Group C, Arnold/Velazquez

Both authors talk about poverty, but each message is delivered in a way that best fits the author’s background and experience. Kathleen Arnold, in America's New Working Class portrays poverty by comparing the poor with people on parole. While Nydia M. Velasquez, in In Search of Justice portrays poverty by explaining the harmful effects of living in a place completely drenched with pollution.

In America's New Working Class, Arnold concentrates on unfair and harsh work conditions for people living below the average salary rate, and depicts the true nature of “workfare” by relating it to people being disciplined. She even goes as far as stating that welfare or “workfare” denies the right to people and that the system of all was extremely coercive.

On the other hand, Nydia M. Velasquez describes poverty by relating to her neighborhood. She stated that poor areas of New York had a myriad of pollution and environmental issues, leading to the deaths of many innocent people who had no intention of being born in a “less-gifted” society. She adds on by arguing against waste-disposals and the inefficiency of clean-ups after the disposal of a factory. As she comes to an end, she claims that the country is setting up the wrong models for society. Children in poverty today are forced into depression and low-self confidence after only being able to look up to rich and famous people. They are coerced to compare their less fortunate life with the lives of movie stars and celebrities. But instead, society should help people who work for the community to shine and become role-models for future generations.

I had no idea that so many people were dying in big cities like New York for reasons unexpected, like pollution and health problems. I always thought big cities were places where the rich roam and the famous dwell, but I guess the naivety of my belief was inevitable. It seems, even in a moderately “fair” world, there are still areas in this country where people are not experiencing the joy and happiness every human being deserves.