We’ve been reading all your comments on our Culture of Class series (If we haven’t heard from you tell us your thoughts).
We’ve heard from people who have enjoyed the pieces and those who have offered, well, constructive criticism.
For example, Jason Davis responded to Lester Graham’s piece on class segregation with the following thought. “Living in a safer or not nicer community is only that. It’s not an encapsulated bubble in which all live unawares to the plight of others a few miles away.”
Many people have written about things that make a difference in transitioning between socio-economic classes. Here's a sample of those thoughts.
Work ethic: “My mom wanted me to achieve, so she worked three jobs and sacrificed everything to give a great private education even though she herself was not educated.” –Monica Day
Government benefits: “Government benefits in the right hands absolutely work. My $200 a month Bridge Card gave me the power to feed two people, and get my crushing credit card debt paid paid off. Saving money on groceries meant that my fiancé had money to pay for her gas.” –Nathan Phenicie
Politics: “My retirement, which I paid for, is now double taxed. My meager savings has lost tens of thousands in equity and share value. Without enough money to contribute to campaigns, I have little voice or control.” –Susan Kennedy
Jobs: “We had a family business…but the business closed. Thank goodness my husband was on the waiting list for the Corrections Academy. Our career and income changed, but the struggles remain. As soon as we get paid we are broke again. Gas alone is a nightmare. “ –Jennifer Anderson
*This story was informed by the Public Insight Network.
