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I am curious to know if there are any other countries that adopt the same general attitude towards the poor, working class or welfare recipients as is the case here in the US.
What I'm talking about is the whole "personal responsibility" thing, or blaming poor people for all or most of their problems, by claiming that they simply make poor decisions and are lazy. Necessities such as healthcare and education are considered "handouts" or "entitlements" in this country, which I never understood. Then there's the whole fear and misunderstanding of socialism.
I worked in the UK for several months and have traveled to France, Germany, Belgium and Spain. Maybe it's just me, but I didn't notice the same levels of disdain or stereotyping as goes on here. Even in the political forums which are full of nonsense about poor people, I seldom witness any non-American get involved in such discussions. Since experiencing life abroad, I have become increasingly saddened and disillusioned by many of our attitudes towards the less fortunate, many of which are here to see in this forum and many are borderline or full-on examples of 21st century fascism.
So this is really for non-Americans or Americans like me who have spent considerable time abroad (wherever that may be).
Here in the UK, the whole 'poor people are lazy' attitude is not as prevalent as in the US, but I think there is an attitude that people who claim money benefits/welfare are lazy and are leeching off taxpayers, even of they genuinely need it. But many people do abuse the system so it's not surprising really.
Here in the UK, the whole 'poor people are lazy' attitude is not as prevalent as in the US, but I think there is an attitude that people who claim money benefits/welfare are lazy and are leeching off taxpayers, even of they genuinely need it. But many people do abuse the system so it's not surprising really.
I agree. I got the impression it was mostly directed at long-term unemployed people, rather than the working poor who might need a little government assistance to help make ends meet.
Location: Kowaniec, Nowy Targ, Podhale. 666 m n.p.m.
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Everyone should have the right to good healthcare and education. These should not be considered "handouts"
Look at it from this perspective: an educated and healthy workforce is happier, more efficient and produces more, in most cases offsetting the extra money spent on this. Thereby, our high levels of education and health will actually give a competitive edge over countries where this might not be the case. It also provides stability for employers, if they don't need to look for replacement for their sick employees all the time because they can't afford the doctor's bill...
Also, in an ideal society where education is free, unemployment benefits should never have to last for more than a month of two while the redundant ex-employee looks for something he or she wants to study to find a job in another field. And yes, if you have a 70000 income, and you spend 65000, it's your own fault if your minimum wage job while you study can't support your lifestyle. Scale the hell down... If everyone would do that, we wouldn't be in such an economic mess as we are now...
Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
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I would say the attitude you speak of is probably more prevalent in much of the developing world and some developed nations than the US. The US is far from alone in having this attitude, but the US also have a lot of people who support welfare, healthcare, education etc. I'd say the attitude isn't as prevalent here because most people are grateful for what we have. I hear complaints that there are long waiting lines for hospital treatment, how little pensioners are getting etc more often, but there are the few who get in a tiff about 'dole-bludgers', although I don't hear that as much now due to the lower unemployment. Maybe that's partly why there's a backlash to that in the US, high unemployment?
Singapore is an example of a developed nation where welfare is looked down upon. Even in old age, people are expected to fund their own retirement (either through savings, super, or the generosity of their relatives), which is a bit extreme if you ask me. Welfare isn't the rule in most parts of the world, people have to work or starve. Those who can't have to rely on family/charity. I think what we have in the West is a luxury, but one that I agree with.
Everyone should have the right to good healthcare and education. These should not be considered "handouts"
Look at it from this perspective: an educated and healthy workforce is happier, more efficient and produces more, in most cases offsetting the extra money spent on this. Thereby, our high levels of education and health will actually give a competitive edge over countries where this might not be the case.
You think so?
So why so many jobs have been outsourced to China by the US employers ( not sure what's going on in Europe on this front.)
Where did the "competitive edge" go?
I think the Constitution of Brazil, from 1988, tells a lot of the attitude of the Brazilian people towards the poor:
Article 3. The fundamental objectives of the Federative Republic of Brazil are:
I - to build a free, just and solidary society;
II - to guarantee national development;
III - to eradicate poverty and substandard living conditions and to reduce social and regional inequalities;
IV - to promote the well-being of all, without prejudice as to origin, race, sex, colour, age and any other forms of discrimination.
(...)
Article 6. Education, health, work, habitation, leisure, security, social security, protection of motherhood and childhood, and assistance to the destitute, are social rights, as set forth by this Constitution.
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The attitude of the majority of the Brazilian people towards the poor can be resumed in one word: solidarity.
Location: Kowaniec, Nowy Targ, Podhale. 666 m n.p.m.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Trimac20
I think what we have in the West is a luxury, but one that I agree with.
Not really, allowing people to be able to help themselves regardless of income or wealth is not a luxury, but in my opinion a necessity in a developed country.
A luxury is giving people such generous benefits that taking one's own responsibility becomes a lifestyle choice...
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