private lives and for their honesty. May God bless you and everything you touch.

[@sethroberts634]

Back in the 70s and 80s you could be a shoe salesman and be middle class and retire with a pension. Never again...

[@Brembelia]

"Never again. . ." And why is that? Why are ppl accepting this like sheep to the slaughter? Why aren't ppl coming together to end this reign of terror?

[@prancer1803]

@@Brembelia what would you have people do?

[@mikael5938]

thats whut happens when you move all jobs to china

[@ZMAN_420]

MARRIED WITH CHILDREN LOL

[@tyiffpeijc8702]

@@prancer1803 A good start would be for people to pay closer attention to what's going on in their legislature (local is just as or even more important than watching the fed). Also would be good for the average person to become comfortable researching, rather than relying on the opinion of an influencer (political or social), and improve their critical reasoning skills, so they're not deceived into shooting themselves in the foot (like americans were deceived into thinking trickle down works; that labor unions are always bad; that companies are effective self regulators; etc, etc).

[@kingofallthings8944]

My heart broke when Jackie thought she was a failure and Terri toured her home after it was sold in foreclosure. Working all those years for that house and the bank selling it for under 40k. Wherever they are May they be blessed

[@shannonberentsen1990]

With all the interest and late fees, she probably paid for that house a couple times over already so the bank didn't lose any money by selling it for less. They could have worked with her, but they don't care.

[@believer7733]

She’s an INSPIRATION! She’s a PERSEVEROR! God truly blessed her and her husband!

[@billzander2875]

Getting a tour of your house by the people who bought it from the bank for 40K was devastating.

[@unabashed]

​@@billzander2875agreed. That part gutted me.

[@toni3270]

Yeah and selling out to foreigners is even worse!@@billzander2875

[@chexmix0101]

Feel bad for both families working so hard and still in poverty. Then I see reports of record high profits for corporations, record high executives pay and record high stock market but hard working people just scraping by.

[@leainokuchi9650]

The people filmed grew up on the old rule...do unto others. In THIS world...it's prey or predator...not much in between. 90% of the human race....is prey. There's a word for the remaining 10%.......psychopaths...the corporate one's.

[@c.a.greene8395]

When our grandparents were young and starting a family they only needed 30% of their income to get by and buying a house was $1,200. When my parents were young and starting a family they needed 60% of their income to buy a house and save towards retirement. When my husband and I were young and starting our family we needed 90% of our income to have the same luxury as our parents and their parents, as well as sending our kids to school. My children are young adults and starting their lives and to have a roof over their heads, heat, water, food, and medical they need 120% of their income, no luxuries no extras...they are living on credit... How is it that we are being asked to pay 30% more with each generation but the money available through work isn't able to pay for basic needs? Corporate greed, the feeding of those open hungry mouths of investors demanding to be fed at the cost of human life is barbaric Something has to change if we are all to survive this next wave of poverty coming...

[@djosephp67]

@@ethanswimmer1287 gee I wonder what generation you come from? And whether your from a well off family were everything was handed to you or are you from one that is maybe half as resilient as these people??

[@timmcgrath1117]

I feel bad for the black family, they were working hard. The white family were their own worst enemies. Each of them were just making decisions counter to any kind of logic about what makes sense based on your scurrent situation and what your prospects are.

[@deb9784]

So it's interesting those who blame the poor people, are probably those who have everything they need and feel untitled to keep it! How often have we all made mistakes, turned the wrong way, or even assumed the economy would stay strong? But, unfortunately, those who have have little or no empathy for those who don't have!

[@bluebellrose8]

I'm an atheist however, I admire Keith's family and how they practise their faith. It appears to have given them all a strong moral compass and despite suffering economic disappointments, none of them descended into a life of drug addiction or crime. They stayed united as a family. Well done!

[@harmony3279]

Find God.

[@latricemitchell1338]

@@harmony3279 exactly they need Jesus

[@hotandsour100]

@@harmony3279 there is no god or Jesus

[@girlanonymous]

@@hotandsour100 oh yes, yes there is my friend. God didn’t say that our lives will be easy but He exists.

[@hotandsour100]

Proof?

[@everymp]

My heart really broke concerning these two families. It should be illegal for banks to foreclose a home on a family that has paid for 24 years. Greed, pure GREED. That's the problem. The bank can ask Terry to pay $120k if she wants to keep the home but are willing to throw her out and sell the same house for $30k. Doesn't make sense.

[@cindyweir9645]

Nothings changed and it’s 2021. Corrupt politicians are paid off to keep this failing system going.

[@gracenjuguna7292]

Terrible.

[@tracymcnair1303]

🙃🙃🙃😭😭 Their friends or family buys them!

[@elizabethbaldwin7307]

They paid over $200,000 into that house over 24 years and it is not enough to have it paid off. Our society has allowed banks and corporations to profit enormously on the backs of the working poor. Workers have become disposable. A company used to feel an obligation to see to your health and pension. Now they wear you out and move on to the next worker.

[@RishonaCampbell]

@Anne Ritchie it is not expensive - didn't you hear her say that she pays $0.99 for her earrings?

[@mamadousalane2024]

I was overthinking about some relationship struggles I’m currently dealing with. I’m so thankful to have watched this documentary and see the world differently. I think I found a new focus and purpose.

[@ecoecho1982]

Oof, that scene of that family eating together, and then the mom eating alone... American greed has destroyed so much of our families and our social fabric.

[@selammengistu4403]

That was hard to watch!! Full house to an empty life just like that!!

[@manasseskamau5327]

That’s what the American glitter is all about, it’s financed with the sweat of the poor masses.

[@freedomordeath89]

"greed" they are the greedy ones, they thought they could buy houses they couldn't afford...

[@karinteeples6517]

The Feminist Movement is a huge player in destroying the Marriage Unit.

[@Cbd_7ohm]

@@karinteeples6517 Yep. Specifically some of second and 3rd/4th wave feminism. Obviously women should have equal rights(1st and part of second wave feminism).

[@beachgrl1365]

Please update these two families. They are so admirable, they never gave up. I wish we would have had these people to look up to. We went through some hard times and felt like the only family in our community going through hard times. That was my same motto, fake it til you make it. It worked for me, it kept me going.

[@charlotteziggy8353]

Was rooting for both families. This messed up world:(

[@ZMAN_420]

Very bad country rite now. It's not getting any better unfortunately.

[@charlotteziggy8353]

@@ZMAN_420 Not just America.....the World.

[@ZMAN_420]

@@charlotteziggy8353 Agree, but America is the worst from what it was, it is going down hill faster than any other country from where it was near th top. Now in my opinion. I live here, where do u live? I seen multiple comments from ppl saying how they can't believe how heartless and ruthless the U.S. BANKS, COMPANYS POLITICIANS ARE? But I do agree at this moment it's bad in alot of the world + add covid 19. In America my dads dad worked 1 union job, Cement Mason, doing concrete mostly on hi rises but homes, garages,roads, lots of stuff needs concrete. mom stayed at home took care of kids. My mom's dad worked 1 union job Heating and Air Conditioning mom stayed home and took care of 8 kids. They all lived comfortably good pay full benefits. Middle class. Now your rich or poor. Middleclass is gone in the U.S.

[@ZMAN_420]

@@charlotteziggy8353 And the U.S. started unions. And was booming! Because of GREED! Greedy politicians and companies, they bust unions lower wages take away benefits. Or companies get tax breaks for moving out of the country? That law was made by politicians! Unbelievable! Very sad!

[@chuckkottke]

Me too! But we lost our manufacturing base, plus the good paying jobs with benefits, so executives can get 263X the pay of the average worker wherever those workers may be. We need campaign finance reform penned into the Constitution to enable small dollar donors (us) to get elected officials that will work for us and change the equation, enabling worker buyouts of companies and recentering manufacturing jobs that pay good wages back into our cities and towns. Tax the wealthy like FDR did and prime the pump, this time with citizens in charge.

[@Williamesq12327]

I plan to retire or reduce my work hours in five years, and I'm interested in how others allocate their income between savings, spending, and investments. I currently earn about $175K annually but haven't built up much in savings so far.

[@jessicasquire]

There are numerous strategies to achieve high yields during a financial crisis, but it is crucial to undertake such trades with the guidance and supervision of a professional financial advisor to ensure informed decision-making and risk management.

[@tahirisaid2693]

That's true. I've been assisted by a financial advisor for almost a year now. I started with less than $200K, and I'm just $19,000 short of half a million in profit.

[@Lemariecooper]

That's quite impressive! Can you share more information about your financial advisor?

[@tahirisaid2693]

Nicole Anastasia Plumlee is the coach that guides, you probably might've come across her before I found her through a Newsweek report, she's quite known in her field, look-her up.

[@Lemariecooper]

Thank you so much! This is exactly what I needed right now. I wrote her an email and am waiting for her reply. Hopefully, she responds soon. I plan to start the year on a strong financial note.

[@saelaverdad8183]

This young man accredited him not knowing what the inside of a jail or alcohol looks like and his mother is feeling like a failure....Miss Lady, you need to be proud of ALL your accomplishments! The best ones are your kids, your marriage and your steadfast love for the Lord.

[@SOULRELIEF22]

You see her holding onto that man? "Husbands love your wives, and be not bitter against them." He is obedient to GOD! "Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess: but be filled with the Spirit." His son could testify about never having drugs, guns or alcohol! The SPIRIT is the HOLY GHOST. NEW WIN! Liquor stores have stolen GOD'S NAME, and call rot gut spirit. We know who the liar IS.

[@4LADYSWEET]

👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼

[@roxannerodriguez7075]

I heard her say "it looks good" when the people stopped them on the street, working together as a family. They said "look at your family! It's perfect. You look like the (Leave it to) Beaver family!" And they said "you look good!" And that's what Mama heard. That's what she focused on. We "look" good. I wanted to scream to her "no!! It IS good! You ARE good!" Her family reminds me of me and my own family today, in 2022. My husband and I have five kids, four still at home, and we do almost everything together. We've gone through our fair share of struggles, that's for sure! But we try our best to keep God in front of us. We try our best to find the "silver lining" and/or the good in the situation- no matter how scary it seems. We ARE good! To others- we may "look" good- and they're right! We ARE doing good! So were both the mamas in this documentary. 💜

[@amberallery9123]

Wow!!! Amazing documentary! This really needs to be required viewing for every single politician. This is not only 2 American families…this is most American families….and it’s an American tragedy.

[@dalelessard9160]

Do you know how much $$ it costs to waterproof your basement, & yet your workers are making less than $7 an hour, that's just plain old greed, that company should be ashamed of itself!!

[@hopeful6157]

💯💯💯💯

[@daphonepimp1]

Mr Stanley has my respect. He stated that he will never be in the welfare line nor accept food stamps. He did whatever job necessary to provide for his family. Great job sir! You have been an outstanding role model to your children and community!

[@TheAIKnowledgeHub]

But would he be better if he did? Like you are looking up to him because he didn't ask for help. But ask yourself how far ahead would he been if he did ask for help and took it when needed? Now you can say he didn't need it, but look at the end. They are struggling even with a happy face. His wife literally cries and calls herself a failure.

[@illinoishasenteredthechat950]

I’m 21 and love these kinds of documentaries. They’re just so binge worthy. The American dream my behind haha

[@5thdimension625]

Save, save, save and invest, invest, and invest and you will retire early like me at 55 if you start now. Be as aggressive as you can and live well below your means.

[@lovecindy2661]

I was so disappointed to see that Tony did decide to divorce Terry in the end. Leaving your wife and kids won’t get rid of the financial burdens. Now they’re both struggling separately but even worse.

[@chrismo5212]

I think Terry had some issues that ripped them apart. I am taking liberties but as i watch the family dynamic I could fell subversion. She spoke of it when she talked about the power at the job and the way she was turning heads...words that only narcissists openly voice on camera. The guy seemed like he always wanted a quiet basic lifestyle. That probably caused friction when he wasn't able to live that out with his wife...ex-wife. I know you didnt want to have this conversation though...I gotta stay out of the comments section😒

[@lindseyy320]

@@chrismo5212 I think Tony just wanted to be able to provide for his family, and felt like he failed. And as times got tough, and they worked conflicting shifts and barely spent time together, things went downhill. Initially it seemed like Terry wanted to be a stay at home mom, but it's fine for her to feel empowered at being able to help provide for the family - and I don't even think she felt empowered, more just trying to make something positive out of a bad overall situation.

[@chrismo5212]

@@lindseyy320 In the beginning i was on the same thought until I noticed how she reacted to the question and how Tony was not on the same page. It's an introvert thing...if you're one you know what it means. There was a tension placed there by the economic issues of course, but those issues went from crevasses to craters when the emotional detachment is already mid-swing. She is empowered and becoming independent...he is just trying to get the solid ground he once stood on. Two people together not sharing in the same emotions with little impressionable ones watching...I will tell you what I have noticed most women do in that situation - build a social circle that is supportive for their current climate. That's not a condemnation of Terry it's just how women are more socially wired as opposed to men...especially introverted men. Now all men are narcissistic at some point and alot of us get over that. Maybe he didnt, but his temperament in this difficulty given the typical way women react socially...well one wont have to wait long for it to end. Was Tony ill-prepared? Hell, who wasn't! did Terry's new found success lead to subversive narcissism? Seems that way...based off his timid temperament and her strong will (due to self actualization and that's not bad) would probably prompt one to look down on the other. I dont know which, but I can recognize it.

[@lindseyy320]

@@chrismo5212 Appreciate your opinion, but as a woman who works, I find this borderline sexist. I might be misunderstanding, but she can't be empowered and independent without be a narcissist or having "issues"? Obviously we don't know what was going on in their marriage, but I think that's jumping to conclusions a bit. I do think it's reasonable to think he could have felt insecure being unable to be the financial provider for the family, or that once she started working, that led to lifestyle differences or personality changes and they no longer clicked as much.

[@chrismo5212]

@@lindseyy320 my intent was and still is to talk about the personality differences as they relate to change. Hence why I say he was ill-prepared, introverted, and other things that were straining the relationship. Jobs do effect personalities and the film was trying to illustrate that point. Her success made it hard for her to empathize with him and he probably saw it as pity sometimes. Okay you see me as a sexist that is an accusation because you never asked me if this could happen between friends of the same sex or homosexual relationships. To have a good discussion (i thought that's what you wanted) one must ask so that you can find if I am just woman bashing or if I think it's a personality issue. Women are socially adept!!! Waaaayy more than introverted men!!! This is observable from children to adults. One of the things men do is try our best to make women feel good...or at least not bad. Think on all the times you bf or hubby or sons did something you thought stupid to make you feel better. We knew it was stupid but we go to the lowest depths to drag you out of the funk...you're women! Now that you have that image of how far we will go place it next to the spectrum of how much we would lie to make you women feel better. Its immense!!! Now if you should find a man who is willing to pay the price for truth, or one who will lie endlessly...well I hope you crave his honesty enough to ask all the questions to get a full perspective from the man so we dont continue to cancel human beings into a deeper social isolation. It causes lots of young people on both sides to have social, personal, and psychological issues.

[@ritagoforth2317]

Claude and Jackie, I love your faith! And neither one of you are failures!!! You have inspired me immensely and I want to thank you for sharing your story. God Bless you and your family.🙏❤️😘

[@brianh9358]

I'm posting this in May 2023 - can you imagine how much more difficult things have become for struggling families after Covid and then the last 2 years of inflation? My own family which is middle class is having more problems dealing with it all. Families like these are just getting pounded out of existence.

[@constructiondude4333]

Keith is the smartest of all. No reason to have 3 kids and struggle for each meal and decide between paying water bill or rent each month. I respect him a lot.

[@Lemons19902010]

Absolutely!

[@Danxethenightaway]

Exactly!!! Well said

[@auntemmyd1604]

God bless her and I’m in tears trying to get this out but God bless her for still volunteering and still helping others I love that pastor’s wife!

[@ebrosie3736]

This was just a travesty that should have been able to end better, but the truth is that these stories are relatable to a lot of people in 2021. Most people are raised to believe if you work hard then it will pay off but that’s not necessarily the case anymore. The one thing that was consistent with both families was that they never gave up, they gave it their all and continuously did what they needed to do to make a way for their families. There is nothing more respectable and admirable than that. I hope there are blessings coming to them in the near future.

[@timmcgrath1117]

Ok ok I have to say I hear this a lot "i used to think that if you work hard it'll pay off but I don't believe it anymore" - this is not the mentality you want to have no matter who you are or what it is you're doing with your life. It absolutely will fall apart on a person if they start thinking this way.

[@ebrosie3736]

@@timmcgrath1117 I understand what you are saying, but I never said I didn't believe it anymore because that is my mentality because of how I was raised. What I said was that's not necessarily the case anymore as evidenced by what happened to these families and some other families out there no matter how hard they tried. It doesn't mean quit or give up, but this is a new norm for some....

[@jamesync]

I hope success for them to but I already know that wishing them anything more than some kind of security & food source is a pipe dream with the upcoming collapse of the US economy.There are already signs of low confidence in the stock market so when that crashes the rest will follow so after that the global food supply will be disrupted before long which will probably result in inflated food prices.If most people that are just following the deception being preached by main media don't have some kind of forward-thinking & have some kind of food stock available they will suffer the consequences, so to say " blessings coming to them in the near future" is almost sounding like you were being sarcastic, but I guess you are just being optimistic.The leaders will be taking down all the huge religious institutions & draining all their finances before to long.Lots of crazy stuff is going down over the next couple of years, mark my words it's going to be a wild ride.

[@doekjehermans2813]

God is owned by the oligarchy! 😥😥😥

[@ebrosie3736]

@@jamesync yes I was being optimistic because without that we are all lost

[@Rashad3000]

Shout out to Bill Moyer and PBS for this OUTSTANDING documentary! I just watched the update a few weeks ago. It’s incredible to see the families in 2024.

[@msgemsgems]

Jackie Stanley is the Woman of Reinvention and the pillar of Strength!!! I love her!! Bless all those in this documentary.

[@xBabyRawrX]

This hits home. I grew up in MKE. My mom raised my sister and I alone. I didn't get to see her during the weekdays. Thankfully, she saved enough to buy a house and send me to college. Thanks to her hard work, I am where I am today. Debt free. With extra money to travel and invest. I'm only 24 but I cant imagine where I'd be without her hard work.

[@plum_loco]

I hope you tell her that this coming Mother's day. Yôu can thank her by being there for her when she gets old.

[@oldmanballer5088]

What an awesome lady! You cherish, you sound like you have excellent role model and mom! 😁

[@TSR228]

Take care of Mom! No matter what.

[@O9532O]

Don’t just be thankful! Pay her back with care and support when she needs it.

[@carrieholiday4837]

Reminds me of my mom's family and my early childhood in Milwaukee. It's sad how little has changed economically for the regular people.

[@GreenwoodCotton]

The way that Claude’s wife looks at him....Wow. Goals🥰

[@ray_ayy]

I was genuinely surprised by how much it affected the children later in life. Truly watching generational poverty unfold.

[@notavailable4596]

I don't know why you're surprised. The opportunities their parents had were gone by the time they came of age, and they didn't have enough money or stability for college for the most part. The Stanleys were the ideal but the Newmans are the reality and the rule rather than the exception.

[@Eric-uh7nl]

The Stanleys at least had themselves to lean on and they were resilient. Terry Neumann made me sad. The scene where she is eating dinner by herself in a friend's house, without her kids, husband, was truly sad. I hope she is doing well today.

[@corlenajames1381]

Same. I was also very sad when they said her husband had left her & that she continued to fight for their family home alone only to be driven from it anyways😢 I also resented the fact that the new couple living in her former home had gotten it for so little😣 I know it had to feel gut wrenching for Terri to walk the familiar path between those walls, being inundated with echoes of her children & grand children's playing amid the foreign furniture layouts & unfamiliar decor💔😩

[@Schrankerle]

I was thinking the same thing. I wish her sons could have pulled in some wages while living with her. Maybe they could have pooled finances enough to save the house and keep it in the family. It's sad to lose you house after so much time.

[@lymarie1974]

38,000 for that house... she probably owed double for it. It wasn’t even worth that. Only the bank makes money.

[@mynameisnotimportant2854]

That spaghetti looks good asf though

[@thomasthumim7630]

So you notice?

[@LMae-rj9qi]

This reminds me of my dad. He once mentioned his frustration and disappointment of having to adjust to so many job closures. I never knew that until he said that in his last years of life. It just made me want to do even more for him in his last days, including caring for him in the last 6 months of his life. God bless these families. No matter how hard it has been for them, they still inspire me.

[@wiseonwords]

Well done - looking after your dad in his last days! Good on you!

[@janicebell4030]

We have 4 adults with incomes in our house so that my daughter can pay the mortgage and other household bills. We all contribute. I will be 70 this year and this is probably where I will spend the rest of my life. It’s a good life helping raise my 2 grandsons. Without the 4 incomes none of us would have anything, we would all be struggling to survive.

[@elizabethpalmer5111]

And that is key! I recently purchased some land, my two youngest son's still live at home. Together we pay rent, utilities etc. Together we pay the mortgage. In 3 yrs we will have it paid off. We know that the only way to get where we want is to stick together.

[@wb2413]

yea dont know how they think some one can live on ssi

[@arnetrahughes2277]

As a family, togetherness is truly your greatest asset.

[@4LADYSWEET]

Exactly, family is what you need to help guide you through the ups and downs in life

[@billyjoejimbob56]

Nothing wrong with a multi-generational extended family. Your grandsons will look back on their upbringing and feel sorry for kids who weren't surrounded with so much love!

[@rustykatt3870]

This documentary feels so old (2013). I appreciate it; an updated video would be grate. I think PBS has. Good information. Life seems worse today.

[@garlicgirl3149]

I watched this year's ago. Watched again and it still sends chills down my back. Still poignant today and not just because of COVID-19. I just heard on radio federal/states still arguing over minimum wage.

[@AECRADIO1]

MINIMUM WAGE IS A SHAM! A RAISE IN WAGES WILL CAUSE COSTS TO RISE TO FOLLOW ALONG, TO MAKE UP THE COSTS BUSINESS HAD TO CHARGE TO MAKE THE WAGE INCREASE. EVERY WAGE JUMP, COMES COST INCREASES. AS WHY MILK COSTS $3.00/GALLON, WHEN I WAS A KID, IT WAS UNDER $1.00! EGGS WERE CHEAP...UNDER $1.00/DOZEN. NOW, THEY ARE 3 TIMES MORE! EVERY WAGE INCREASE IS FOLLOWED BY BASE COST INCREASES. DOG EAT DOG.

[@Brunes1836]

I also watched this years ago and just did so again. So crazy out there

[@Spiritfba]

@@AECRADIO1 Prices increase because of inflation, which is typically about 2% per year (more if the government didn’t doctor the numbers.) Ideally, wages should increase with inflation but that hasn’t happened. Prices continue to rise while wages are stagnant. Hamburgers served by workers making $7.50/hr in South Carolina cost roughly the same as those served by workers making more in other states. Your theory is false and you need to realize you have been fed propaganda that ensures that the rich keep getting richer. Paying workers a living wage is what built the American middle class and denying them fair pay is what’s causing it to fail.

[@freedomordeath89]

Min wage will mean that the job will put you part time and hire 2 people. Not gonna change anything. Or you think your company will just "take the hit" and accept to have higer costs?

[@AaronMDubya]

This is one of the greatest journalistic works I've ever seen. I wish we had more publications with the time and appetite to take on projects this expansive that give us some continuity through economic ups and downs. Great work, and I hope to see other orgs follow this example

[@myyt3824]

I scour KZbin for publications like this. I love them. They are timeless.

[@andydrewlinger9301]

Part of the challenge is the pressure of advertisers and subscribers, and often pushing their beliefs on media to follow their line of thinking. PBS doesn't have to contend with this. Plus, part of their funding base is from the federal government so they have that level of financial support to pay for developing these kinds of productions. Good on them! And good for us!

[@joycehaines34]

Have lived through this several times in my 76 years, hard but life turns around an the ability to adjust is the lesson we learn.

[@VeeFoster]

Hmmph! Some lesson.

[@dawnsalois]

yeah well it isnt the same world now. lucky you.

[@timmcgrath1117]

I love listening to older folks because they have been through a lot and have wisdom to share. I'm also into binge watching MASH.

[@shastajustice3753]

Men can walk away, leaving their children in poverty. I have so much respect for these women.

[@JosedeJezeus]

Women carry life, not men. It’s a HUGE DEAL. Motherhood is under appreciated in a patriarchal world.

[@PaperRaines]

The one husband in the white family was such a useless slug. Walked away from his family eventually, and didn't even want to go back on camera to face his own shame. What a putz He's the epitome of why women nowadays are apprehensive about getting into commitments and starting families, because they know there are men like that out there that they won't know how useless they are until times get a little tough That wife tried so hard, it broke my heart

[@karenmcdermott3135]

Omg the couple who stayed married,ooze love and success. They may not be financially well off but their work ethic, faith and children can never be replaced by a beautiful house or designer clothes. The parents sacrificed so much to put their first son through college, his Mum in my eyes is more than a star and the love that couple has is what keeps families strong and together. Love these documentaries, something real and no bling.

[@AmandaJohnston-tp7ek]

Tbh, I would say the African American family is moreso middle class. That's what was kind of scary is that I was watching the documentary for a long time thinking this was a snapshot of two working class families. Than at about the 50 minute mark I realized that they were moreso middle class (perhaps lower middle class). They're just a middle class family who lives well within their means and with the exception of their oldest son's college, didn't use credit. Which is scary as it shows just how truly few people in America have their head above water financially, and its sadly getting worst.

[@Akdcacac]

So much respect for Keith's parents who are always full of positivity, energy, and passion for life, despite all the difficult challenges they went through. Their love and support for each other helped their kids become kind people too. So much respect.

[@estherstephens1858]

What bothered me about the Neuman daughter (as adult) was she worked in the medical field and is supporting her husband who is unemployed and living in his parents house. Yet, her own mother loses her house. I just think the daughter and her husband should have lived in HER mom’s house helping her mom.

[@jan4177]

Exactly 👏👏👏👏

[@myyt3824]

YES!!! THIS!!!!! Hell will freeze over before I let my parents lose their home. Period.

[@Navaura]

It was disturbing to know that everyone allowed her to bear that burden alone. Her sons stayed with her and did nothing.

[@vatricegeorge]

Agree. Americans have become too individualistic. Families need to work together and have each others back.

[@Gabster1990]

That family isn't very supportive of each other.

[@sukieBoo66]

I would love to see an update on both of these families. Especially the Neumanns. They struggled hard to hold on to one another and their home and ended up losing both. You don’t go into marriage, having children and having the trappings of all that with the expectation that you would walk away with nothing to show for all that you’ve worked so hard to accomplish and achieve. My heart really goes out to the family and I hope 2022 is treating them much better than decades past. I would also love to find out how the other family the Stanleys are doing as well. Did the Mom ever get her real estate business going? How is the father doing? What about the oldest son Keith? What are they doing now? They were so close knit and hard working. Both families were and it would really nice to see how they’re all doing.

[@aparnaamkulkarnii5130]

Claud has such an amazing spirit. Smiles straight from his heart even when it's rough. Inspiring. And man you looked nothing like 60. Much younger.. Jackie you should feel proud about all the effort you put in. We are proud of you. Terrie you are a fighter man. One thing common with all these people is theh are ready to learn new skills at different stages over the life time. Relentless Do well. God Bless