BLOGS per student are due Mondays at 10:00pm. First BLOG is due on Monday, January 25, 2010 at 10:00pm. BLOG 2 questions with responses per student per week. BLOG the question, then immediately BLOG its response. Please begin each BLOG with your full name and period. See below for an example on how to set up your BLOG response (remember, you must answer 2 questions).
Sample Posting:
Janice Blaber Period 4
Question 1: How realistic do you think is Ehrereich's undercover investigation? Why do you feel this way?
Barabara Ehrenreich is a writer. She has a PhD, has a real bank account with real money in it, has a career that fuels her "life in poverty", and has a life to go back to once her undercover stint is over. Although her social criticism on America's minimum wage working class is riveting and thought provoking, it lacks...
Question 2:...
Layla Zelko Period 6
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits she has many advantages over “real” low wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to “experience poverty,” what rules does she set for herself?
Allison Castro Period 1
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: Nickel and Dimed takes place in 1998-2000, a time of unprecedented prosperity in America. Do you think Ehrenreich’s experience would be different in today’s economy? How so?
Question 2: The workers of Nickel and Dimed receive almost no benefits – no overtime pay, no retirement funds, and no health insurance. Is this fair? Do you think an increase in salary would redress the lack of benefits, or is this a completely separate problem?
Given the recession our nation is facing and the fact that 1 in 10 Americans are currently unable to find work or are jobless, yes, I think that Ehrenreich’s experience would have been different in today’s economy. She probably would not have been able to do this expirement because she probably would not have been able to find much work. Maybe she could have done a more radical expirement – How to Survive When Your Country’s Economy is Floundering. Some businesses barely have the money to operate, let alone hire more workers. Of course, some lower-wage jobs could be available like housekeeping and bussing tables, which is what Ehrenreich was going for, but the probability of her even finding a low wage job at this time would be close to zero.
I also think that the fact that the workers of Nickel and Dimed received no benefits is unfair, but you can’t expect a low wage employer to include benefits, because they probably don’t have the money in the first place. I don’t think that a raise in salary would help any because the workers expressed that their main problem was finding a place to stay, not healthcare, though I have to admit, healthcare would probably be the second concern. Whooo. I’m done. :)
comment to layla
ReplyDeleteyou only posted the question. you didn't put an answer, hun.
There are a few things that set Barbara Ehrenreich apart from “real” low wage workers. One is she a native English speaker, which many low wage workers aren’t. She is also Caucasian, which gives her an edge over many low wage workers. Another difference is she started off with money for a down payment on a living space and for a car. In Ehrenreich desire to “experience poverty” she sets three rules for herself. She cannot use her higher education to get jobs. She must take the highest paying job offered to her and try to keep it. She must take the cheapest living quarters she can find, if they are still safe and habitable.
ReplyDeleteLayla Zelko Period 1
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: Ehrenreich is white and middle class. She asserts that her experience would have been radically different has she been a person of color or a single parent. Do you think discrimination shaped Ehrenreich’s story? In what ways?
I believe that discrimination did not shape Ehrenreich story, it only influenced it. Ehrenreich is Caucasian, this gave her an edge over many of her minority counterparts. From her experience managers rather hire a white person over a person of color. I believe this was a big part of her story because she got higher paying jobs easier than a minority might of. I do not think it shaped her story because even if she wasn’t white she would have gotten a job in the prosperous economy of the late 1990s and she still would have gotten a house and car for the same price.
Question One: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts do services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
ReplyDeleteYou can find people working in low wage jobs everywhere. When you go to a restaurant the bus boys are usually being paid minimum wage, along with some waiters and waitresses, but they get tips. In hotels the maids and bellhops don’t get paid much like most house cleaners and store clerks in small stores, who usually make minimum wage or little above it. Also a lot of factory workers and, on the Big Island, coffee pickers make minimum wage. Although these people don’t get paid much some of the services they provide for us are very important. Lots of factory work jobs are important because it involves packaging goods or working the machinery that puts the parts together. Picking coffee is an unpleasant job, but one that needs to be done. Without the hard work of the minimum wage employees many big corporations would be in trouble. I have once had a minimum wage job at the library working as a student assistant. It was a good job only available for students and my experiences were fine. I wasn’t working to support myself so I didn’t need the job and it was easy work for only a few hours after school three days a week. If I was working to support myself in a low wage job my experiences would have been much different.
Question Two: Many campus and advocacy groups are currently involved in struggles for a “living wage.” How do you think a living wage should be calculated?
“Living wage” should be calculated by including the price of many necessities. You should be able to work minimum wage full time and make enough money to eat a balanced diet and live in a safe area in a small apartment by yourself or a bigger one with a roommate. The apartment should also have at least a small kitchenette, bathroom, and a sufficient bed. There should also be enough money left over after rent and food to provide transportation from one place to another, if it is by bus, subway, or gas for a car if you have one. Then after all that there should still be some left over for household things like toothbrush, shampoo, soap, clothes, etc., and then there should also be a little for personal needs. If you are a minimum wage worker and you have children or other people to support then by slightly altering your life style you should still be able to get by while supporting one or two people and not living in complete poverty. By making a “living wage” it would help the growing rates of homelessness and poverty in the United States go back down, and improve many American’s lives.
Chloe Adkison---- Mrs. Blaber, pd. 6:
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over “real” low wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to “experience poverty,” what rules does she set for herself?
Before beginning her endeavors to “experience poverty”, Barbara Ehrenreich examined some obvious factors that truly did give her some sort of advantage over people who had been low wage workers their entire life. One of the biggest advantages Barbara acknowledged that she had was that she was a fluent English speaker and she was a white woman. She observed that it wouldn’t affect whether she actually got the job but rather what kind of job she got. Another advantage she observed was that she was in good health. Up until she started her “experiment”, Ehrenreich had been able to afford health insurance and good health care; that is something that minimum wage workers in America often do not have. Some of the other advantages included a car, nice clothes, and the obvious fact that she would only be trying to test how much a person could live on; she wasn’t actually endeavoring to live in poverty for a long period of time.
The rules, as Ehrenreich admitted, were simple but at times difficult to follow. She first decided that she had to take the highest paying job, even if it was not the best job, in order to get by. The second part of that same rule was that she had to do her very best to keep the job. Third, she had to take the cheapest accommodations that were still safe for her health and she could not be homeless. The fourth rule was that she could not fall back on her education to make up for lack of job experience. Fifth and finally, she was to always have a car, but she could not resort to living in her car, which would constitute as homelessness.
Chloe Adkison---- Mrs. Blaber, pd. 6:
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
I encounter minimum wage workers every day. My teachers, for instance are invisible to many, just merely punching bags or robots. They slave day by day trying to educate the future of this country with constant struggles and little recognition. Another “invisible” position is that of the restaurant worker- from chef to server. How many people actually know the name of their waitress? How many people think about the person cooking their food, unless the food is bad? The truth is, they don’t. Restaurant workers, such as the first two jobs that Barbara Ehrenreich had, are one of the positions that the public take for granted most. Waitresses meet hundreds of people every week and make casual small talk, but she never actually knows any of them and they never know her. The final “invisible” job that I feel is important to take note of is custodial work. People take clean public facilities for granted. The people who clean up after us around the world are often unseen. Higher class and wealthy people view it as inappropriate for public or private servants of this kind to be seen.
That relates to my personal experience as well. As a young person starting out in the job market, I am not a candidate for high paying jobs because of my lack of experience. The job I started out with and still continue to do is cleaning homes with my mom for the wealthy in resorts like Kukio, Four Seasons, and Mauna Lani. These people expect us to clean their homes in the least amount of time required to make it perfect. They never want to see a dirty dish or a laundry room or a leaf in their pool. One lady literally goes around expecting our job with a white glove. These people never realize that the person cleaning their home has a life outside of that place; they don’t think of their families, their other jobs, or even their full names. They view themselves as better and therefore they are not obligated to “stoop to our level”. It is quite apparent that the poor occupy the minimum wage jobs because they are never given a chance for anything else by the wealthy.
Josie Painter
ReplyDeletePeriod: One
January 24, 2010
Question One: Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over “real” low-wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to “experience poverty,” what rules does she set for herself?
There are many things that set her apart from the average low wage worker. She is white, English speaking, educated and she has money to fall back on. She says that being white is both an advantage and a disadvantage because on one hand people are still discriminative and prefer white people but on the other hand people still seem to think that they can control a non-white person better. She is also very educated. She has a PhD in biology and she has been to school for many years. However, she didn’t let her employers know that because she didn’t want an upper hand on getting the job. That leads me to her rules. She had three main rules that she vowed to follow during her experiment. Rule one was that she would not use her education and skills to her advantage, rule two was that she would take the highest paying job she could find and try to hold it, the third and final rule was that she would accept the cheapest accommodations given that they were safe. She broke all of these rules at some point during her experiment but she did try to stick to them.
Question Two: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
Minimum wage workers are everywhere; in this economy a majority of the jobs are minimum wage. I believe that the most common ones are working as a waitress, cashiering, working at fast food restaurants, and working at large chain stores such as Wal-Mart or Target. People working low wage jobs must work eight hours a day, five days a week with little pay just to survive. Most low wage jobs do not provide health care anymore. They only provide the work place and a small break during your shift. I have never had a low-wage job, let alone any job at all. However, I plan on working as soon as I get my license in a few months. My job will probably consist of working at a low-wage place.
Brett Imamura Per.6
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over “real” low-wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to “experience poverty,” what rules does she set for herself?
Multiple things set Barbara Ehrenreich apart from her co-workers. She is educated, speaks English, Caucasian, and has a hefty sum of money in a bank account. Most low-wage workers didn’t have money in an account like the author did because they made enough money to survive; almost none went towards a savings. The author obtained a PhD in Biology so she is more educated then the other workers. She tried to hide her education by not putting it in a job application. Although she desired to truly experience poverty, she set some rules so it was a realistic experience. She told herself that she could not use her skills learned through her educational and working career to help her obtain or excel at a job. She also had to accept the highest paying job available and live in the cheapest housing that provided safety. She wanted her experience to be as real as possible. One rule she also had was she would always have a car and would never become homeless. These rules show her devotion to what she is trying to accomplish.
Brett Imamura Per. 6
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
Most times I encounter minimum wage workers at places such as grocery stores, restaurants, and large chain stores such as Target or K-Mart. They provide copious services to people. They serve food, bag groceries, work at cash registers, and help customers with what they need. Minimum wage workers help you, but you don’t necessarily help them. For example, if you asked someone in Target where a certain product was they would kindly point you in the right direction and most people would say “thanks,” then walk away. I could see how some workers could feel invisible because they help people so often but it seems the people they encounter do not appreciate the work the minimum wage workers do for them. The workers help someone for a few seconds, then the person leaves, which might cause that invisible feeling. Personally I have never worked at a low-wage job so I don’t quite know the feeling of one but this section of the story has made me realize I should acknowledge the minimum wage workers around me for what they do.
Question #1: Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over “real” low-wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to “experience poverty,” What rules does she set herself?
ReplyDeleteWhat sets Ehrenreich apart from the average low-wage worker is that she has a car for transportation instead of taking public buses. She also has a higher educational experience then most of the workers. She has skill in foreign languages to greet them in their native tongue. She is a white-American female who can speak English. She doesn't have a children or family to feed and pay for or help her make the payments. She has money in the bank to fall back on “in case of emergencies.” The rules she makes are: 1. She has to find the cheapest accommodations to live in that she will be able to afford. 2. She must find the highest paying job possible. 3. She won't use her previous education to her advantage while in her job. 4.She has to be able to hold down her job for the whole time she has allotted herself.
Question 1
ReplyDelete-Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over "real" low-wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to "experience poverty," what rules does she set for herself?
- The author of Nickel and Dimed, Barbara Ehrenreich a beginning journalist goes undercover to “experience poverty” as a low wage worker to get research on the way Americans live today. As Barbara starts her quest to desire poverty she set parameters and three rules for herself. Obviously, rule one, was that in her job search she could never fall back on any of her skills derived from previous jobs and education. Two, Barbara has to take and try her best to hold the highest-paying job offered and three is to accept the cheapest accommodations she could find. Although, during the project she had to break the rules a couple of times Barbara, admits she has many advantages over “real” low-wage workers. The advantages of being mobile with a car, “… [healthier] than most members of the long-term low wage workforce” (7), experience, and any further advantages from being a native white English speaker. Because this project is only for the research of a article and future book about poverty. The choice of “… only visiting a world that others inhabit full-time, often for most of their lives” (6), is what sets Barbara Ehrenreich apart from the average low wage workers.
Question 2
-Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
-Because most minimum wage workers reported that they feel invisible, you may get the thought they all have something in common. Usually you would encounter minimum wage workers while they are working and serving the public. The several different types of services they provide for the community are jobs like housekeepers, bartending, dish washers, cashiers, janitors, waiters, and waitresses. The workers who have these jobs are the ones who feel invisible because serving and waiting on other people for a living is what they have in common. Humankind is so involved within their own lives and daily routines, that taking a couple of minutes to have a conversation with someone that is lower class becomes a hassle. I do not know what it is like to experience working a low wage job to survive or at all, for that fact. Although I do not know the feeling of hard labor, I recently took notice and interest that my father a single parent for longer than thirteen years, has been surviving on minimum to no work. Once a month my father stresses out because the bills are increasing and work and money is decreasing. However once I start working, the chances are higher I will become a low-wage worker among our youth and society.
Question 1:
ReplyDeleteEarly in the book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenriech admits that she has many advantages over “real” low wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low worker? In her desire to “experience poverty,” what rules does she set for herself?
Barbara Ehrenriech is different than an average low worker because she is just pretending. This project is for her to experience the actual conflicts “real” low wage workers have. She is not really a low wage worker. In the end she’ll return to her normal, good life. Ehrenriech goes through external conflicts when she is a low wage worker, such as paying the rent, cost for food, and finding jobs. But she does not go through the internal conflicts real low wage workers go through. Such as becoming homeless, going hungry, losing a job, etc. The internal conflict is what affects the low wage workers more. Ehrenriech may come to these internal conflicts, but she has back up money and can go back to her old life anytime. She is only pretending. In addition, Ehrenriech is different because she is Caucasian and she has been educated. Most low wage workers are those who are non-educated and of different races (some of her fellow employees that she encounters are immigrants trying to live an American Dream). Ehrenriech’s rules that she sets for herself are: she will always have a car, she will not resort to homelessness, she would get the highest paying job and try to keep it, she has to try her best to keep the job, she has to the cheapest living conditions she finds (but it has to be safe), and she cannot use her “real” education when applying for a job.
Question 2:
ReplyDeleteMost of the low-income workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. Is there a connection between “women’s work” and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for this situation.
There is a connection between “women’s work” and low wages. Throughout history, women were the ones who had the jobs that were not important. Women are treated as a lower gender because men were always dominant. They were in charge of the house, family, and everything else. Women were responsible for the house when the men are gone. That included cooking, cleaning, caring for the kids, and more. Men were the ones who made the family’s money. Women usually get jobs with low wages because people do not think that women are suppose to have higher and more important jobs. In the past and present, some people do feel that women are not intelligent enough for high positions and jobs. In the past, many women were not allowed to be educated because people thought women belonged in the house. Also most women’s husbands make most of the money in which case the women sometimes do not feel as if they have to make any money. However single women have to earn their money themselves in order to make a living. That is why more women have lower wage jobs than men.
Malosi. Mrs. Rosenbloom
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over “real” low-wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to “experience poverty,” what rules does she set for herself?
Barbara Ehrenreich is a journalist who isn’t afraid to get “down and dirty.” She wants to know how anyone can live off a low wage job and survive. She wants to “experience poverty.” She wants to learn and know how it feels to be under the poverty line and still be able to support herself. The only problem is that she is a high paid, educated journalist, something most people are not. She is also white and is a native English speaker, things that many low waged workers are not. Ehrenreich has money to fall back on, lives by herself and has a car, something many low-wage workers don’t have. To experience the whole effect, Ehrenreich sets rules for herself to try and be like those in poverty. The first rule is to not “fall back on any skills derived from [her] education or usual work.” Her second rule was to take the highest paying job and do her best at it. The final rule was to live in the cheapest accommodations that also provided safety and privacy.
Daisy Green Pd. 4
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over “real” low-wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to “experience poverty,” what rules does she set for herself?
Barbara Ehrenreich has many advantages over “real” low-wage workers. One advantage she has is that she does not have to rely on public transportation. This relates to one of her guidelines, that she will always have a car. Another advantage she has is that she is white and a native English speaker. This means she will likely get hired over immigrants for jobs dealing with customers. The last main advantage she has is having an emergency fund, incase she runs out of money. She has the advantage of being able to stop her low-wage life, before she becomes destitute. This relates to two of her other guidelines, that she will not become homeless, and she will not go hungry. She also sets rules that would help her to “experience poverty” as best she could. First, she decided that she can not rely on her educational background to get a job. Second, she has to accept the highest paying job that was offered to her and do her best to keep it. Third, she has to find the cheapest living area that is still safe to live.
Daisy Green Pd. 4
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
Minimum wage workers are all around us, serving us, and doing chores for us. Some minimum wage workers I encounter are supermarket workers, waiters, maids, and janitors. They are all providing a service to us by either helping us in the supermarket, bringing us our food, cleaning our room at the hotel, making sure the school is clean, or whatever their job may be. Many times people do not take the time to thank these workers, because people think they are just doing their job. Not everyone realizes how tough these jobs are, and for so little pay. People expect their food to be bagged at the supermarket, for their food to be served at a restaurant, and for their room to be cleaned at the hotel. This can make minimum wage workers feel invisible. Personally, I have never had a low wage job, but from reading the first chapter of Nickel and Dimed, I have a new respect for them.
Q: Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over “real” low-wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low-wage worker? In her desire to “experience poverty”, what rules does she set for herself?
ReplyDeleteA: In Barbara Ehrenreich’s book Nickel and Dimed, the author attempts to “experience poverty”, and aims to get by while working a minimum wage job. Ehrenreich admits that she feels she has many advantages over her truly penniless counterparts.
Ehrenreich possesses a Ph.D. in biology. On all job applications she “confined [herself] to three years of college” (5) to avoid suspicion. She is only getting her feet wet in a world that others “inhabit full-time” (6). “With all of the real-life assets” (6) she has built up–– bank account, home, health insurance¬¬–– she is not genuinely experiencing poverty. She simply endeavors to make ends meet while working a minimum wage job like so many Americans do. She is also a scientist actively researching, so she views the “new life” objectively. She also sets some “reassuring limits” (5) to the enterprise.
First is that she would always have a car. This is because the research is about working the job, and “a story about waiting for busses would not be that interesting to read” (5). Secondly, if she ran out of means and could not pay her weekly rent, the project would be called off. Homelessness was not an option. Along with rent means, if at any time her next meal was in question, she would end the project then and there, “dig out [her] ATM card and cheat” (6).
Q: Make a list of privileges you experience as a person of your “class”. Make a list of drawbacks. How would you characterize your relationship to the American Dream. Do your goals seem achievable?
ReplyDeleteA: As a person of my class, I am grateful for all I am privileged to have. I come from a good home, with both parents married. I have never worried if I will have a hot meal, a bed to sleep in, or a roof over my head. I have a cell phone, iPod, and computer, and have been fortunate enough to travel all over the world. I feel that although I am fortunate enough to have never experienced poverty first hand, I believe my view of the world to be broad-minded and unbigoted. I think it is important for anyone to be aware of their fortune, and take full advantage of the opportunities that are handed to them, like education, just how Ehrenreich grasped her educational opportunities. Many people view education as a burden, and it disgusts me to see the all too common “I couldn’t-give-a-shit about school and education” student. Knowledge is often the ticket to brighter circumstances. Of course, I have never lived in poverty, so I can not speak from experience; this is one drawback present. The ability to empathize with the less fortunate is often hindered by the sheer fact that the “empathizers”, quite often, are the more fortunate.
The American Dream of achieving prosperity is not necessarily the outline of my life, but my goals are quite lofty. I have no doubts that I can achieve my goals, but not without hard work. Because goals are simply dreams with deadlines, I plan to attend the United States Naval Academy with the class of 2016.
Mrs. Rosenbloom
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: Nickel and Dimed takes place in 1998-2000, a time of unprecedented prosperity in America. Do you think Ehrenreich’s experience would be different in today’s economy? How so?
Back in 1998, the USA had an economy up and running. Then, 2007 came. The National Bureau of Economic Research declared a recession in the USA(2010, Late 2000s Recession). Now, 10% of Americans are unemployed and can’t find a job. If Ehrenreich were to do her experiment in today’s economy, she would most likely fail. She would probably have a hard time finding a job. Especially when she can’t use her education. Her rent would probably be high and she would have to fall back on her own money. Today’s economy shows no mercy to anyone. If she were to do this, it would probably be near to impossible.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMegan Saks
ReplyDeleteMrs.Blaber
Period 4
Question 1: Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over "real" low-wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wageworker? In her desire to "experience poverty," what rule does she set for herself?
While preparing for the experiment, Barbara sets three main rules for herself that will ensure authenticity and her safety and stability in case of emergency. These rules are; no use of her acquired education and skill, taking the highest paying job offered and to do her best to maintain it, and taking the cheapest accommodations she could find with ensured safety. By setting these rules, she displays that she has no wish to "experience poverty," but to see it is financially possible for an uneducated woman can live in America off minimum wage. Barbara recognizes that she has advantages over many of the common applicants for the types of jobs she applied to. Because she was a white, English speaking, woman, Barbara was one of a few candidates suitable, in the eyes of the employers, to interact with the customers, and was therefore often employed as a waitress. One of her disadvantages was, because she had never experienced this world before, Barbara did not know any of the secrets to succeeding in a world she was "only visiting" that "others inhabit full-time, often for most of their lives." Another advantage that Barbara has is the comfort of knowing that she has a successful and sustainable life waiting for her when she decides to end the experiment.
Megan Saks
ReplyDeleteMrs.Blaber
Period 4
Question 2: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
It comes as no surprise to learn minimum wage workers feel invisible when you realize you often ignore and take for granted the many workers that make your lifestyle comfortable. Almost everywhere you go, there are people occupying the least agreeable jobs in order to survive. Immigrants coming to America with the "American Dream" are often welcomed with a mop and spatula. The incompletion or non-existence of an education has hindered success and has created a classification of people. There are so many people who fit this profile as extras in our everyday life, it is easy to simply look past and not appreciate them. These people are the workers who serve us food, clean our houses and hotel rooms, make our possessions, and generally complete the comfort of our lives. I have never worked in a low-wage job or any job for that matter, but I am sure that by reading this book and by eventually getting a job, I will appreciate the invisible people that make certain lifestyles possible.
Jonathan Schuler
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 4
Question 1: Early in her book "Nickle and Dimed", author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over "real" low-wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to "experience poverty," what rules does she set for herself?
Answer: There are a few things that set Barbara apart from the average (real) low-wage worker. She is white and "it helps to be white..." She had money for a car and living quarters, and she also speaks good english (pidgen). In her desire to "experience poverty," Barbara sets a few rules to abide during the experimenting time period. The first is she cannot use her high-end education to her advantage of getting a job. The second is to live in the most inexpensive habitable and safe living space. The third is she has to take the highest paying job and try to keep it.
Lea Shishikin
ReplyDeletePeriod #1
Mrs. Rosenbloom
Question 1
Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over "real" low-waged workers. What sets her apart from the average low-wage worker? In her desire to "experience poverty", what rules does she set for her self?
Yes, she has many advantages over the "real" low-waged workers cause she know that if anything were to go wrong she can return back home, where she has money and a safe life. She also has many abilities and is well educated, for example she speaks different languages. She could have gotten a much better job with just those abilities already. Some rules she had set in the beginning is to first off she were to attempt to take the highest paying job offered to her; she cannot use her higher education to get any job or higher position, and she were to take the cheapest accommodation that were at least safe.
Question 2
Nickel and Dimed takes place in 1998-2000, a time of unprecedented prosperity in America. So you think Ehrenreich's experience would be different in todays economy? how so?
I think that she would of had a more pleasant experience but not a actually one. Because looking at the conditions of her time you can see the first off the wage was less and all accommodation were less and limited. Where as now in day you have hight wages and more jobs being offered for that position. Also there are more cheaper places to stay at and still feel safe, cause there are more rules and laws to keep everyone safe. Also given that most jobs give better benefits, so therefore i believe she would actually have it easier on her self and get easily carried away. Where as back then she could actually see how the surrounds were not so good and what people really had to do to keep a roof over their heads.
Question #2: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
ReplyDeleteI encounter them almost every day when I am out in town. Most work places here have minimum wage workers. Places like McDonald's, Walmart, Safeway, the local library, Denny's restaurant. Almost everywhere you go you find people that only get paid minimum wage. They are mostly jobs for service industry. They are super markets or restaurants which are in the food and hospitality industry. I don't have any type of job yet, but i have seen my mother work a minimum wage job at Denny's. IT was a long job on the night shift mostly. She would go to work at around 5 come home around 1pm or work till 3:00am the next morning on weekends. She was working as a waitress and it was tiring on her in every way. Physically and mentally and on top of that she is a full time teacher so it was very stressful for her.
Comment to Megan Saks
ReplyDeleteMrs.Blaber
Period 4
from Ariana Matthews Mrs. Rosenbloom period 1
Question #2
I have not looked at it from that view. I always to acknowledge people with a view so that they wouldn't feel that way, but now that i have read your response i realize even if you think you acknowledge every one you never realize that there are many others who are completely ignored. We take advantage of having the luxury but never realize that we only have such luxuries, like having a clean hotel room and bed to sleep on, all because of the minimum wage people who make it all possible like the maids. We also take advantage of the immagrants only giving them minimum wage jobs most of the time so they are "greeted with a mop and a spatula" and you put it. THey are taken advantage of and all work for a living and we barely ever thank them for it... we just totally are oblivious too caught up in our own world of luxuries.
Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over “real” low-wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to “experience poverty,” what rules does she set for herself?
ReplyDeleteUnlike most low wage workers, Barbara Ehrenreich had not been a low wage worker her whole life. because of this she does not have the common health problems low wage workers do. She has not had to deal with the extreme stress these people deal with, and the physical labour these people also have dealt with. Before going on her "low wage experiment" Barbara set rules for herself. One rule was she must accept the job wiht the best pay that is offered,another is that she will accept the cheapest living space available wiht relative security and safety. She would also have a car at all times and would never starve herself. These guidelines made sure she would not endanger herself in the pursuit of finding the truth.
Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
I encounter minimum wage workers almost everyday. Whenever I go to a supermarket, or a retail store I encounter minimum wage workers working at cash registers, and preparing food at fast food or family restaurants. I have never worked a low wage job but I undoubtedly will before I turn 30. Minimum wage jobs are the most common for uneducated or common people.
Jonathan Schuler
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 4
Question 2: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
Answer: You can encounter low-wage workers in a huge amount of places. For example, when u walk into or drive-thru burger king, most of the people that work there (if not all of them), are low-wage. McDonalds, Starbucks, Quiznos, Subway, etc. Those low-wage workers take your oders, clean the venue, make your food, etc. I have never worked a low wage job, but I can imagine that it probably is not very fun and requires a lot of hard work. I am a musician and I make money that way.
Brittany Denzer
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Pd. 4
Question 1: Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over “real” low-wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to “experience poverty,” what rules does she set for herself?
Barbara Ehrenreich is fortunate to have the right characteristics to be successful enough to be a writer for a national leading magazine. Her Ph. D in biology, Caucasian ethnicity, communication skills, good health and fiscal stability are elements that give her an advantage over “real” low-wage workers. Even in a country as diverse and accepting as America, people still encounter prejudice against ethnic minorities, especially if socially economically disadvantaged. Additionally, she has no family or home responsibilities as her children are grown and she is divorced. To create a “poverty experience,” she sets some appropriate rules for herself. First, she must acquire the highest paying job she can and continue to hold it without falling back onto her skills. She has to live off of the income earned by this job and take the cheapest accommodations. These guidelines create a framework for Barbara to understand what makes a poverty, minimum wage work experience. However, to allow herself some “reassuring limits” to the working class poor experience, she makes three very critical fallback conditions: access to a car, access to a home, and access to food. This combination of rules creates a safe but realistic experience of poverty from a white, female, professional perspective.
Lia-Ann Ka'ai
ReplyDeletePd 6
# 2:Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services to they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-waged job? If so, what was your experience?
It’s understandable that minimum wage workers feel invisible, most of the jobs they do acquire perfecting “higher class” people jobs. Maids, janitors, teachers, all underpaid. Maids aren’t always paid attention too, to most people, maids are there to clean up the messes they make, and that relates to some type of imperialism, many thinking they are better than them. Many people ignore minimum wage workers because of the work that they do. Most of the time, they are simply ignored, or ordered around; causing the feeling of being invisible, its an inferior thought, but a true one. I worked with 2-12 year olds for $7.25 per hour. The money was low, but the slight thought of having a job made me jitter more than my arriving paycheck. I think I may have deserved a little more, because little kids are nuts, but at least I’m not supporting a family on $7.25 an hour.
# 6:Make a list of privileges you experience as a person of your “class”. Make a list of drawbacks. How would you characterize your relationship to the American dream? Do your goals seem achievable?
The privileges I have are the most basic, and essential privileges that actually, really do matter. I stand maybe around middle class, and I’m lucky to say that. I have a house to sleep in, I have cloths on my back, I have food in my stomach, and I am receiving a good education. And yet, compared to most of the teenagers in this country, I do not have an I-pod, cell phone, camera, or any other electronically material with value. I do not eat 5 star meals every night, while I’m stroking the soft hair of my Pomeranian, I do not watch over a thousand channels, and I do not have a big house, I don’t have the nicest cloths, or the most expensive perfume. But standing in the class I’m in I have everything I need to survive. My relationship to the American dream does not exist, I plan to graduate and then leave this country, and so I can live easily without all the material things. My goals are very achievable, all I need to do in the mean time, like many other teenagers, to find a job; so I can succeed in my dream of leaving the country.
Brittany Denzer
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Pd. 4
Question 2: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
Any business, community or even household (think of busy mothers) in our country depends upon available minimum wage workers. Positions such as gas station attendants, night-time Home Depot stockers, coffee pickers and school janitors are all crucial to the physical success of the business and overall the community, and are often taken for granted. These services usually require few skills and cognition is at minimum since most work is repetitive and does not demand special training. One of these workers may feel invisible because they do not receive the recognition regardless of the quality of their work. For example, a coffee picker spends the whole day in the sun plucking and bagging coffee beans. When the consumer purchases the coffee, he does not exclaim, “Oh, the arduous work someone must have put into this!” He instead compliments the coffee and enjoys his hot beverage. The unskilled laborer is underappreciated compared to a skilled one, such as a lawyer. However, to say that a minimum wage worker works to a lesser degree than a professional would be fallacious. I have not worked in a low-wage job, but I have had the experience of operating a cash register at a fundraising event, and my participation in this was enough to give a taste of this type of work. Though the labor is simple and repetitious, it is definitely not effortless.
Please remember to label your post with first and last name and period. Remember to type questions and answers into one post comment box. No label means NO GRADE!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
PS
I will not try to figure out who you are; I will just give you a 0.
Kelly Jernigan
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Pd. 6
Question 1:
Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over “real” low- wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to “experience poverty”, what rules does she set for herself?
As Barbara Ehrenreich entered the minimum wage workers society by will, as an experiment for her real job, as a writer for Harper’s magazine, she is given many advantages over “real” low- wage workers. Unlike the majority of low- wage employees Ehrenreich had the advantage of having received a Doctor’s Degree in Biology. Although one of the rules for the experiment was that she could not use any skills that she derived from her education or usual work to help her in her job search, her prior knowledge could have helped her to better know how to act, dress, and perform duties in specific lines of work. Barbara’s extensive college education could have also helped her to know how to wisely manage her money. The second rule was that she had to take the highest- paying job that was offered to her and she had to do her best to hold it. Because Ehrenreich was a white, English speaking, U.S. citizen she had a greater chance of being hired for better paying jobs, as apposed to someone who does not speak English and is not a U.S. citizen. Unlike many of the low- wage workers that Ehrenreich encounters she has had medical and dental insurance nearly her entire life, making her far more healthy then her co-workers. By being healthy it could allow her to be able to work harder for longer periods of time then other low- wage workers. The third rule for the experiment is that she would have to take the cheapest living accommodations that she could find as long as these arrangements met her standards for security and privacy. Another advantage that Ehrenreich has over “real” low- wage workers is that she allotted herself certain amounts of money to start the project with, whereas “real” low wage workers start out with nothing and have to work for all of the money that they receive.
Question 2:
Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low- wage job? If so, what was your experience?
Many do not stop and take the time to realize the efforts that make our lives simpler. Minimum wage workers and the fruits of their labor are an essential part of the American lifestyle. Lifeguards, fast- food restaurant employees, janitors, nannies, maids, waitresses, and waiters are just a few of the minimum wage workers in America that help make our lives and our families lives safer and more enjoyable. These employees provide people with almost worry free lifestyles that are less complex then their own. Minimum wage workers often are overlooked for their small yet significant jobs that earn them just enough money to get by. In this book one example of a low wage worker being overlooked is Ehenreich, She applies for a position as a housekeeper but, because of her ability to speak English she is sent to work at the hotel’s adjacent restaurant as a waitress. This shows that despite her wishes to work for a specific position her needs are not met and she is hired for a position that she never wanted to hold. People who work for minimum wage often do not have a voice. They are looked down on. I have never worked in a “real” low wage job so I do not know how minimum wage employees might feel but, I know that by reading Nickel and Dimed I will get a better perspective for how these workers might be treated.
Josh Whitehead
ReplyDeleteBlaber
Pd 6
Question 1: Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits she has many advantages over “real” low wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to “experience poverty,” what rules does she set for herself?
It is hard for Enrenreich to suddenly become a low wage worker from her previously exulted writing job. She said she was set apart from the other low wage workers because of her fortunate circumstances. Enrenreich says that her higher “education, health and motivation” set her apart from the average low wage worker. Her education could have played a large role in the jobs available to her. Her health and motivation did affect Enrenreich’s results a great deal. Coming into the life of an average low wage worker with no health setbacks and a lot of motivation gave her an edge on the competition. The “average low wage worker” could, according to Enrenreich, just scarcely make enough money to pay for food, shelter and necessities. With add troubles, like personal injuries or house or car repairs, the average low wage worker was more susceptible to larger financial set backs and limitations then Enrenreich.
Question 2: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
Where are minimum or low wage workers? 30 million Americans (one in four United States workers) make about $8.70 an hour or less. This adds up to $18,100 a year. $18,100 is now the poverty level in the United States for a family of four. Low wage workers are everywhere in America. They are the ones that wait tables, work at gas stations, janitors, fast-food services, repairmen and more. They are the working force behind America. On top of poor pay, these low-wage jobs usually lack health care, child care, pensions and vacation benefits. Although I have never worked for a low wage job I have known many adults that fall into this category. Minimum wage workers make up most of America.
Ileana Argyris
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom
Period 1
Question 1: Most of the low-income workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. Is there a connection between “women’s work” and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for this situation.
There is a strong connection between what is thought of as “women’s work” and low wages. Throughout history, the women’s “job” was to make home, have children, take care of children, cook and clean. These were thought of as domestic chores that only women did. Some examples of jobs that correlate to this is housekeeping and waiting. These jobs are “women’s work” due to the nature of the job and what history has defined them as. These jobs force employees to work and not question; to be submissive. Men were supposed to go out and “bring home the bacon”. They were to do jobs that require heavier labor such as construction or hunting. “Women’s work” was thought of as mindless, since women got the most basic education. Men were thought of as the stronger and smarter beings that deserved more pay since they could specialize in certain areas.
Question 2: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
I encounter minimum wage workers everywhere. From teachers to waitresses to the people who bag your groceries when you go to the store. Many of these people are taken for granted. How much do you know about the teacher you see every day? Is it a bother to get to know them? What about the waitress? She waits on tables eight hours a day and always has to have a sunny disposition. She has to put up with hundreds of people just to get enough money to put a roof over her head much less feed herself. I can see where they feel invisible. Many people wouldn’t bother talking to them because it’s ‘their job’ and they’re on the clock. I have personally never worked in a low-wage job, but it has given me a new light to how these minimum wage workers feel.
Jonathan Kutsunai
ReplyDeletePd.6
Question 1: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
Encounters with minimum wage workers happen on a daily basis, they are the postal workers, they are your teachers, and they are your corporate big business rudimentary workers. They do the hard work that helps their employers run their establishments, by bagging groceries, taking inventory, and teaching the future of America. These workers are however invisible, the business workers are just robots who compute your total and take inventory, and the teachers who hold majority of the worlds future are treated with disrespect with pay cuts, collaborative hated of homework by students, and little power with the administration. These workers are the denizens who help us continue in our daily lives, but aren’t reciprocated with a satisfactory paycheck. When I worked as my schools snack shop I received 2 dollars a day, which I felt was diminutive and didn’t accurately reflect my hard work. I had to take inventory, give accurate change to two dozen kids in a rush for the bus, and only to be rewarded with 2 dollars a day. Although this isn’t probably as bad as the adults who receive miniscule pay, and have to handle debts, rent, mortgage, and other fees.
Question 2: Most of the low-income workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. Is there a connection between “womens work” and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for the situation.
In the Middle ages in Europe and other parts of the world saw women as house wives who couldn’t contribute to society. Women and young ladies were taught to obey your husband, do laundry, clean the house, and raise the children. In the Greek and Roman governments, women were never allowed to vote, to have a say in government. Even in America where women had to fight and protest for the right to vote, in a country that was built on the foundation that all men are created equal. Even though it is illegal to be prejudice based on sex, employers can dock pay for miniscule reasons creating a harder work environment.
It is 10:00pm.
ReplyDeleteQ1: minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
ReplyDeleteA1: I have encountered minimum wage workers in many places,when I'm getting lunch or shopping in a store, I see minimum wage workers. None of them look happy, but its a way for them to stay a float. It maybe hard depending on their life style, but at least they are working and trying to make an effort. Some help you find what you are looking for in a grocery store aisle, while some take your order and ask if you want fries with that. Many jobs are low-income, some I didn't even know were, like a hotel front-desk clerk. I thought they were paid more than minimum wage. Without the people that work these jobs we wouldn't have a lot of the little things we have, like retail stores and restaurants, because there would be no one to make the function properly. So although minimum wage workers may feel invisible, people notice them and need them to carry out daily tasks, like getting gas.
I have never worked a minimum wage job before, so I don't know what it would be like. However I do plan to get a job, which in most cases will be minimum wage. I plan to use this money for gas, and car insurance, so I will sort of know how it would be like for an adult living off of this salary, but without a few of the things like housing, most of the food etc.
Q2: make a list of privileges you experience as a person of your "class". Make a list of drawbacks. How would you characterize your relationship to the American Dream? Do your goals seem achievable?
A2: I may not have a lot of money, cloths, or other material items but I have family. In my "class" I have time to spend with my family, since they are not busy working 24/7 they have their hours they need to work, then come home and have fun. We may not go on trips around the world on every vacation time we get, but when we do go they are quality trips and a time to connect.
I plan to go to college to become a zoologist. To get my masters in a college to better my life. I want to travel the world and study the animals that inhabit it, but to focus on african animals. It doesn't matter what class you are, or how much money your parents make, If you push your self in school to get the scholarships you need, and push you self out of school to prepare your self, you can do anything you want. If you believe you can do it and put your mind to it, your dreams can be reality. You only look at your self, not what others are doing. Focus on one thing at a time and all of your goals can be achievable you just have to work hard to reach them.
Many people think the American Dream is to have a lot of money, a big house and a nice family, but for everyone that's not what it is. The American Dream can be many different things depending on the life style you are living, or want to live. For me it isn't about having money and fancy things, but having a family that cares for you, and having a life that's full of fun, and doing stuff you enjoy. To wake up every morning and say " I want to go to work" and to have a career with out regrets. That's my American Dream.
responding to Jonathan Kutsunai Pd. 6
ReplyDeleteyou stated that teachers are considered minimum wage, because they are not paid enough for all they do. i like how you incorporated that in to your answer. what i also found interesting is the examples you used for the historic situations, like the right to vote and that they were taught to obey our husbands. i liked how you said that employers dock pay for minor reasons like gender, but i felt the last part of your second answer was rushed and needs a little more insight. over all your responses to the questions were good.
comment to kutsunai.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you mentioned sex-discrimination throughout history to back up your answer, like fighting for the right to vote. Points for thinking outside of the box.
comment to lia.
ReplyDeleteI like how you made it clear in your blog that you were middle class and that your relationship with the American Dream 'did not exist.' Your just being straight with us. It's a different answer than expected, so points for being real and not just regurgitating facts.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletepd.1
ReplyDeletejanruary 26,2010
question 1:
Make a list of privileges you experience as a person of your "class". Make a list of drawbacks. How would you characterize your relationship to the american dream? Do your goals seem acheivable?
answer: The privleges that I have in my class is actually passing my class and getting all the credits that I need to graduate and get a diploma. I dont think I have any drawbacks in my classes that will prevent me from gradutaing and acheiving my "american dream". My goals are to finish high with good grades and get my diploma, then I want to go to college. I want to get a good job with a good wage and maybe buy myself a house and start a family. I believe that my goal are acheivable and I think that any person can acheive them if they try.
question 2:
Minimum wage workers oftenreport feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sort ofservices do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
answer:
I encounter them when I go to the beach, when I go downtown, or somethimes in a store. They work in McDonalds, as a cashier or the drive-thru. They say that you get fat just from the smell. I have never worked in a low-wage job.
Period 6
ReplyDeleteComment to Ileana Argyris
I understand why you would say many low-wage workers are taken for granted and feel invisible. Numerous people work the jobs they do, just to survive and provide a household for their families. We all just use their services for our own help yet ignore anything else they have to say beside our answer. I agree with you because I now look at people with a new perspective and I use a different approach when coming encounter with any low-wage worker.
Response to Linda Chai--Pd 5.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your response to the second question you answered about women's wages being lower than men's. I really liked the point that you brought up about women having to rely on men for most wages since they have a lower wage but that it creates a problem for single women who dont have a husband to rely on for the majority of the income. Of course, less people living somewhere would mean less expenses (usually) but not always. This definitely creates an injustice against women, especially single women. Luckily, women have made major strides towards getting pay that is equal to that of a man's.
One thing you could have mentioned is the term "glass ceiling". That is the term used to refer to the sexist discrimination (usually against women) that limits the advancement of a qualified person from taking a higher paying or qualifying job.
Good response though, it had some excellent points that I would not have thought of...
Mrs. Blaber's students, Chloe's response to Linda's post is the kind of content I expect to be reading from all of you when you respond to another classmate's post. Good job, Chloe!
ReplyDeleteResponse to Josie.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, these days because of the economy the majority of workers are low-wage workers. I do agree with you when you talk about how they work almost 24/7 and yet get little to show for it. I believe that even though they are low-wage jobs that the workers should still get health care, they are the same as other high-wage workers, why can’t they have the same benefits? Low-wage jobs really don’t have any benefits, you have to work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, and you don’t get any health care and while working you get a small break time for that whole 8 hours. What is the deal? Some people are just trying to make a living.
Layla Zelko Period 1
ReplyDeleteChloe A., I really liked your point on question one about her health giving her an advantage over other minimum wage workers. I answered the same question and I didn’t think of the how much her health was an advantage. I remember her mentioning the lack of health care in chapter one, but it is hard to realize how straining being a waitress actually is.
Megan Saks
ReplyDeleteMrs.Blaber
Period 4
Response to Chloe A.
I agree with and am glad you made the point that teachers, although we never think of them as such, are also low-wage workers. However, unlike many, these low-wage working teachers are trying to make a difference and improve the future by educating the younger generations. I think this is an excellent point to make and agree with your statement. I also enjoyed reading your experiences with cleaning the houses of others. I think you made good point in saying that the people you clean the houses of, rarely think of the individuals that clean their areas and realize they have lives outside of cleaning. It was interesting to hear the point of view of someone who has had experience in a low-wage job at our age.
I think you could have possibly been a bit less harsh in saying that the owners of the houses you clean think they are better than the low-wage working class. Many people probably do appreciate the hard work. Other than that tiny detail, I thouroughly enjoyed your post.
Jonathan Schuler
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 4
Response to Katsu (Jonathan)
I agree with Katsu about how women can sometimes be ridiculed because of thier "lack of ability" to perform a certain task. Many people are prejudiced towards women. I think that there could be a corrolation between women's jobs and low-wages, but I am still quite scheptical. To my experience, I have noticed that in a lot of cases, women work harder. Men tend to get lazy, and women tend to "attract" business.
I think Katsu did a good job on the background info, but lacked to answer the question and could have added and expanded on certain issues.
Ariana Matthews
ReplyDeleteperiod 1-
MRs. Rosenbloom
comment to Jonathan Jutsunai Question 2
You do have a good point by bringing out the relations between how an employer can doc pay and how women were treated in the middle ages but your answer lacks a few key point such as, How does the minimum wage relate to the way women are treated. Most employer sometimes prefer to hire women over men and mostly dock pay for the men. You should give a few examples explaining exact details that relate to each other clearly.
Comment to Allison:
ReplyDeleteLia-Ann Ka'ai
Pd.6 Blaber
I appreciate the understanding I earn when I read your first answer. I acknowledga your shoow of understanding towards the state of this country. Most people our age don't realize that right now, the economy is o low; it's almost impossible to find a job if your younger than 17. The facts you state flow well with your meaning, and I must say I agree with you.
Kate-Lyn Capelli
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom
Period: one
Response to Chloe A. Question 1:
I really liked how you included all of the different ways that Ehrenreich had advantages over other minimum wage workers. She really had a lot of advantages over the other people, but I didn’t really think of the little things like her having nice clothes. It is true that having the nice clothes and being able to present yourself in a more professional manner is helpful when looking for a job. One thing that you didn’t mention though is that she also had the advantage of having the initial money to pay the deposit for her various homes. That really helped her in the beginning, and it is something that not all people have to start with, so they end up having to live with others to save money, or in week by week housing that ends up costing more.
Kelly Jernigan
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 6
Response to Lindsey-- Mrs. Rosenbloom
Question 2:
I really like what you said about the fact in which you are not extremely wealthy but, because your parents do not spend large amounts of time working you get to spend quality time with your family. I think that family time is very important, more important then gaining wealth. I also liked how you stated that even though you do not take frequent vacations, when your family does travel you always have memorable experiences with one another. When spending money and traveling it is important to save your money and wait so that you will be able to experience the highest quality vacation available. I liked the reminder that you hinted at by explaining when your family takes vacations, which was that by saving your money and waiting to purchase things, instead of constantly buying useless items, you are assured that you will receive the best quality product. Dreams can become reality if we set our minds towards our goals and believe in ourselves. I agree with what you said about if we focus on one thing at a time and work hard we can achieve our dreams. At swim meets my team swims multiple events in one day, our swimming coach is always telling our team to take one race at a time. Usually my team is able to swim successful races if we apply this principle and work hard. I liked how you ended your response by saying that the American Dream is different for everyone. I agree with how you view the American Dream and that your dream is to have a family that cares about you and a life that is full of doing things that you enjoy.
Jonathan Lomberg
ReplyDeleteReply to Josie Painter's Question 1:
I agree with this comment for the most part, but I do not agree with it in its entirety. The belief that Ehrenreich did not provide “complete” educational experience for fear of obtaining the “upper hand on getting the job” is quite erroneous. While it is true that being Caucasian was an advantage and disadvantage, Ehrenreich’s refusal to provide accurate educational experience was not because of a fear that that the job would be earned too easily, and largely unfairly. Ehrenreich refused to reveal that she had earned a Ph.D. in biology because she believed quite the opposite. She “figured the Ph.D. would be no help at all, [and] might lead employers to suspect that [she] was an alcoholic washout, or worse” (5). Instead, she “confined [herself] to three years of college” (5). To approach this from the opposing point of view, as an employer, it would be wholly suspicious to interview an applicant possessing a doctorate for a minimum wage, low-skill, occupation.
Talea Lischetzki p4 Blaber
ReplyDeleteResponse to Lyndsey:
I agree that although your family may not be the wealthiest you get to spend a great deal of time together. I believe that you can be rich in different ways and everyone has their own point of view. I also think this ties into the American Dream. Your blog made me think of how everyone may have a different dream or goal set for themselves. As many immigrants come to the United States in search of riches they find that many riches can be found at their doorstep. That it isn't always about the cars you drive or the clothes you wear, it is about the simple things in life that bring a smile to your face or lift your spirits. Things like family-time or going on a trip with a few of your closest friends. One does not always need materialistic things to be happy and content in their lives.
Mrs. Blaber,
ReplyDeleteI accidentally posted my first blog on my profile on Monday.
I thought that's where they go.
Daisy Green Pd. 4
ReplyDeleteIn Response to Jonathan L. Question 2
I liked your response and agree completely about the people who do not appreciate the education they are receiving. Many immigrants come to the U.S. without much education, and are given the minimum wage jobs, yet they work hard to try and earn money for their family. Ehrenreich makes the point that she has the advantage of not having to provide for a family, but even she struggles to live the minimum wage life. People in the U.S., who are given the opportunity to get educated, but fail to appreciate it, do not realize the many people who would love to get that opportunity.
Brittany Denzer
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Pd. 4
Response to Malosi
I agree with your stand point that Ehrenreich would have a more difficult time conducting her experiment in today's economy. Even though her experiment was carried out in a time of prosperity, the struggle was still evident and can help you understand the severity of the hardships experienced by minimum wage workers today. I love your use of statistics to back up your opinion. It makes your thoughts seem very credible and intelligent. Stating the current unemployment rate really shows the relevancy of this book to the present world. I enjoyed reading your post, Malosi, because it clearly explained your position on the topic and was reinforced well with solid facts and figures.
Linda Chai
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
Question #3
“It’s common, among the non-poor,” writes Ehrenreich, “to think of poverty as a sustainable condition. They are ‘always with us.’ What is harder for the non poor to see is poverty as acute distress,” due to poor nutrition, homelessness, and lack of affordable housing, injuries, and little to no health insurance. Ehrenreich argues that far from being sustainable, poverty is a “state of emergency.” Do you agree?
Yes, I do agree with Ehrenreich when she says that poverty is a state of emergency because a person in poverty is a like person who is fighting to their breath in order to survive. I think a person in poverty is like an endangered animal because it is close to being extinct. That person is struggling to survive, but without help and money; they will end up in an augmented destitute life and might end up dying. People in poverty are close to dying because they lack necessities including homes, food, and health. Many people have to work more than one job to support their life and/or their family. Some can not afford to feed everyone they need to because they have to deal with paying bills. Some get injuries which they can not afford to heal because they can not afford life insurance. That is why I agree that poverty is a state of emergency because it is like being an endangered animal.
Question #4
Nickel and Dimed takes place in 1998-2000, a time of unprecedented prosperity in America. Do you think Ehrenreich’s experience would be different in today’s economy? How so?
I do think Ehrenreich’s experience would be different in today’s economy. I think it would be worse because today’s economy is going through a depression. I think it would be harder for Ehrenreich to get a job because many people are already being laid off. The percentage of unemployment workers has increased. If Ehrenreich was looking for a job today, she would be competing with many other people who really need the job to support their lives and families. Some businesses are in debt or have already lost business due to the recession. Many businesses can not even hire people because they can not pay their employees. The chance of her finding a job is probably close to zero. Also I do not think she would want to do this experiment at this time because it would mean taking someone else’s opportunity for a job they really need.
Linda Chai
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
Response to Jonathan K's question #2
I agree with your statement about how women's work is different and lower than men's. I like the historical examples you used to explain how women's work has always been low. Especially the example about the U.S. and the statement which says "all men are created equal" because that really so how sexist America can be to women. But I think you could of compared more about women's work and low wages are similar. Also examples in today's lifetime.
Katie R. P.1
ReplyDeleteResponse to Jonathan Kutsunai P.6
I totally agree with what you are trying to say. Those minimum wage workers don't usually receive respect they should recieve. I think teachers should get paid more, because they do much more than they get paid. They prepare us student for our future, but sometimes we dont show them respect for their effort.
Katie R. P.1
ReplyDeleteResponse to Megan Saks P.4
You said that minimum wage workers make our lifestyle easier and comfortable and I totally agree with you. They do make our lifestyle easier and comfortable. When we want to eat fast food restaurant is always open. When you are too lazy to walk in the store you can go through drive in. The gas station is always open. Everything is at your service anytime day or night, and it’s all thanks to minimum wage workers.
Malosi C. Mrs. Rosenbloom
ReplyDeleteResponse to Allison Castro......Q2
I do agree with you on that it is unfair on low wage workers dont recieve all the benefits. I also agree that you can't expect it. I really agree on how you said that the job is there just to support the place they stay at, not for health care. I enjoyed reading you response to that question.
Jen Pham - Period 6 - Mrs. Blaber
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits she has many advantages over “real” low wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to “experience poverty,” what rules does she set for herself?
-> Barbara Ehrenreich has certain advantages over other "real low wage workers" such as being being caucasion, speaking English as her native tongue, a car, good health and also a Ph.D in biology. Because a Ph.D in biology would obviously place Ehrenreich higher into consideration of being hired for a job than "real low wage workers", it isn't really an advantage in Ehrenreich's experiment. In fact, one of Ehrenreich's three rules prohibits her from falling back on any skills she gained from her education or from her usual work, making her Ph.D useless in her low wage job hunt. Her two other rules were that she had to take the highest paying job that was available and she had to try her hardest to keep that job, and lastly, she had to accept the cheapest accommodations that were available. These three rules, Ehrenreich admits, were all broken at some point, but she followed them to the fullest extent. The biggest thing that sets her apart from "real low wage workers" is the fact that she doesn't live in poverty full time, she is merely conducting a journalism experiment that places her in the shoes of poverty.
Question 2: “It’s common, among the non-poor,” writes Ehrenreich, “to think of poverty as a sustainable condition. They are ‘always with us.’ What is harder for the non poor to see is poverty as acute distress,” due to poor nutrition, homelessness, and lack of affordable housing, injuries, and little to no health insurance. Ehrenreich argues that far from being sustainable, poverty is a “state of emergency.” Do you agree?
-> Poverty is indeed a state of emergency. People who live in poverty are on the edge, fighting the government, bills and hunger to survive, paying more expenses than recieving income. People who live in poverty sometimes don't eat because they lack the money, others don't have a place to go home to every night. A person living in poverty is like a person in the emergency room, if they are not treated right away, the injury could possibly get worse, or the infection could spread, and lead to the inexorable fear of all, death. Except for with the person in poverty, often times their emergency cannot be treated, and therefore their emergencies are a lot more heinous and devastating.
Question 3: Nickel and Dimed takes place in 1998-2000, a time of unprecedented prosperity in America. Do you think Ehrenreich’s experience would be different in today’s economy? How so?
ReplyDelete-> In today's time period, Ehrenreich's experience would have been a whole lot different. Our society is currently going through what resembles a depression, and even those with Ph.D have a difficult time finding jobs. Ehrenreich would still have the advantage over those without an education, as well as non-English speakers, and non-Caucasians, but even at that, many people are being laid off instead of hired.
Question 4: Housing costs pose the greatest obstacle for low-wage workers. Why does our society seem to resist rectifying this situation? Do you believe there are realistic solutions to the lack of affordable housing?
-> In our society today, housing is one of the highest expenses because a home is a place of security, a place where you can return to every day and night, a place where you can relax. However this haven obviously doesn't come easily. One of the government's highest priorities is making money, in fact, nearly everyone and even maybe everyone's highest priorities is to make money, and this is why it seems that there is a resistance on a solution to more affordable housing. There are realistic solutions to this problem, the only obstacle in actually taking action is the lack of motivation, and maybe even greed. The government could easily create a housing unit that resembles a old people's home, with simply one room big enough for one to sleep in and store personal items, and either a personal or public bathroom, for a low price that satisfies a low wage worker's pay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Response to Ileana Argyris - Period 1 - Mrs. Rosenbloom
Question 1: Most of the low-income workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. Is there a connection between “women’s work” and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for this situation.
There is a strong connection between what is thought of as “women’s work” and low wages. Throughout history, the women’s “job” was to make home, have children, take care of children, cook and clean. These were thought of as domestic chores that only women did. Some examples of jobs that correlate to this is housekeeping and waiting. These jobs are “women’s work” due to the nature of the job and what history has defined them as. These jobs force employees to work and not question; to be submissive. Men were supposed to go out and “bring home the bacon”. They were to do jobs that require heavier labor such as construction or hunting. “Women’s work” was thought of as mindless, since women got the most basic education. Men were thought of as the stronger and smarter beings that deserved more pay since they could specialize in certain areas.
-> I do agree with Ileana that "women's work" is strongly connected with low wages. As she stated, women's work was/is mainly defined as cooking, cleaning and child care. In the past most women didn't recieve pay for their work, and if they were lucky enough to get paid, the pay was significantly lower than a man's pay. "Women's work" is easier in the eyes of society compared to a "man's work", such as construction, and because of the higher level of labor, society believes men deserve a higher pay. But one thing that creates a new train of thought is what if a woman does a man's job? Will she still get paid less? Well in the past, women were not ALLOWED to do a man's work, she was expected to stay at home and be a mom, and to do "women's work", but in today's society, the women that does a "man's work" does in fact still get paid a lower wage than a man.
Allison Alterman
ReplyDeleteRosenbloom p.1
Response to Lindsey Q.1
Lindsey made some interesting points. Although minimum wage workers feel invisible, they are needed. I agree with this statement, however I think they are more needed as a whole rather than as individuals. This may be why they feel invisible. Lindsey thought of many important minimum wage jobs that I didn't think of before. She also made a good point when she said that there are some jobs that one would never think of as a minimum wage job but are, such as hotel clerks.
Kate-Lyn Capelli
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom
Period: One
Question Three: Unless you count Budgie, Ehrenreich had no real family responsibility during her experiment. How would her routine have changed if she were responsible for children? How would her economic circumstances have changed? Given the historical patterns of childcare and the current trends in child custody in divorce cases, would these challenges fall more heavily upon low wage women?
If Ehrenreich were to have done this experiment as a single mother with one or two children the whole project would have changed. She would have also had to look for jobs that worked with her schedule for her child. The way it would have changed also depends on the age of the child or children. Not only would she have to find jobs that work around her schedule, but also she would have to work at least two jobs to provide for her and her child/children. It cost a lot of money to provide for a child, and it is also a lot of extra work. When she is already having a hard time with her work as a waitress and cleaner and is exhausted by the time she gets home, she would be overwhelmed by having to then take care of children. For a single mother the average cost of raising a child, 6-8 years old, per year is around $6,800, and the average salary for her job would be about $17,000. The price of the child includes food, clothing, transportation, health, child care (if young) or education, and other miscellaneous costs. With the cost of the housing and Ehrenreich’s needs, she it would be hard to make it with one job and one child. Also, a lot of single mothers have more than one child, and if they do then it is virtually impossible to have one full time job and more than one child. If Ehrenreich did do her experiment with one or more children then she would have to probably start taking public transportation, live in a worse home with more space, and just buy things that are cheaper and lower quality and eliminate any luxuries. In child custody cases in divorce cases it is usually the mother who primarily gets the children, and then she becomes a single mother raising a child or children, and the child support a father pays typically doesn’t cover many of the expenses. So the low wage worker mother begins to face many problems trying to raise her children and give them a decent life without going into poverty. It is always hard to be a single mother, but when you make less money it becomes even harder and more stressful.
Question Four: Housing costs pose the greatest obstacle for low-wage workers. Why does our society seem to resist rectifying this situation? Do you believe that there are realistic solutions to the lack of affordable housing?
Finding safe, nice, and affordable housing is near impossible when you have a low wage job. You usually have to give up one of those aspects and most people choose between safe and nice. It is true that we don’t try to correct the problem that low-wage workers face with housing, but if the leasers were to lower their rent prices then they might not be making enough money and that would throw everything off. Also, it is true that most people in life are greedy and want to be richer, so if the leasers can get extra money each month, then why not? The reason they shouldn’t is because it is at the expense of others, but most people don’t think like that. I truly don’t think that there is a realistic solution to this problem, because the economy and people will always change towards their best interest and throw off any solution that you can think of. We could try to make the problem better than it is now, but there is no real solution.
Allison Alterman
ReplyDeleteRosenbloom P.1
second post
Q.3-
There are many special costs that "poor" must pay. Because they have no money for a down payment on an apartment, they end up spending more money on a motel or other place that doesn't require one. They can't but things in bulk because they don't have the money or the storage space for the larger quantities that cost less per amount. They end up having to make repairs on beat up things like cars that are expensive because they only had the money for a poor conditioned one.
Q.4-
Ehrenreich writes that she encounters more low-income women workers than men. This is because men tend to get paid more and receive raises and promotions than women. Historically, men were the workers and women stayed home. Men also had authority over women, and some people still believe that a man should not have to take orders from a woman. Also, it is much more common for a woman to have a job that involves a lot of interaction with customers such as waitressing because women tend to be more patient and kind. Also, some people believe that women should be the ones serving people, not men.
Brett Imamura
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Per.6
Question: The workers of Nickel and Dimed receive almost no benefits- no overtime pay, no retirement funds, and no health insurance. Is this fair? Do you think an increase in salary would redress the lack of benefits, or is this is a completely separate problem?
The lack of benefits and support the workers of Nickel and Dimed receive is extremely unfair and unjust to them. They are completing strenuous work like scrubbing floors and cleaning entire houses but receive no benefits at all from their employers. An increase in salary would seem to me like an “easy way” for an employer to fix the problems surrounding the benefits received by the workers. Benefits are a completely different problem from low pay. What if you were in a bad car accident and got injured? If you have no health insurance you would be faced with a mound of debt and bills for hospitals. Even if your employer gave you a higher salary, the amount would still not be enough to pay for a large medical bill. Most low wage workers cannot afford to pay for these bills so it seems to me as if they get hurt, they lose money. They must stay healthy to get money even though the workers could be stricken with pain. Employers need to provide benefits for the safety and well being of their employees.
Brett Imamura
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Per. 6
Question: Nickel and Dimed takes place in 1998-2000, a time of unprecedented prosperity in America. Do you think Ehrenreich’s experience would be different in today’s economy? How so?
If Barbara Ehrenreich conducted her project in today’s economy she would struggle even more then in her story to survive. If she could hardly survive in a time of unprecedented prosperity, how would she survive during an economic recession? Since our nation is in this recession, the prices of necessary items to survive have gone up. For example, gas prices have skyrocketed over the last few years, food and household products have seen a price increase, and home owners facing large payments on the house they rent out equals an increase in rent. Put these factors together and it would be very unlikely Ehrenreich could have survived in today’s economy because everything is too expensive for low wage workers. How do today’s low wage workers feel and survive is another story.
Layla Zelko Period 1
ReplyDeleteQuestion 3: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
I encounter minimum wage workers in everyday life. They are the employees at stores, in the cafeteria at school, and co-workers to my father. They provide all the small services that we use to keep our lives running. They grow food, process it, and serve it to the other members of society. I haven’t officiously worked in a minimum wage job but I have worked as a farm worker many times and have also worked as a server or waitress many times. Working in menial labor jobs is hard work and does not stimulate your brain. They make you appreciate being in school and working towards a life that isn’t like that. I can imagine how menial labor workers can feel invisible in the assembly line of people, the rest of the world not noticing how important they are.
Question 4: As a reader, we get to know many of Ehrenreich’s coworkers. Why does the author use personal narratives in Nickel and Dimed? Choose one person’s story to examine. What about the story surprises you?
Ehrenreich uses personal narratives to describe the lives of her coworkers. This is a very effective technique that brings the reader into each of her coworkers’ lives as well as Ehrenreich’s own life. Gail’s narrative was very interesting. She lived in a small apartment with a male roommate and worked at the Hearthside with Ehrenreich. Eventually, she moved out of her apartment and into her car. When Ehrenreich left Florida she gave her lease to Gail. What surprised me about Gail’s narrative was how quickly Ehrenreich got close to her to know this much about her, the same with all her coworkers. What I can conclude about human relationships is that a common obstacle (In this case hard work) can be a base for friendship, because in normal life Gail and Ehrenreich would not have spoken to each other, but when brought together they share their problems and build a relationship on the commonality of having the same hardship.
Francesca Enos
ReplyDeletePd. 6 Blaber
Question 1: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible.
Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? if so, what was your experience?
-->i see minimum wage workers at Safe Way whom work as bagging the groceries. Also you
see people working at fast food places like McDonalds to make some money. Workers who are
bagging groceries and returning carts do these jobs to make some money. They do things that the
consumers are to lazy to do and it helps keep the area around the store nice and clean. Same thing
for custodians, they clean up the campus everyday, getting little pay, and do things kids don't want
to do. in life i have never worked a low waged job.
Francesca Enos
ReplyDeletePd. 6 Blaber
Question 2:Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she hass many advantages over "real" low-wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage workers? In her desire to "experience poverty", what rules does she set for herself?
-->Barbara Ehrenreich is different from other low wage workers because she actually has a degree in college and is a very successful writer. She has things such as a laptop, and is able to buy herself things that low wage workers wouldn't be able to buy because they have to budget what they buy. Since she has such a big advantage over low wage workers, she sets rules for herself such as she needs to only spend the amount of money she makes from her low paid job. Next she needs to buy a low costly apartment for herself, and she cant go over 700$. After she needs to apply to jobs a low wage worker would apply for with most low wage workers whom don't have a college degree in writing. She doesn't include any of her high degree or recommendations inside of any of her resumes.
Francesca Enos
ReplyDeletepd. 6 Blaber
response to Brett Imamura
YOur right, if she had dont this project during this economic recession, she'd probably quit and go right back to her regular every life with out doing this experiment. i like the fact that you brought up the rising gas prices and how other house old items and necessities are getting much more pricey. On the contrary, rent for apartment complexes have gone up in price, but if a person wanted to buy a house that was once 400,000, its almost down to 300,000. homes have been getting cheaper with this recession respectively. So most likely Ehrenreich wouldnt have been able to buy a house working minimum wage, so your right Brett, she would have been losing money, and barely making life livable in these times.
Pua Aholelei
ReplyDeletePeriod 6 Mrs. Blaber
Question #1: Make a list of privileges you experience as person of your “class”. Make a list of drawbacks. How would you characterize your relationship to the American Dream? Do your goals seem achievable?
For a person in my “class”, there are many privileges as well as drawbacks. I wouldn’t consider myself extremely rich but I also wouldn’t say that I was at the brink of being destitute. The privileges of this “class” are that food, water, a home, and all the essentials needed to survive are affordable. Occasionally shopping and outings are allowed but a set budget is taken into consideration. A normal lifestyle is a privilege as well as. A child living on high or a child without money doesn’t really have a life. They are set apart from everyone else and everybody knows how much money they have. You are able to obtain an education. It may not be the best type of education, but you are learning! Along with privileges are setbacks. Outings and shopping sprees are fun and great, but if it is done enough times, it becomes hard to pay bills. A budget must be followed. An education may be obtained, but it isn’t the best. The best kinds of education aren’t affordable unless parents are willing to sacrifice enormously. The American Dream is far beyond my life right now. I do not live in the high life because of the recession that is going on right now. I do in the future hope to become successful and achieve as many things as possible! My goals do seem achievable. In fact everybody’s dreams are achieve they’ve just got to put their mind to it and they can accomplish anything!
Question #2: Unless you count Budgie, Ehrenreich had no real family responsibility during her experiment. How would her routine have changed if she were responsible for children? How would her economic circumstances have changed? Given the historical patters of childcare and the current trends in custody in divorce cases, would these challenges fall more heavily upon low wage women?
If Ehrenreich were responsible for children her experience would not only be difficult but it would be a more realistic experiment. Not many people in America struggle with money if they live alone without any children. It would have been more realistic if she had children with her during the experiment. Her experiment would be different because not only would she have to care for herself, but she would have to care for her child/children. Depending on the amount of children that she took care of, essentials and necessities would have increased. Things would be much more expensive for her because of the bills that she was obligated to pay and the food and clothing. Women in America are stereotyped to be “weak” and sometimes don’t get as much of a pay opposed to men. They don’t receive as good of jobs as men do. These challenges most definitely fall more heavily upon low wage women.
Allison Castro Period 1
ReplyDeleteQuestion #3: Why didn’t the low-wage workers just switch to higher paying jobs (Ehrenreich notes that there were higher paying jobs available)? What circumstances discourage low-wage workers from seeking out and taking the best paying job they can find?
I think this is because once a low-wage worker gets comfortable at their job, they begin thinking that’s the best they can do in terms of getting a higher paying job, or think they don’t have the potential or experience necessary to claim a higher paying job. Some low-wage workers may think that they won’t receive the same benefits that they do at their current job, like “mother’s hours.” Other circumstances could be that they can’t commute, are afraid of quitting in case they don’t get the job, can’t accept the hours because they have to take care of children or other family members, or can’t afford/don’t have the materials sometimes required like a home computer. (Ehrenreich accounts for the reader that she had to buy her own supplies for a job at Menards, in which she had to buy her own knife, vest , and tape measure. )Maybe the case for some low-wage workers is that they have manipulative boss’ (like Tom at The Maids)and are too emotionally attached to their work to leave. (This could be true for jobs like nurses or doctors.)
Question #4: Ehrenreich reports at length about the sorts of physical ailments low-wage workers have to endure. What are they? How are they dealt with?
Ehrenreich reports various ailments that plague the low-wage worker, such as back pains from the repetitive crouching movements involved with dusting and scrubbing, headaches, toothaches, muscle pains, general exhaustion/dehydration/hunger, and at one point, an allergic reaction. She says that these are mostly dealt with with a mixture of herbal and over-the-counter medications, whether it be Excedrin, Aleve, or marijuana, with which she had a “chemical discretion”. They are also dealt with with cigarette breaks and sometimes, beer.
Josie Painter
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom, Period: 1
Response to Brett's question number one.
Brett, I completely agree with you. I also feel as if most minimum wage workers need to be more greatly appreciated. They do make up a majority of society and the work force. Most things would be more complicated if it wasn't for the work that low wage workers do. The comment you made about wanting to acknowledge the minimum wage workers more is a stance that I think more people need to take, including myself. In this novel, Ehrenreich says that her waitressing job makes her bone tired and leaves her feeling "dead." This seems like Ehrenreich really works hard at her job and making the costumers happy. I think that is a job that needs to be appreciated.
Josie Painter
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom, Period One
February 1, 2010
Question One: On page 27, Ehrenreich writes: “There are no secret economies that nourish the poor; on the contrary, there are a host of special costs.” Describe some of these costs. How do the people in Nickel and Dimed deal with these costs?
There are many special costs that the low wage community has to deal with. One of those costs is that they live in motels for periods of time because they can’t afford two months’ rent for an apartment. This is stupid in my opinion because when you “add everything up” the motel ends up becoming more expensive than the apartment would have been. It is only a matter of how much money they can afford to pay in a little amount of time. Another cost is fast food. Low wage workers often end up paying for fast food, this not only jeopardizes their health but it also gets expensive. For example, if you were to buy the ingredients for a large meal instead of buying lots of little items of food, it would probably be cheaper in the long run. A third cost and final cost is health care. People on low wage incomes cannot afford health insurance. I mean, it’s all good and cheap… until they get hurt; then it gets really expensive. For example, last class we learned that in order to even walk into the emergency room they charge you $300. That is absolutely ridiculous. Medication and aid has an even price. For example, in the television show 30 Days it shows that he had to pay $40 just for an Ace bandage at the emergency room that he could have gotten at Wal-Mart for $7. These prices are crazy considering the people having to pay for these things didn’t have money to begin with. The people in Nickel and Dimed are having a hard time with paying for these extra things. Marianne takes estrogen pills to help her migraines but since she doesn’t have health insurance she is forced to pay $9 per pill. It is a tough decision whether to buy the $9 pill or suffer her terrible migraines.
Josie Painter
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom, Period One
February 1, 2010
Question Two: Most of the low-income workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. Is there a connection between “women’s work” and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for this situation.
I most definitely agree with the connotation between low wages and “women’s work.” Women are still viewed as lesser people than men in both society and home life. I think that employers are still more likely to hire a man over a woman; not in all situations, but in a lot of them. In history, women have had to work their way up in society and earn their rights. Women have become almost equal to men but not fully. I think this is because society fears a population where women have all the power, or even a majority of it. People have this thought in their brains that tell them that women can’t work as hard or well as men. This image has not only belittled the women mind but it has caused them to suffer lower paying jobs and therefore a harsher way of living.
Mrs. Rosenbloom
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
February 1, 2010
Question #3:
The Poverty Guideline is issued each year by the Department of Health and Human Services. In 2004, HHS found that for a family of four to live above the poverty line, they had to earn $18,850. Describe life in your hometown for a family of four living just above the poverty line. Where would they live? Work? What would they eat? What daily challenges would they face?
Answer: If you were living in Kailua Kona right now and just barely above the pverty line especially with the economy the way it is. Most families would either be living in low-rate rental homes or they would be living in other family members homes helping pay the rent. Some families will be getting food stamps. They would face challenges such as being able to have mobile phones or do any extra "fun" stuff such as go out to dinner or to the movies. They would most likely have moire than one job so that they don't go below that poverty line. They would have jobs in low-wage jobs such as Denny's resteraunt and Wal-Mart etc. Most until late at night. They would have trouble going home to see their children or having enough free time in their work days at all. They would have like a couple days of rest on the weekend and they would most likely spend that time resting from the last nights work. I only know this from personal experience when i moved into apatments and my mother had to work two jobs. One all day as a third grade teacher and then at night at Denny's from 5:00pm-10:00pm. It was very hard but eventually we had to move back into my grandmothers house. Thus it would be very hard for any four person family to live in Kona and just barely above the poverty line.
Chloe Adkison
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber pd. 6
Question 3: What are the significance of nutrition and health, a recurrent theme in Ehrenreich’s narrative? Who would benefit if the workers were healthier? What incentive do workers have to go to the doctor if they are ill? What happens when people who are ill wait long periods before going to the doctor for treatment?
Health and nutrition are extremely important in life, whether you are a low-wage worker or not. It is important to eat right, exercise, and maintain a low level of stress in order to promote good health. But this can be impossible when you are a low-wage worker. Healthy food costs more, exercise takes time that could be used to make money, and lack of money and trying to make ends meet increases a person’s stress level. If workers were healthier, everyone would benefit. The workers would be able to perform their jobs better which would benefit the employers and the workers benefit by not feeling up to working or having to force themselves to work. Another benefit for the workers is that they can get more done and earn more money when they are in better health. But high costs of health insurance as well as the daily stresses taking a toll on low wage workers makes it so that these benefits are rarely manifested. Most low-wage workers cannot afford health insurance but going to the hospital without health insurance makes any medication or treatment just as expensive. In August of 2009, CNN estimated that 43.5 million or 1 in 16 million Americans don’t have health insurance. Applying that to us as students that would mean that in a class of 30 students, approximately 2 would not have health insurance. It may seem miniscule, but one of them being injured would leave their entire family staggeringly poor or would leave the child to suffer through pain with no help. But what would be worse is the parents being injured and unable to work, causing even more stress on the family. This stress and responsibility forces people like Ehrenreich’s coworker Holly to forego health care in order to avoid spending any money. The only way that most low-wage workers will agree to receive medical treatment is if it is offered for free or there is welfare involved. Many won’t even accept that because they are too prideful to accept charity. When people like Holly refuse medical treatment as a way to save money, even more serious problems such as infection or a need for surgery can occur that end up doubling what the original treatment would have cost. There really is no SIMPLE solution because there are so many elements to factor into the situation.
Chloe Adkison
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber pd. 6
Question 4: Ehrenreich notes an apparent need for “approval” from the workers’ supervisor. She also notes that mass media images are decidedly negative (or absent) regarding low-wage workers, and reports a sense of feeling alone in one’s circumstance. Do you think that this is an accurate portrayal of mass media imagery (verify by noting TV or magazine images)? What economic incentives would lead the mass media to behave in this manner, assuming that you agree with Ehrenreich?
People pay more attention to shows like American Idol and Grey’s Anatomy than they do the news. These shows portray a perfect lifestyle where there is never a paycheck in question, where food stamps are never mentioned, and everyone’s dreams come true. The reality is that the doctors on shows like Grey’s Anatomy are just actors. And these actors have no concept what it is like to pinch pennies in your forties and they certainly wouldn’t dream of not having a comfortable retirement. Even the news focuses on the billionaires in the world and what new thing they have accomplished or what NASDAQ did on Wall Street and how that is affecting the banks. There is almost never an article about low-wage workers. It seems that the only time a story about a low-wage worker ever even makes the local news paper is when they die, as was the case with a 46 year old security guard who died in Waikiki on January 28th. This definitely sheds a negative light on these low-wage workers. The news article about the security guard that died mentioned that the man had arterial stenosis as a result of plaque buildup that could have been prevented by regular health checkups. This reflects badly upon the security guard as a form of negligence, rather than shedding light on the fact that the man probably couldn’t afford regular heart screenings because he was merely a loss-prevention officer at an art gallery. No matter what the case, the majority of the media that the public encounters either mentions the sad or negative aspects of the lives of low-wage workers, and most don’t mention them at all. The media chooses to be that way because low-wage workers are considered lower class and lesser than the common ones. As Ehrenreich recounted with the woman who watched her mop the floors, most consider low-wage workers to do it because it makes them feel like better people. The sad thing about that fact is that the majority of our country consists of low-wage workers and they are the same ones that watch and read and see the mass media that sheds a negative light on them, making them bitter and resentful of others.
Rachael Bianchi
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 4
Q: Most of the low income Ehrenreich encounters are women. Is there a connection between “women’s work” and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for this situation.
A: Yes, I do believe that there is a very big connection between “women’s work” and low wages today. Even though people say that they no longer see men as stronger and more independent then women, I still believe that those feelings are still around. We see them everywhere these days, one example is in construction, I don’t know about you but I have never seen any female constructors and even if there are, there are still many more men then there are women in that line of work. A historical reason is from about the early 20’s to late 80’s and 90’s men were always known as the stronger ones, and it was thought that women were useless. They had no rights and were thought low of, I still think that, that is shown today just not so straight up. That is why I see a connection between “women’s work” and low wages.
Question #4:
ReplyDelete"It is common, among the non-poor," writes Ehrenreich, "to think of poverty as a sustainable condition. They are 'always with us.' What is harder for the non-poor to see is poverty as acute distress," due to poor nutrition, homelessness, and lack of affordable housing, injuries, and little to no health insurance. Ehrenreich argues that far from being sustainable, poverty is a "state of emergency." Do you agree?
Answer: I do agree with her statement that poverty is a state of emergency because even though people say “they are always with us” as they say that they themselves are trying their hardest to stay out of that situation also. Most people who are in poverty are the ones you would never think are suffering and don't realize it until it is too. Most people are suffering from lack of health care. They will go into the hospital for an injury they have received from their minimum wage job and are not able to pay the bill because they have no health care. It is an emergency when you have millions of people who are in that situation or worse. Some on top of not being able to get health care are also struggling to pay for a home and feed themselves so they will end up going hungry to keep their home or go without a health care plan to keep a house and feed themselves. Thus no matter how hard they try they will always be in a crisis situation. So this is an emergency situation.
Jonathan Kutsunai
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber honors
2/1/10
Question 3: Early in her book Nickel and Dimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over “real” low wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to “experience poverty,” what rules does she set for herself?
She has real world experience and knows going in, it will be a drastic change and she can ease through the psychological aspect of the transition. She also has a Ph.D in biology, which is a high degree in which most low wage workers have a diploma or a bachelor’s degree at best. From that degree and her job as a journalist, her intellect has been filled with a plethora of knowledge that sets her apart from monotony. She is to take the highest paying job offered to her, not to use any work or Ph.D experience or knowledge, and she must live in the most destitute conditions that don’t endanger her safety and privacy.
Adding a little note- it states in the question that she desires to experience poverty, but when she is chosen she’s filled with premonition that her life is going to be a lot harder (no relevance to the actual question).
The Poverty Guideline is issued each year by the Department of Health and Human Services. In 2004, HHS found that for a family of four to live above the poverty line, they had to earn $18,850. Describe life in your hometown for a family of four living just above the poverty line. Where would they live? Work? What would they eat? What daily challenges would they face?
In the town of Kailua-Kona, a family of four would most likely live in the condos below KTA and up Hamburger hill because those are the cheaper condos to resonate in. Work is very limited in Kona, the only jobs they could acquired would be at fast food shops and as minimum wage paid workers at big corporate businesses. If you are living by the paycheck food and water are necessities, so coupons/money saving offers, and buying generic brand foods to save money, and to feed your family. They would face the daily troubles of bills, money earned a month, expenses, and what to cut down on. If the family has kids, they aren’t going to have a gaming console, or nice name brand clothes, and they might be shunned, outcasts in their own school.
Rachael Bianchi
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period: 4
Q: Make a list of privileges you experience as person of your “class”. Make a list of drawbacks. How would you characterize your relationship to the American Dream? Do your goals seem achievable?
A: My “class” is neither rolling big nor about to fall under. I guess that I am right in the middle at the moment. Though I do have many privileges because of where I stand economically, but I really don’t need that much. I guess that I just need the basics, food, drink, a roof over my head, family to protect me and friends to love me. Then again with every privilege there usually is a drawback, like with friends you usually go out and do stuff with them; movies, shopping, going out to dinner. Eventually those things do catch up to you and you are forced to pay for all of it which may set you down for a while. I do believe that I am still very far away from living the American Dream; I do think that one day it is possible, and I have set my goals for that. I have set my goals to do well in life and succeed.
Daisy Green
ReplyDeleteMrs Blaber. Pd.4
Question 3: Why didn’t the low wage workers just switch to higher paying jobs (Ehrenreich notes that there were higher paying jobs available)? What circumstances discourage low wage workers from seeking out and taking the best paying job that they can find?
Minimum wage workers probably do not switch jobs because they do not want to risk not having a job. Even if they do get the other job, they might have to go a week or more to get paid. Not getting paid for even a week is very tough for the minimum wage workers who need every dollar they earn. Also, in the case of The Maids, they work “mother’s hours,” which some people need, if they have children. Ehrenreich also believes that “a moral of praise [from the boss] will be savored for weeks” (116) by the workers. While working at The Maids, she notices that approval from the boss, Ted, keeps the workers going through the pain, almost as much as the money. To switch jobs will be too much of a worry and a hassle for minimum wage workers, and they would rather not take the chance.
Question 4: The workers of Nickel and Dimed receive almost no benefits – no overtime
pay, no retirement funds, and no health insurance. Is this fair? Do you think an increase in salary would redress the lack of benefits, or is this a completely separate problem?
It is not fair that minimum wage workers receive almost no benefits. Minimum wage workers have to work really hard, and if they get injured, they do not have enough money to go to the hospital or to the doctors. While Ehrenreich is working at The Maids, one of her coworkers, Holly, injures her ankle, and despite Ehrenreich trying to persuade her to go to the hospital, she will not. Holly does not want to miss anymore days of work, because she needs the money, and she will not be able to afford a hospital bill. Although an increase in salary will help with buying food everyday and paying the rent, it does not make up for having benefits like health insurance, retirement funds, and overtime pay.
Rachael Bianchi
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period:4
Q: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
A:Everywhere we turn there are minimum wage workers all around us. We see them in stores, we see them on the streets and we may even see them at home. We encounter them everyday; I encounter minimum wage workers at Wal-Mart every time I go. It’s not a bad thing; they are still making a living off of minimum wage and its fine. They provide many services such as workers at grocery stores, workers at clothing stores like jeans warehouse or hot topic, Jamba juice workers, Starbucks’ workers, waitresses, waiters. Even my brother used to be one before he went off to college. He worked at McDonalds for about 2 years getting paid $8.30 an hour. He would come home mad and frustrated because he hated work, but he still did it because he needed the money. I guess you just have to suck it up sometimes because it’s not always so easy.
Rachael Bianchi
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period: 4
Q: Early in the book Nickel and Diimed, author Barbara Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over "real" low-wage workers. What sets her apart from the average low wage worker? In her desire to "experience poverty," what rules does she set for herself?
A:In the book Nickel and Dimed the author really does have some huge advantages or things that set her apart from real low wage workers. One thing is that she is a white and Native English speaker, unlike many real low wage workers. Another is that she, unlike others has a car and doesn’t have to always wait for a bus or the subway. The last advantage over real low-wage workers is that she “probably is in a lot better health than most members of the long-term low-wage workforce” (Ehrenreich 7) Also in her desire to experience poverty she does actually set a few rules for herself, like in her search for jobs she could not fall back on any skills from her education or work. Also she had to take the lowest paying job no matter what and she had to take the cheapest accommodations possible. She then set some limits like she would always have a car, she would never go homeless or hungry, and if she ever did she would either decide to cheat or quit.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJonathan Schuler
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 4
Question 3: The workers of Nickel and Dimed recieve alsomst no benefits - no overtime pay, no retirement funds, and no health ensurance. Is this fair? Do you think an increase in salary would redress the lack of benefits, or is this a completely separate problem?
Answer: I can't say if it is fair not to give benefits to low wage workers, but one is not entitled/have the right to healthcare. These benefits are goods. It is not the employer's job to take care of you. If you dont like it, tough luck, go to another job. If I was the employer, I would give overtime benefits and health insurance, because it is good business and attracts workers and can benefit me aswell. An increase in salary may help but most likely will do nothing. If the venue raises salaries, they will most likely cut your hours and raise prices so "they" can afford it. The employees aren't the only ones with money issues. This is an intireley separate problem.
Question 4: Many of Ehrenreich's colleagues relied heavily on family - for housing and help with child - care, by sharing appliances and dividing up the cooking, shopping, and cleaning. Do you think Americans make excessive demands on the family unit rather than calling for the government to help those in need?
Answer: I think that Americans get help from their family a lot, but there are also a large percentage of people in the country on welfare. I think one should either do it on their own, or get help from family. Don't ask the government for help, because all of the money the government gives you on welfare, is tax payer dollars. So, in fact, you are asking someone to give you money that is not theirs. My Uncle is using money from his deciesed mother to help pay for the purchase of a house my mother owns. I dont think Americans make excessive demands on the family even though they might be using thousands of dollars that belongs to other members of the family.( <-- satire)
Jonathan Lomberg
ReplyDeleteQ: Most of the low-income workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. Is there a connection between “women’s work” and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for this situation.
A: Many of Ehrenreich’s low-income coworkers are women. The connection between the jobs that Ehrenreich picks up and “women’s work” is simply what society views as “women’s work”. Historically, women have been the ones who cook, clean, bear, and raise children; men have been the ones who go to work all day. Bearing in mind this stereotype, socially, women have been viewed as “less qualified” than their male counterparts. While this assumption is incorrect, it is what was socially accepted for such an extensive span of history. Since for so long women were deprived of an education, they developed many other skills. These skills have translated into many of the low-wage jobs that are now abundant in today’s economy. Still today, women, on average, earn approximately 80 cents to every $1.00 a man makes. Surely this is not because women are less qualified, it is because of the unequal society that was fabricated over so many years.
Jonathan Lomberg
ReplyDeleteQ; “It is common, among the non-poor,” writes Ehrenreich, “to think of poverty as a sustainable condition. They are ‘always with us.’ What is harder for the non-poor to see is poverty as acute distress,” due to poor nutrition, homelessness, and lack of affordable housing, injuries, and little to no health insurance. Ehrereich argues that far from being sustainable, poverty is a “state of emergency.” Do you agree?
A: Ehrenreich is correct is her statement that it is easy for the non-poor to see poverty as a sustainable condition. It is always easier to be the bystander who is not experiencing the situation. The view that “they are always with us” is quite demeaning to the ones living in penury. It implies that destitution is viewed as a part of life, not a screaming emergency. To stand in the perforated shoes of a highly unfortunate child who wonders when his next meal will be would surely change the opinions of the ignorant affable. With a full stomach, how can one empathize with a famine-stricken being? Ehrenreich is not mistaken in her view that poverty is a “state of emergency.” It is a plight that had engulfed the world. Something needs to be done when people, literally, are dropping to the ground every day.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteKelly Jernigan
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Pd. 6
Question 3: Most of the low- income workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. Is there a connection between “women’s work” and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for this situation.
While conducting her experiment, the majority of low- income workers that Ehrenreich encounters are women. I believe that because of historical and social reasons there is a connection between “women’s work” and low wages. Some of the low- income female workers that Ehrenreich encounters include employees for maid services, waitresses, store clerks, and some desk job positions. Until World War II, when nearly every man was at war fighting for our freedom, women in the United States had solely had jobs as homemakers, mothers, and wives, but with most of the males in society at away at war women had to take the jobs which the men had previously worked. This was when ‘Rosie the Riveter’ became famous. After the war the men returned home and took the jobs that the women had been working. Women had gotten used to the routine of working a job and still taking care of the home, so after World War II many women took positions at low- income jobs because men did not believe that women should be paid more then them. Men are generally viewed as being superior to women; they are stereotyped as being the family providers, whereas women are supposed to have the role of the homemaker. In order for men to fulfill their role as the family provider, they “must” bring home more money then their wives and that is why mostly women hold low- income jobs. Minimum wage and low- income jobs are considered the perfect positions for women because they do not receive many benefits and their duties often go unrecognized by society.
Question 4: Make a list of privileges you experience as a person of your “class”. Make a list of drawbacks. How would you characterize your relationship to the American Dream? Do your goals seem achievable?
As a person of my “class” and as a high school student living at home I experience many privileges that make my life easier and more enjoyable. I am fortunate to have a family that cares about me and that is willing to help me when I need help. Unlike the low- income workers Ehenreich encounters when I wake up in the morning I do not worry about where I might sleep at night or even if I will have food to eat. Because I live in America and my parents work hard and own their own business, I have always had a place to sleep, food to eat, clean water to drink, and clothes to wear. My family has also been able to travel around the country and visit an array of different places, some of which have been poverty stricken areas such as rural towns and crowded cities and also wealthy, high class towns and cities. Even though I have seen low- income areas because I have not experienced living in poverty, I do not truly know how someone who does not have a family and who is poor might think and feel about what the American Dream is. I believe that the American Dream can be anything you want to accomplish and gain in your life. For me my American Dream is to graduate form high school, attend at least four years of college, graduate from college, attain a job that pays well and that I enjoy doing, and to someday have a family of my own. My dream is not to simply to accumulate material items but to live a pleasant life in which I am able to gain wisdom and be able to share it with others. If I believe in myself and truly want to reach my goals, I can achieve the American Dream.
Brittany Denzer
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Pd. 4
Question #3: The Poverty Guideline is issued each year by the Department of Health and Human Services. In 2004, HHS found that for a family of four to live above the poverty line, they had to earn $18,850. Describe life in your hometown for a family of four living just above the poverty line. Where would they live? Work? What would they eat? What daily challenges would they face?
A family of four living off $18,850 in Kona would face many difficulties associated with rural areas. Expensive housing costs would force the family to live in South Kona in a multi-household setting. They may live in the downstairs room of a relative’s house and share amenities as well as costs. If the family consists of two parents and two children, one parent may work while the other cares for the children, since childcare is expensive. Food choices would be limited to canned goods, packaged mixes and stews. Costly fresh fruit, vegetables and meats would not be affordable. The family can only afford one used car, which the father uses to drive to the Waikoloa hotels where he works as a grounds man five days a week. The high price of gas prevents him from driving home every day, so he camps on the beach in his car until he can return home on the weekends. The mother must stay at home and depend on the availability of her relative’s car to pick up children, run local errands, and possibly some housekeeping for extra money. Unexpected medical costs, car repairs, school fees and supplies, and the desperation to hang on to a job while workers are being laid off are a few challenges a family living on minimum wage would face.
Question #4: Most of the low-income workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. Is there a connection between “women’s work” and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for this situation.
I believe there is a connection between “women’s work” and low wages. Traditionally, women’s work has been based at home and around the children’s needs, unpaid and underappreciated. Men have traditionally worked outside the home and prided themselves as the “bread winners” of the family. When the Western world became industrialized, this separation between work and home became more accentuated and set the basis for discrimination in pay between men and women. Minimum wage work tends to be based upon skills either found in the home or associated best suited for women, for example, sedentary, clerical, and jobs requiring fine motor skills. Capitalism depends on the presence of low-wage workers to maximize profit of the owners and upper management, just as a household income depends on the “free” work provided by usually women. Because of laws against discrimination, and higher enrollment of women in college and post-graduate studies, these trends are being reduced and in some areas, even reversed.
Megan Saks
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 4
Question 3: Make a list of privileges you experience as a person of your "class." Make a list of drawbacks. How would you characterize your relationship to the American Dream? Do your goals seem achievable.
In my "class" I have the privileges of attending school, having the possibility of further education open to me, a home, a family that provides for and supports me, and freedoms. I don’t need to worry about if I will be eating a meal tomorrow or if my room will still be mine in a week. Of course I still worry when I hear my parents discussing money because there is a shortage of it everywhere presently, especially since they are both teachers/educators. My concerns are not as extreme as the concerns of many people in the world today. The drawbacks of being in my "class" include, not being certain of future education options, not being able to pursue some things that interest me that require classes, and having to help my parents as they try to support me with the money they make while my mom is in school as well. From what I understand, I am currently living a version of the "American Dream." I have the freedom to go to school and get a career with which I can support others and myself. I have options open to me that make doing what I want to do possible. My goals are currently to go to college and find what I want to do for the rest of my life, which definitely seems achievable with hard work and motivation.
Megan Saks
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 4
Question 4: Most of the low-income workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. Is there a connection between "women's work" and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for this situation.
There is definitely a connection between "women's work" and the low-wage jobs that Ehrenreich works at. The jobs like house cleaning, cooking, and serving are all sexist requirements of a "good wife." In all of history, there are traces of sexism against women. Women didn't even completely have the right to vote until 1920, the culmination of much hard work for a constitutional right. In certain times in history and even in modern times in certain places, a woman's place is at home with the children. This ideal housewife is expected to take care of the children, clean the house, cook for her family and guests, and be well mannered. These are all aspects of many of the jobs Ehrenreich and many other women endure. Because women have always had an aspect of inferiority in society, it is no surprise that many of the jobs relating to things a housewife would do, are occupied by women.
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ReplyDeleteIleana Argyris
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
Mrs. Rosenbloom
Question 3: “It is common, among the non-poor,” writes Ehrenreich, “to think of poverty as a sustainable condition. They are ‘always with us.’ What is harder for the non-poor to see is poverty as acute distress,” due to poor nutrition, homelessness, and lack of affordable housing, injuries, and little to no health insurance. Ehrenreich argues that far from being sustainable, poverty is a “state of emergency.” Do you agree?
I agree full heartedly. Poverty is a state of emergency. The “non-poor” don’t know the conditions that the poor live in. They don’t know how the poor slave away day after day to earn enough money to keep a roof over their heads and food in their stomachs. All the “non-poor” know is that they see the same cashier every day when they stop at the store. They have no idea of the day to day struggles that person works at minimum wage. The poor do not have the same luxuries or aspirations as the “non-poor”. Their reality is the day to day struggle to survive.
Question 4: What is the significance of nutrition and health, a recurrent theme in Ehrenreich’s narrative? Who would benefit if the workers were healthier? What incentive do workers have to go to the doctor if they are ill? What happens when people who are ill wait long periods before going to the doctor for treatment?
Without a healthy worker, a business cannot maintain operations and would eventually have to shut down. Also, when workers are healthy, there are less industrial accidents and the workers are more productive. Healthy workers benefit businesses, communities and the GNP. When people wait long periods before seeking medical attention, they are at risk of infecting a greater portion of the general population. This action also results in needless suffering when a quick visit to a doctor can get you on a prescribed program to heal you. Many low-wage workers cannot afford to miss work to go to the doctor. Missed days of work could result in debt, homelessness, transportation issues and hunger.
Question Three:
ReplyDeleteMost of the low-income workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. Is there a connection between "women's work" and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for this situation.
There is a notable connection between the low-wage employees Ehrenriech encounters and their gender. In the early 1800's and late 1900's women were considered a lesser being than men. They were viewed as property and were mainly used for housework and family maintanence. Women have been discriminated against and have been denied certain rights, along with employment opportunities, due to their gender. Court cases like Jackson v.Birminham Board of Education and Kolstad v. American Dental Association have been preventing further discrimination from occuring.
Isla Young pr 6 Mrs. Blaber 2/1
ReplyDeleteQuestion 3: Most of the low-income workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. Is there a connection between “women’s work” and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for this situation.
Ehrenreich experiences the common encounter most of the society does not notice unless it is pointed out. Over the time of Barbara’s works amongst low-income workers she starts to realize that most of these workers are female. The connection between “women’s work” and low wages are the services both of these entitle to do for others. When you hear the words “women’s work” the first thing that comes to mind is a mother and her duties. The same services mothers perform at home for their children and spouse for no income or benefits. The similarities in these services are the cleaning, cooking, and waiting on people, both mothers and low-wage workers have to experience in their jobs or lifestyles. Many of these low-wage workers are women because they have the toleration and skills of serving others. Cleaning and cooking has always been the women in the houses job; however this belief has also traveled out into the society and into the persuadable minds of others. Over time women have listened to this tale, read about it in the historical stories of families everywhere, and finally they started to believe it themselves, joining the workforce of low-wage workers serving the society.
Question 4: Make a list of privileges you experience as a person of your “class.” Make a list of drawbacks. How would you characterize your relationship to the American Dream? Do your goals seem achievable?
During this time and age, living in Hawaii is a drawback in itself. My family and I live in an average “class” setting yet with many struggles. The privileges I experience as an average class child are some of the few group activities that ask for a small fee, several of the clothing’s that are “in” at the time, going out with friends, enjoying high school, and any of the activities that I truly want to commit to. All of these privileges happen because of my father, a single father of two with a mortgage payment of three thousand a month. The drawback that affects my family’s the most, are the costs and the way of getting money because my father is a self employed drywaller. Then again my father being a single parent with a challenging childhood supports me to strive for the American Dream and I truly believe I live it. Since I can remember my father has given me everything I have ever asked for because he believes, I deserve it. Because I grew up with the type of standards to do better and accomplish my goals, anything is achievable.
Josh Whitehead
ReplyDeleteBlaber Pd 6
Question #3: Most of the low-income workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. Is there a connection between “women’s work” and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for this situation.
Many aspects in our society today contribute to the large number of low wage female workers. One aspect is the issue of marriage divorces. The divorce rate in America is nearly half of all marriages that take place. With so much chaos going on in ones life, it would seem more likely to slip into financial trouble. And, contributing to the chaos, many times the children will end up with the mother. This adds more financial and mental burden to the mother. Sometimes the mother may have to quit her job to find a more flexible one, resulting in low wage work. Divorce is one factor for women being in low wage jobs. Other aspects of women in low wage jobs fall into America’s history. Previously, women were thought of as house keepers and children watchers. In World War One this idea changed when women were needed in the working force. It is because of the “old timers” that believe women should not work jobs like men, that women are connected with “women’s work” and low wages. They (the old timers) still think women are not capable of a “mans” job.
Question 4: What is the significance of nutrition and health, a recurrent theme in Ehrenreich’s narrative? Who would benefit if the workers were healthier? What incentive do workers have to go to the doctor if they are ill? What happens when people who are ill wait long periods before going to the doctor for treatment?
In many low wage jobs little to none is done about the workers health. A recent survey done by Vertical Response Inc. showed that 72 percent of small businesses (1-10 employees) do not offer healthcare to their employees while 24 percent of larger businesses (11-100 employees) do not offer healthcare. Most low wage jobs do not have any healthcare. No healthcare is a recurring theme in Ehrenreich’s book, Nickel and Dimed, because it is very relevant to today’s low wage working situations. Many managers do not see it fit to offer healthcare to their workers because they see it as a lose to their profits. But in reality it is a lose to their profits because sick workers means less people to make you money. Since most low wage workers can not afford any type of healthcare their illnesses go untreated, most often resulting in serious injury or even earlier death.
Question Four:
ReplyDelete“It is common, among the non-poor,” writes Ehrenreich, “to think of poverty as a sustainable condition. ‘They are always with us.’ What is harder for the non-poor to see is poverty as acute distress,” due to poor nutrition, homelessness, and lack of affordable housing, injuries, and little to no health insurance. Ehrenreich argues that far from being sustainable, poverty is a “state of emergency.” Do you agree?
I think that what Ehrenreich argues is true. It is all about perspective. The non-poor know that life can be better than that of the poor, and that they deserve better. They see that the life they’re living is not sufficient. There is so much more to life. From the poor person’s point of view they often have seen nothing better than the life they live. Their life has always been this way and many don’t expect much more. Many do not know about the many prosperities life holds and so they see their lives’ as an ‘okay’ condition.
Josh Whitehead
ReplyDeleteBlaber
Pd 6
I agree with Megan Saks in the point that “women’s work” is connected to low wage jobs and sexist views. Do to America’s history, women were thought of as house workers. Household jobs such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes and raising children were thought to be the only jobs suitable for women. I believe that some of these views may have carried over into the aspects of women’s job availability.
comment to josh on #4
ReplyDeleteI thought you answered this question very well. Giving the actual 'facts and figures' made your answer more believable and insightful. I agree with you that employers just don't see the logic in offering healthcare: healthy workers=money in the bank. I also liked how you mentioned the consequences of worker negligence, which is a big problem in America's low-wage workplaces.
Brett Imamura
ReplyDelete2/3/10
Mrs. Blaber’s per.6
Comment to Brittany Denzer’s Question #4
I agree completely on your standpoint that low wage work and “women’s work” are related. I also agree with your statement that women have been underpaid and underappreciated for the truly hard work that they do and that minimum wage work seems to need household skills, which some women possess. I thought your comparison of hard working citizens who are needed for the profits of their bosses’ to the hard working women who make the household income stronger was great. Your comparison to capitalism I though really made your point very easy to understand. Women should be respected and treated equally. It’s great that the trends of women going into certain fields of work are finally ending.
Josie Painter
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom, P.1
February 3rd, 2010
Response to Rachael Bianchi's question three...
Your answer was very well-written and persuasive. I completely agree with you. "Women's work" is still associated to low wages and it isn't right. In history, men have been viewed as the superior ones who have reign over the women. However, something that you failed to include in your answer was that women often need higher payer jobs more than the men. I say this because women often take care of more responsibilities than the men do. One example of that are single mothers. Often times women are left to raise a baby on their own when the father bails out so I think women are also more deserving of higher paying jobs. Your example of a manly job was very accurate. I have only ever seen a few female construction workers. It's the same way with jobs like mechanics, engineers and plumbers. I think women should stand up and fight for better paying jobs because they are the ones who need them.
Linda Chai
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber, Period 5
Response to Josh W's #3:
I agree with your answer and i thought you answered it quite well. I like your example of divorce being a key factor to the connection between low wages and women's work. I also like how you explained women's status in history with your example of World War I and "old timers."
Lindsey Caldwell
ReplyDeleteperiod one
second entry
Question one: nickle and dimed takes place in 1998-2000, a time of unprecedented prosperity in America. Do you think Enrenreichs experience would be different in todays economy? How so?
Answer one: our economy is going through a recession and many things like jobs are hard to find and keep. To do this experiments during todays economy would definatly be different for many reasons. For example the prices of our everyday needs like gas, food etc. Has gone up in price, which would make low wage living much harder. The unemployment rate is really high right now as well, this means that jobs are very hard to get. If you do have a job, with all these layoffs you never know if you will have that job the next day. Lastly with overall state our economy is at right now, it would just make it a lot harder. If its hard for people that were or are making money, that tells you a lot about how the low wage workers are doing.
Question two: The workers of Nickel and dimed received almost no benefits- no overtime pay, no retirement funds and no health insurance. Is this fair? Do you think an increase in salary would redress the lack of benefits or is this a completely spearate problem?
Answer two:many low wage workers don't get benefits, which is really sad since they work just as hard or in some cases even harder that the higher income workers that do get benefits. This is also not fair...for some it maybe the only way they get health insurance, and is probably the only way of getting a retirement fund. If they get a increase would make the lack of benifits okay, because that paycheck is going to have to go to the hospital bill if you get hurt and have no insurance to cover it. Your also not going to have retirement funds because your needing to spend it all the time. These two things are completely different problems.
responding to josh whitehead
ReplyDeletequestion 3
i liked the way you answered the question. it was very straight forward and to the point. i liked how you used the divorce and chilren issues, as well as the the women being needed in the work force during war war I. you made a good connection between women and low wage jobs.
Allison A
ReplyDeleteResponse to Megan
2-3-10
question 4
Megan made a good point by saying that women are given low paying jobs that traditionally would be done by "good wives." She also had good information in her answer, using background information to support her opinion.
Pua Aholelei
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 6
Response to Josh W:
Josh made really great points in his blog. The evidence that he used to support his answer was very good. I totally agree with him when he brought up the divorce and custody of children. Mothers are usually the ones who end up with the kids. He made a great point about WOrld War I and how women were underestimated. He had great evidence that supported his answer!
Malosi Correa
ReplyDeleteRosenbloom P.1
Response to Jonathan L.
On your answer that it is easy for the non-poor to see poverty as a sustainable condition, I agree. It is easier to be a bystander who isn’t experiencing the situation. Your last few sentences is powerful and persuasive one. It shows that nothing is being done about poverty and because of it there is no help, and people fall.
Chloe Adkison
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 6
Response to Ileana Argyris's Question 4:
Ileana, I appreciated some of the points you brought up about health care and how it benefits others. I agree with you that the health of the employees affect how the business runs. No matter what an employer or manager does, the employees that do the dirty work are the ones who make a company succeed. One thing that I noticed that was different about your response is how you claimed that someone who needed medical attention and refrained from doing so would end up "infecting a greater portion of the general population". I understand your reason for claiming that, but I dont think that you encompassed the whole motley of situations. If someone were to have the H1N1 flu, then yes, they could infect many in the population. But that is only one aspect of the need for medical attention. If a person were to have a broken ankle, then your claim would be erroneous. I agree with the points in your answer and you pointed out some very valid consequences for avoiding the doctor but I don't think that you fully took into consideration all aspects of the question and perhaps in your answer you should have considered many possibilities as to WHY a person wouldn't seek medical help.
Layla Zelko Period 1
ReplyDeleteResponse to Brittany Denzer
I agree with Brittany Denzer Question 4. Her suggestion that minimum wage jobs are targeted to meet the abilities that traditionally the homemaker women process. I also thought the point of how capitalism depends on the low wage work force to keep the economy running was a good point and that it addressed the social aspect of “women work”. I thought that adding the extra line about the future work force being more heavily populated with women was a good point because it showed how the traditional ideas about women and the work they can do will have to change with the times and adapt to new era of women work force.
jonathan kutsunai
ReplyDeleteMrs.Blabers pd6
Comment to Schuler
I enjoyed your take on how families rely on each other for sustenance in this time of global economic downfall. I can see how it is beneficial to separate the different chores and supplies amongst the family members who are sort of like stockholders, the stock being the different bills needed to take care of the house. You used satire in a interesting way, not that i would personally choose to use in an answer but the concept is there.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDaisy Green
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber Pd.4
Response to Josh W. Question 3:
I completely agree with you, and like how you brought up divorce and having custody of the kids, because I would have never thought of that. You’re right that divorce would put you in financial troubles, and having children will make it even worse. Ehrenreich knows how much harder her experiment would have been if she had children. She even has a job that has “women’s hours,” and knows some of her coworkers can’t leave because of that. I also liked how you brought up women having to take care of the house and children, and not being able to do a man’s work, and how some people may still think that.
Kelly Jernigan
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 6
Response to Allison Alterman— Rosenbloom Pd. 1:
I agree with your response to the question about the connections between “women’s work” and low wage jobs. Most of the minimum wage workers Ehrenreich encounters are women, because men do tend to be paid more, receive raises that are more frequent, and receive more promotions then women. When my mother used to work for NCR, as a corporate market product evaluator, she was one of the only women in her department aside from secretaries and librarians, because those were and still are considered suitable jobs for women. What you said about how some people today still believe that a man should not have to take orders from a woman is very true. I like the fact that you mentioned that women do tend to have jobs that involve frequent interaction with customers. I answered this same question in my response and did not think of this as a reason for why more women tend to hold low wage jobs then men. It is true that by human nature women are generally more patient and kind then men and many people, mostly males, believe that women should be the ones serving people, not men. You did a fine job in providing explanations as to why mostly women tend to work low- wage jobs.
Kate-Lyn Capelli
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom
Period: One
Response to Daisy Green Question 4:
I completely agree with what you said about it being terrible that the minimum wage workers receive almost no benefits, and about the money helping, but not enough to make up for the lack of health insurance, retirement funds, overtime pay, etc.; but also raising the minimum worker’s pay would cause many other effects. If they all got more money, then they would be spending more and in the end possibly cause inflammation in our society. It is sad to say, but we need minimum wage workers in our communities, and because they are minimum wage workers they will always be struggling to live. We don’t need for them to be in constant struggle, but we do need them to be paid little money for their work, which keeps our civilization intact. I cannot think of an alternate solution to this problem that wouldn’t cause many other effects, but it would help a lot if they were offered benefits.
Brittany Denzer
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Pd. 4
In response to Jonathan S.
I disagree with your stance that benefits for minimum wage workers would benefit the business. The work done by minimum wage workers requires minimum training, education, and skill and can be done by anyone in need of work-high school students, transient workers, people who need easy work experience, and part-timers. Businesses cannot afford to provide healthcare, sick leave, disability or retirement benefits for temporary workers. Many people receiving minimum wage are not interested in long-term permanent work, just receiving enough money to get basic necessities such as food and shelter. The only way a business could incorporate benefits into unskilled jobs would be to reduce pay, which cannot be done because minimum wage is legally defined. Minimum wage workers are expendable and not worth the investment for businesses given the legal and business pressures, level of work required, and abundance of people available to fill these positions.
Rachael Bianchi
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period: 4
Response to Lindsey Caldwell: Question 1
I completely agree with your response. Due to the economic recession we are experiencing today, I think that it would have made it a lot harder to live on a minimum wage job then it would have been back in 1988-2000. Like you said, almost all the prices on everything have gone up like gas, food, and water and the job options are also very scarce, which would have made it difficult. Even though some people actually make a living off of minimum wage these days, I think that Ehrenreich’s experiment would have been a lot more complicated.
Jonathan Lomberg
ReplyDeleteReply to Lindsey Caldwell Question 1:
While 1998-2000 was an unprecedented time of prosperity in America, I do not believe that Ehrenreich’s experience would have been significantly altered had she executed the “experiment” in today’s economy. Our economy is undergoing a recession, and while that means that it may be more difficult to attain a job, the life of a minimum-wage worker has not been revamped. The price of necessities has risen over the years, but so too has the minimum wage. Living paycheck to paycheck has not become any easier. Only the difficulty of attaining a job would hinder the replication of the experiment in today’s economy.
Rachael Bianchi
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period: 4
Question 5:
Q: Nickel and Dimed takes place in 1998-2000, a time of unprecedented prosperity in America. Do you think Ehrenreich’s experience would be different in today’s economy? How so?
A: Yes, I think that her experience would have been much different in today’s economy. Due to our economic recession I believe that it would have been a lot harder for Ehrenreich to get a job, and it would have been a lot harder for her to keep the job, since there have been so may lay-offs these days. Also it would have been hard for her to find a cheap place to live for the time being because since the economy is down, people have to raise their costs just to make a living. So yes I do think that if Ehrenreich had tried her experiment in 2010 it would have been a lot different. I don’t think that she could have done it, and if she did, she would have had enough to just barely get by.
Question 6:
Q: The workers of Nickel and Dimed receive almost no benefits- no overtime pay, no retirement funds, and no health insurance. Is this fair? Do you think an increase in salary would redress the lack of benefits, or is this is a completely separate problem?
The workers of Nickel and Dimed receive almost no benefits and I think that it is tremendously unfair. They work so hard and they do the dirty stuff that other people wouldn’t do and they still get paid the less and have very few benefits of doing the dirty work. If one of them gets hurt or something and their jobs don’t give them health insurance, what are they going to do? They can’t pay off bills on minimum wage, plus if they are hurt and can’t go to work how are they even going to make money at all? I do not think that an increase in salary would redress the no benefits thing, because like I said wouldn’t it just be easier to have health insurance and not have to pay any bills at all then to get paid more, but have to spend it all on the health bills. Plus the increase in pay wouldn’t even probably be enough to cover the bills. I think that managers and stuff should just give their employees more benefits and treat them right.
Megan Saks
ReplyDeleteMrs.Blaber
Period 4
Response to Allison Alterman:
I agree with you about the points you made on how low-wage workers often end up spending more than they should. I think another contributer to this is the likelyhood that these low-wage workers did not recieve good educations. Because of this they end up spending more because they don't know any other options or how to manage their money in a productive way.
Lea Shishikin
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom
Period 1
Response to Chloe Adkison - Mrs. Blaber, pd. 6:
I agree with you because its true are teachers are the number one people that we encounter with almost everyday. They are so educated, and skilled in so much and are trying to teach us; and I believe that they do way more then just people who work at Mc Donald's. So the people controlling them and who are "above" have no experience, but think that they can just place them selfs and that situation and imagine it. But no they will never see it because they mentality is already messed up. Like when people do truly work harder and use up more energy and still end up not having enough money. I see a problem somewhere here.. Its not right!!!
Lea Shishikin
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom
Period 1
Ehrenreich reports at length about the sorts of physical ailments low-wage workers have to endure. What are they? How are they dealt with?
Most low wage jobs are very physical and include lot of labor. For example, working at "the maids" Ehrenreich meets co-worker that weakened they own health and physical state working there. Some had arthritis, others back problems, but they all still work and are humble that the work given to them. Only so that they can wake up with a roof over there heads and provide for there families. Some thing that were done to avoid these problems were to give a certain job to another worker to do, and to avoid the occurring of pain. For example, Ehrenreich would take the vacuuming job so that the group leader who had back problems would have to do it and suffer.
Even when Ehrenreich has a job with an adequate salary (relative to her rent), she experiences periods in which she can barely survive, at least temporarily. Why is this the case? What policy initiative to help low wage workers might be suggested by this observation?
One situation that occurs doing her working at the maids leads her to one of these situations where she is low on money and doesn't know what to do. When one day she sees that her hands have encountered a rash that is not going away, due to some chemicals used during work. This is when she has to and buy some medicine and bandaging and get her hands checked out for her own safety. So a suggestion would be to have the workers have a medical plan insurance, and for overall have workers all wear gloves at all times to avoid such irritations.
Lea Shishikin
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom
Period 1
In response to Isla Young pr 6 Mrs. Blaber
I agree because the duties of a mother are found mostly at home. Usually the father workers and provides, but also in some situations mothers work, and that where woman's low wage occurs. Woman are more satisfied with quick work because they are more sympathetic and end up getting paid less. Also because low wage jobs are easy to get and when woman rely on their spouses they don't continue their education most of the time and end up working as low waged workers.
Ariana Matthews
ReplyDeletePeriod 1 response to
Linda chai
Period 5
Question #3
I agree with your statement that the people living in poverty are in an emergency situation. I love how you used a simile to describe their situation saying they are like and endangered species and struggling to breath ibelieve it was. It made your point more clear that they are struggling very hard to make it in society. I also like that you pointed out the fact that most of them are working two or more jobs to support them and their families and they lack the common necessities to survive. Your response was well written and I agree strongly with it. You did very well.
Layla Zelko Period 1
ReplyDeleteQuestion 5: Why did Ehrenreich stay in motels for 200 per week, which was more expensive than the going apartment rentals?
Ehrenreich stays in motels for rates that are more expensive than the going rate of apartments because the availability of apartments that are in her price range was sometimes non-existent. In the third chapter when Ehrenreich was in Minneapolis she awaited affordable apartments to open up or even a more affordable weekly paying motel. These affordable apartments never presented themselves to her and her whole stint in Minneapolis was in an overpriced motel or at a friend’s residence. Though Ehrenreich reason for staying in a motel was because there was no affordable apartment for her to go to her neighbors or coworkers reasoning for staying a in a motel could have been a different reason. Her coworker Gail in Key West did this because she couldn’t afford the down payment of an apartment which is a common reason for many low wage workers.
Question 6: Why didn’t the low wage workers just switch to higher paying job? What circumstances discourage low wage workers from seeking out and taking the best paying job that they can find?
Ehrenreich notes as she works her low wage jobs that there are higher paying jobs available that require the same amount of exertion on a person and sometimes less, because of this she doesn’t realize why her coworkers don’t switch to these jobs or demand higher wages from their current jobs. One of the reasons she found for this is that her coworkers were just too tired and beaten down by life to try to find another job. Another reason was that they just didn’t realize how important they are to the work force and to modern life and that they deserve to have enough money to live on.
Lea Shishikin
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom
Period 1
Why didn't the low wage workers just switch to higher paying jobs (Ehrenreich notes that there were higher paying jobs available? What circumstances discourage low wage workers from seeking out and taking the best paying job that they could find?
I think that some of these low waged workers weren't taking those job because they were so use to the jobs they were doing that there was nothing else they can do about it. It says that they all feel that people look down at them. Like where Ehrenreich starting working at "The maids", she were to walk into a store and everyone will know that she was a maid. Most everyone would think that and thats what the other workers thought. They believed and confirmed to them selfs that they are nothing better then maids and that there is no point in trying. Its sad to here but, when people treat you like a "slave" like substance it lowers your self of power over what you really are.
Make a list of privileges you experience as a person in your "class." Make a list of draw backs. How would you characterize your relationship to the American Dream? Do your goals seem achievable?
Some privileges I have in my "class" would be, that I could first off get an education, and have a higher chance to pursue to a higher career. More advantages of more higher jobs with the education and more jobs that are needing help. Some draw back would be, High cost for college, more requirement to graduate, more steps, and everything requires money and lots of it. An American Dream is what a lot of people can have if they want. But its also look into the matter of who they are, If there lazy they can keep dreaming but if they have a goal they can definitely succeed. My goals are very much achievable if I make it happen and never give up and become lazy and useless.
Brett Imamura
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Per, 6
Third Post Questions 5&6
Question 5: Ehrenreich found that she could not survive on $7.00 per hour- not if she wanted to live indoors. Consider how her experiment would have played out in your community: limiting yourself to $7.00 per hour earnings, create a hypothetical monthly budget for your part of the country.
If Ehrenreich wanted to conduct her experiment on the Big Island, she would have faced copious financial issues. If she wanted to live in a place like Waikoloa where I live, where the minimum rent is about $750 a month for a shared house. The drive from Waikoloa to either the hotels, Kona, or Waimea to work would be a lot of extra money to be spent. Living in Waikoloa would probably not be a very successful place to live on Ehrenreich’s budget. If she conducted her experiment in Kona, it would be possible for her to succeed. She could live in a small apartment or a shared house, as rent is cheaper in Kona in some spots then Waikoloa. She would need to have most of her budget go towards rent but the other portion she could buy cheap fast food, or buy the cheapest possible groceries, along with gas money would be nearly the rest of her funds. It would not be considered a “living wage” as she will have to struggle to survive, sometimes not having enough money.
Kate-Lyn Capelli
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom
Period: One
Question Five: Why didn’t the low wage workers just switch to higher paying job? What circumstances discourage low wage workers from seeking out and taking the best paying job that they can find?
The low wage workers didn’t switch to higher paying jobs because they had been “beaten down by life” and were just too exhausted with their lives to try to change their daily routines. Ehrenreich also states that the maid job she took had “mother hours” that could mold to fit a mothers hour. There is also the risk of not having even one weeks pay, which for low wage workers who are supporting more than themselves is a lot. Also, Ehrenreich says that her low wage coworkers never read the newspaper, and never really know about the other jobs available for them. These workers truly could move on to higher paying jobs and it wouldn’t require any more physical effort, but they just don’t. Because they have dug themselves so far down into a rut they believe that that is where they belong, and they can’t change their job. I think that it really just gets down to the fact that they just can’t move on from a rut that they have dug themselves into, and they feel too worn out and exhausted from their lives to make a change.
Question Six: Nickel and dimed takes place in 1998-2000, a time of unprecedented prosperity in America, do you think Ehrenreich’s experience would be different in today’s economy? How so?
Well, Ehrenreich did her experiment in a time of wealth in the United States, and I think that it definitely did make her experiment different than it would be today. If she were to try to conduct the same exact test in this year then she would encounter many different problems. There would be the obvious problem of the lack of jobs, and she would have a hard time finding a steady job. Even though the low wage is more than it was when she did the experiment so is everything else, like food, housing, and especially gas. Ehrenreich also likes to analyze the people who she works with and try to figure out the mind of her coworkers, and in general, the common low wage worker. If she were to do this experiment in these days, she would be encountering a whole new variety of people. Many highly educated people are now working whatever jobs they can find, and those would be the people Ehrenreich would encounter, so her social contact with her coworkers would be different. In the end there are many reasons why her experiment would be different if she tried it today, but times are constantly changing, and the only way you could know the real life of a low wage worker is if you truly lived it.
Brett Imamura
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Per.6
Third Post Questions 5&6
Question 6: Housing costs pose the greatest obstacle for low-wage workers. Why does our society seem to resist rectifying this situation? Do you believe that there are realistic solutions to the lack of affordable housing?
Our society seems to resist rectifying the situation regarding the lack of affordable housing because it doesn’t give as much money as if people made larger houses and sold them. Our society is based on money. The more money you have, the easier it is to buy the things you need or want. There are realistic solutions to addressing the issue of the lack of affordable housing. The government needs to realize the needs of the major population of the country that needs aid and address it by creating affordable housing such as an apartment building. For example, a project in Waikoloa to build affordable housing started last year but stalled late last year due to a lack of support and funding. If the government or state can pay these construction companies to build affordable housing, the housing issues could begin to lessen.
Malosi Correa Rosenbloom P1
ReplyDeleteQ5: The workers of Nickel and Dimed receive almost no benefits- no overtime pay, no retirement funds, and no health insurance. Is this fair? Do you think an increase in salary would redress the lack of benefits, or is this is a completely separate problem?
Receiving no benefits, to me, is unfair. It’s even more unfair because the story takes place in the country with the “largest national economy in the world” and is known to be the “land of opportunity (Allison, 2010).” Everyone should have benefits because it will show that there are people who care about them. Most of these low-wage workers probably feel unappreciated and lousy. Even though there is no law that says you have to give benefits to the employees, people should be taken care of. If they had an increase in salary, I would see it could help a little in the long run, but this is a completely separate problem.
Q6: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
I do agree, minimum workers probably do feel invisible. Feeling invisible, to me, is when you aren’t recognize by anyone for anything. Even though they are invisible, I see them everywhere. For instance, there are those who work at fast food restaurants and those who keep maintenance. These are low wage jobs, but they contribute widely everyday. Though I have never worked a low wage job or any job in fact, I must say that it takes hard work.
Linda Chai
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
Question #5
Unless you count Budgie, Ehrenreich had no real family responsibility during her experiment. How would her routine have changed if they were responsible for children? How would her economic circumstances have changed? Given the historical patterns of childcare and the current trends in child custody in divorce cases, would challenges fall more heavily upon low wage women?
I think Ehrenreich’s routine would have changed drastically if she had family responsibilities. If she had a child or children to take care of, Ehrenreich would have to hire a babysitter or pay for day care. She would also have to augment her salary in order to feed food for more than one person. Also her rent would have probably been higher because she would have to rent a room for more than one person. She would have to work more than one job, that both pay a high salary. If she was a single mother wanting custody of her children, she would have to spend money for a lawyer. And for low wage women, that probably would not have money for a lawyer and would have to lose their children to their ex-husbands. If they did spend the rest of their money for a lawyer and they won custody of their child, they would have ended up homeless because they would have no money to support themselves and their children.
Question #6
Ehrenreich concluded that had her working life been spent in a Wal-Mart - like environment, she would have emerged a different person-- meaner, pettier, “Barb” instead of “Barbara.” How would your personality change if you were placed in working conditions very different from the ones you are in now?
I think my conditions would change too because if I am in a new environment. A new environment would probably make someone more confuse and unsure of the decision they make and the actions they do. In a new environment, you are not aware of the things around you. You are not use to the procedure for a different life. A new situation can make you more stress and angry, which can change who you are because if it changes your attitude it is very likely that your personality will change too. When working at Wal-Mart, Barbara or “Barb” change from whom she was. She became more of a leader to help everyone get a better job and life. If I was placed in different conditions from the ones I am already in, my personality would change. I would be more diffident and demure. I would probably be more stressed too because I would not have known how things worked.
Josie Painter
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom, P.1
February 8, 2010
Question #5: Why did Ehrenreich stay in motels for 200 per week, which was more expensive than that of the going apartment rentals?
This statement seems unreasonable and dumb. However, it’s true. Ehrenreich stayed in a motel because she could not come up with the money for a month’s rent all at once. Her low wage job limited her financially to her weekly payday. She was not able to save up for an apartment either because she would have no place to stay in the meantime. This is ridiculous. I think that renters should allow their tenants to pay small payments weekly or allow more time to get the rent together. People with low wage jobs already have enough struggles and they shouldn’t have to be wasting money on a motel when they could invest in an apartment.
Question #6: Were your perceptions of blue-collar Americans transformed or reinforced by Nickel and Dimed? Have your notions of poverty and prosperity changed since reading the book? What about your own treatment of waiters, maids and sales-people?
I already knew that people of blue-collar jobs were struggling to get by in America but I had no idea of the extremity of the struggles they faced, so I guess my perceptions were both transformed and reinforced. My notion of poverty and prosperity has changed since reading the book. I now have a better understanding of how bad poverty can get in America and probably the rest of the world. My view of prosperity has changed to. I used to think that if you worked hard in life, you would be successful and the people who were suffering poverty were living like that because they didn’t work hard enough. Wrong answer, right? I now understand that even if you do work really hard, it is still a challenge to succeed and some people will never overcome poverty. My treatment towards the people in this blue-collar industry has also changed. I was always nice to the people working in this industry, never rude. But now I leave bigger tips and show greater appreciation towards their hard work.
Josh Whitehead
ReplyDeleteBlaber
Pd.6
Third Post Questions 5&6
Question 5: Housing costs pose the greatest obstacle for low-wage workers. Why does our society seem to resist rectifying this situation? Do you believe that there are realistic solutions to the lack of affordable housing?
Housing costs are one of the biggest obstacles for low-wage workers because it is the most expensive bill they must pay. Housing takes most of ones income. Society is not be bothered enough by these high prices to take action. I it is my belief that the people that own the houses or apartments know that they can charge as much as they want for rent and in a well populated city, not much can be done about unfair prices because living space is very limited. If the house or apartment owners stopped squeezing their client’s wallet dry, then the cost of housing could go down. Mortgage companies like to obtain about 33% of the client’s money for housing costs. For a low wage worker, taking 33% may not be possible for them. Housing costs are one of the biggest obstacles for low-wage workers.
Question Six: Nickel and dimed takes place in 1998-2000, a time of unprecedented prosperity in America, do you think Ehrenreich’s experience would be different in today’s economy? How so?
I think Ehrenreich’s experience would be very different in today’s economy. Our economy has drastically fallen since the time of Ehrenreich’s experience. This would make things a lot harder for her during her experiment because there would be more competition for jobs and bills would be higher. She went into her experiment at the ideal time. If she tried to do this again, in our current time, I doubt if she would be able to make it. The harsh reality of Ehrenreich’s slim chance of pulling off her experiment in this day and age is heartbreaking to me because there are thousands of Americans living in these terrible conditions. If Ehrenreich tried to do it again in today’s economy I don’t think she would be able to keep up.
Chloe Adkison
ReplyDeletePeriod 6 Mrs. Blaber
Third Blog Response
Question 5: As a reader, we get to know many of Ehrenreich's coworkers. Why does the author use personal narratives in Nickel and Dimed? Choose one person's story to examine. What about the story surprises you?
I think that Ehrenreich used personal narratives to enhance the story and perhaps make it easier for the audience to relate to. I'm not saying that Barbara's story isn't remarkable or inspiring or awakening, but it is not easy to relate to because she wasn't living in the real situations that most of America faces every minute of every day. The personal narrative that I found interesting was the story of Caroline. She was a mother of two who got on a south-bound Greyhound Bus and got off in a town just south of Orlando, Florida. The first surprise to me in her story is the fact that she left her husband just because he "wasn't involved" with the children. Most women, despite lack of love, will stay with their boyfriend or husband for the benefit of the money and second paycheck, especially if the mate isn't abusive. Perhaps Ehrenreich left something out of the story or there were details that couldn't be disclosed but from reading the account of Caroline's bouts of homelessness, over-exhaustion, and health problems, it could have been a better deal for her to stay where she was. I really enjoyed reading this real life case of trying to make it on a low wage job.
Question 6: How does managers' scrutiny-"time theft" crackdowns and drug testing-affect workers' morale? How can American companies make the workplace environment safe and efficient without treating employees like suspected criminals?
During all of her low-wage jobs, Ehrenreich’s noted how much her managers and employers degraded her by viewing her as a suspect. Ehrenreich and her collogues lived in fear of being caught conversing with others. Then, when Ehrenreich was applying for a job in Minnesota, she talks about the obvious “crimes” when applying for a job- drug use and theft. Ehrenreich also brings up that time theft is doing anything other than working on company time but that the theft of the workers’ time is not an issue. On page 149, Ehrenreich laments that, “ the intercalation of the drug test between application and hiring tilts the playing field even further, establishing that you, and not the employer, are the one who has something to prove. There doesn’t seem to be a perfect solution to the relationship between employer and employee. Both want the majority of power and either one of them are unhappy at any given moment. I agree that drug tests are important to determine how a potential employee will perform but I think that applicants should be given more freedom of opinion and an opportunity to approach an employer about injustices.
Megan Saks
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 4
Question 5: Ehrenreich reports at length about the sorts of physical ailments low-wage workers have to endure. What are they? How are they dealt with?
Ehrenreich communicates work-related physical pain at each of her jobs. Whether it is pain from a repeated action or simply from standing on her feet all day, Ehrenreich never fails to explain some sort of pain caused by her jobs. While working in restaurants, Ehrenreich talks about how she and her fellow employees are never given the chance to sit down during their shift except to wrap silverware. This causes exhaustion and a sore body and feet. While working at The Maids, Ehrenreich contracts some sort of rash, which is too extreme to even sleep with, yet she still has to come in for work. At the same job, she explains the extreme exhaustion, heat, and effort incorporated in the occupation. While in a house, maids are not allowed to let any liquid touch their lips even when extremely dehydrated. These pains are dealt with by taking an array of over the counter pain pills. Ironically, if the employers at these establishments and corporations ensured their employees health, the jobs would be done better and more efficiently.
Question 6: As a reader, we get to know many of Ehrenreich's coworkers. Why does the author use personal narratives in Nickel and Dimed? Choose on person's story to examine. What about the story surprises you?
Ehrenreich uses personal narratives to re-account incidences and people she encountered during her experiment to confirm authenticity and sympathy. Using these anecdotes gives the reader a better image of the life Ehrenreich captured and the lives that many endure full-time. Reading about the different characters Ehrenreich encounters builds a connection between the reader and the stories of the individuals. One story that astounded me was that of the twenty-three year old maid, Holly. Ehrenreich describes her as "visibly unwell" and as white as "bridal gowns, tuberculosis, and death.” She manages to feed herself, her husband, and a relative on only $30-$50 a week. This impressive feat is made even more difficult by the fact that she is extremely weak and pregnant, which she admits to Erenreich during a moment of exhaustion. Erenreich is already extremely worried about Holly when Holly steps in a hole and severely injures her ankle. Erenreich insists that Holly not work and go home and even yells at their manager, Ted, about it. Despite her intense pain and exhaustion, Holly, and her husband, insist on her working every day possible. The ordeals Holly endures to support her life are astonishing and moving.
Jonathan Schuler
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 4
Question Five: Most of low-income workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. Is there a connection between "women's work" and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for this situation.
Answer: I think that there is a moderate corrolation between "women's work" and low wages. Before this country was founded, women were thought of to be much more than less, compared to man. There only use was to for cooking, looking pretty, and keeping the house clean while "the man" was away. Even now, a lot of people are prejudiced towards women (these people are called sexists). But mainly, women are considered as equals with men. Before, married women coudnt even get a job. So, yes. I think that there is some corrolation between "woman's work" and low wages. "Some" because not everyone does sexist business.
Question Six: The Poverty Guideline is issued each year by the department of health and human services. In 2004, HHS found that for a family of four to live above the poverty line, they had to earn 18,850. Describe life in your hometown for a family of four living just above the poverty line. Where would they live? Work? What would they eat? What daily challenges would they face?
Answer: My hometown is Waikoloa, Hawaii. Life would be somewhat rough, but managable for a family of four living in my hometown just above the poverty line. In my hometown, one would pay roughly around 1,100 dollars for rent every month. This family would probably live in a very low scale condo at 900 dollars a month, or an apartment for 1400 dollars a month. A family at an apartment like this every month would only have a least 170 dollars more to spend every month. That definately does not cover gas, food for 4, ensurance, etc. If one was working in the waikoloa village, they could work at the market at the entrance of the town, but most work outside of the village. If you were above the poverty line, you would have to be making around 2000 dollars a month. You would have to be working at one the hotels on the coast along with another family member (minus gas). One would probably eat microwavable meals because of getting home late from work. This severely affects one's health. They would face challenges like school issues because of lack of time to help with their kids's homework, and more money to pay for insurance and gas.
Kelly Jernigan
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 6
Third Post--
Question 5: What are the significance of nutrition and health, a recurrent theme in Ehenreich’s narrative? Who would benefit if the workers were healthier? What incentive do workers have to go to the doctor if they are ill? What happens when people who are ill wait long periods before going to the doctor for treatment?
A person’s nutrition and health are very important, these two things are especially important for a person who is working a low wage job. Nutrition and health are extremely important for a minimum wage worker because low- income jobs often require physical labor, like many of the jobs Ehenreich does during her study. If workers were healthier and were able to eat more nutritious foods employees and the employers would benefit. Businesses and their workers would benefit from an increased amount of money, do to employees being able to do their jobs faster and better. Since many low- wage jobs to not offer benefits such as health and dental insurance, minimum wage workers often have no incentive to go to the doctor. Minimum wage workers often do not eat fresh fruits and vegetables, go to the doctor and dentist for regular check-ups or when they are ill or have a dental problem because they cannot afford it. Doctor and dentist bills are extremely high for low-income people. The price of healthcare is what causes many people to develop serious health issues because they cannot afford to go to the doctor on a regular basis or when they require special care.
Question 6: Why didn’t the low wage workers just switch to higher paying jobs (Ehenreich notes that there were higher paying jobs available)? What circumstances discourage low wage workers from seeking out and taking the best paying job they can find?
Low wage workers are often offered higher paying jobs then the ones they currently hold because, many do not take the highest paying job they find. Because low wage workers often require a flexible work schedule and need large amounts of hours each week they often do not take the highest paying job available to them. Ehenreich was offered many higher paying jobs then the ones she took because the higher paying jobs would not have made her less money then she earned while working multiple jobs at low income businesses because, the low income jobs provided her with more hours. Low wage workers often need a flexible work schedule so that they can take care of their families and work multiple jobs at more then one place, in order to earn more paid hours each week.
Daisy Green
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber Pd. 4
Question 5: Why did Ehrenreich stay in motels for 200 per week, which was more expensive than apartment rentals?
Ehrenreich stays in motels, even though it is more expensive than an apartment, because she can’t come up with enough money for a whole months rent. With a motel, she only has to pay by the week, allowing her to come up with the money. Another reason that she doesn’t rent an apartment is because she can’t find any cheap, available apartments. When she finds an affordable apartment at the Hopkins Park Plaza that can be paid on a weekly basis, she finds out that there are a copious amount of people trying to get into the same apartment. At the time Ehrenreich is in Minneapolis, “the vacancy rate is less than 1 percent” (138), so the chances of her finding a cheap apartment are slim. The only thing Ehrenreich can do is stay in a motel, until an apartment opens up.
Question 6: Nickel and Dimed takes place in 1998-2000, a time of unprecedented prosperity in America. Do you think Ehrenreich’s experience would be different in today’s economy? How so?
If Ehrenreich did her experiment today, I do not think she would be able to pull it off. Ehrenreich did her experiment in a time of prosperity, but she still struggled. Right now, America is having an economic recession, meaning it will be even harder for her to find a job. She will have to compete for a job with the copious amount of unemployed people, some of which are actually highly educated. Food, gas, and the cost of rent have also gone up, so she will have a difficult time paying for everything without running out of money.
Jonathan kutsunai
ReplyDeleteMrs.Blaber
Question 5: Were your perceptions of blue-collar Americans transformed or reinforced by Nickel and Dimed? Have your notions of poverty and prosperity changed since reading the book? What about your own treatment of waiters, maids and sales-people?
Its a topic which has made its name throughout every form of media, and is one of the crisis being handled by our government. My thoughts on those americans were reinforced by
Ehrenreich and her personal experience of being lower class and the experience of those who have are trying to last through the day. Poverty has always been a thought which sometimes loses its importance, but when you see it a copious amount of times, you never really forget. Middle class americans feel like their struggling to get through the month, yet there are the poverty stricken who worry about getting to the next day. Middle class also tend to lose perspective, even though they are lower compared to the rich, they aren't the lowest and are in better shape in comparison to the latter. My parents instilled in me that if a server does their job correctly to give a fair tip, I know its not a lot, but to working poor that tip could be their next meal, it's eye opening the amount of poverty worldwide.
Question 6: After reading Nickel and Dimed, do you think that having a job-any job-is better than no job at all? Did this book make you feel angry? Better informed? Relieved that someone has finally described your experience? Galvanized to do something?
I think even if it is a minimum wage job, with no benefits, is still better than having no job at all. Your still getting money to pay for some of the necessities needed to function as a human. Those who receive no income have no choice, they are forced to be homeless, forced to starve, little to no chance of the American Dream. I was slightly agitated that there was all this poverty in America 10 years ago and in the present, we're no better, even worse shape than ever. I feel like someone (maybe one of us students) should start an organization to help those who are homeless, or barely getting by. We have a multitude of organizations, focused primarily on health, education, and world relations. Even though helping out is great and makes your character better, our nation is struggling and we should start focusing on our economy, then helping out the world, as selfish as that might sound.
Isla Young
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber Pr 6
Question 5: On page 27, Ehrenreich writes: “There are no secret economies that nourish the poor; on the contrary, there are a host of special costs.” Describe some of these costs. How do the people in Nickel and Dimed deal with these costs?
Ehrenreich talks about the low-wage workers and how “There are no secret economies that nourish the poor; on the contrary, there are a host of special costs” (27). Living in poverty is full of costs and ways to pay of expenses for living conditions. Barbara experiences the costs that copious of low-wage workers live with every day; costs for rent, groceries emergence, and pocket money for the day. When struggling with money the best choice would be to “… eat fast food or hot dogs and Styrofoam cups of soup that can be microwaved in a convenience store” (27), because it is the easiest and cheapest at the end of the day. Another main cost is physical care if you have no money for health insurance because “… you go without routine care or prescription drugs and end up paying the price” (27). My father can relate to these characters in Nickel and Dimed because he has been living and raising my brother and me for nineteen year without any type of insurance. The only reason I am up to date with my shots and my father is not out of a house is because my grandmother pays and takes me to the doctor and underage children with no insurance get discounts on vaccines. A similar character in Nickel and Dimed is “… Marianne’s boyfriend [who] lost his job as a roofer because he missed so much time after getting a cut on his foot for which he couldn’t afford the prescribed antibiotic” (28). Characters or real life people, both have to choose between just biting your lip and paying the price or dealing with the consequences because these are the only decisions to move on in life.
Question 6: As a reader, we get to know many of Ehrenreich’s coworkers. Why does the author us personal narratives in Nickel and Dimed? Choose one person’s story to examine. What about the story surprises you?
Barbara Ehrenreich uses personal narratives in Nickel and Dimed to have the audience experience the personal lives of who is really working low-wage jobs to support their families. The majority of Ehrenreich’s coworkers are women of various ages working to support themselves or more. Two stories that grabbed my attention while I was reading about Barbara working in Maine at a place called “The Maids.” The stories come from the coworkers Barbara meets her first week working at “The Maids”, the first ladies name is Pauline and she is the eldest of the workers and Maddy a single mother. Unlike a lot of low-wage Pauline the eldest of the other maids owns her own house; however that is not the reason she stood out from the others. Although Pauline owns her own house “… she sleeps on the living room sofa, while her four grown children and three grandchildren fill up the bedrooms” (79). Crowdedness is a sign of living in poverty and in Pauline’s case, she is being expunged out of her own bedded rooms and soon to be house if she does not change it. Another story that made me think is Maddy’s a coworker Barbara works with within their groups for her first week. Maddy is “… a single mom of maybe twenty-seven or so [that has only been working at The Maids] for only three months and broods about her child care problems” (80). This character stands for copious single mothers that have to provide meals, a roof over their heads and clothing to profuse amount of children and have no insurance to depend on in case of emergencies. The average low-wage $6 to $7 an hour is not enough to support twenty-seven kids or four at the most with a single parent headed family. Yet single mothers and fathers are doing it every day.
Jonathan Lomberg
ReplyDeleteQ: Unless you count Budgie, Ehrenreich had no real family responsibility during her experiment. How would her routine have changed if she were responsible for children? How would her economic circumstances have changed? Given the historical patterns of childcare and the current trends in child custody in divorce cases, would these challenges fall more heavily upon low wage women?
A: During Ehrenreich’s experiment, she had no substantial familial obligations. Had she been responsible for children, surely her economic circumstances would have shifted. If Ehrenreich bore the responsibility of children, she would not have been able to work as many hours. In turn, this could affect her ability to maintain a job. Ehrenreich’s slashed working hours would result in a decreased income and children are very expensive. Ehrenreich’s expenses would be exponentially higher. She would have all of the same difficulties as she did as a single woman living in a destitute environment- just worse. She would not be pocketing nearly as much money. As a single mother, Ehrenreich, given her terrible situation, would most likely require assistance from the children’s father. Given the historical patterns regarding child custody, it may be difficult for Ehrenreich to acquire assistance from the father. Although bringing the father to court is an option, it is also costs more money- more money that Ehrenreich does not have. These economic challenges impact low-income mothers severely simply because of their poverty-stricken state.
Jonathan Lomberg
ReplyDeleteQ: Were your perceptions of blue-collar Americans transformed or reinforced by Nickel and Dimed? Have your notions of poverty and prosperity changed since reading the book. What about your own treatment of waiters, maids, and sales-people?
A: After reading Nickel and Dimed, my perceptions of blue-collar Americans were transformed. Hearing about poverty, and even seeing poverty, real life or not, is not the same as hearing the actual day-to-day struggles of the American low-income class. The image of prosperity in America is merely a façade put on the upper 20 percentile of Americans- the same percentile that is slowly seceding from America. When the truth is that the hefty majority of citizens of this great nation are not living prosperous lives, but working long hours for miniscule compensation; or even worse, struggling to obtain a job. In the economic depression, the result is over-qualified persons applying for low-skill occupations. Many people commiserate over this unacceptable situation. My personal behavior toward the working class has not been altered. I always show respect to people. I feel there is a respect that people deserve simply as entities, but especially people that are doing something positive like working. It does not matter whether it is a new employee at a fast-food joint, or a manager of a large company. Neither is frowned upon in my eyes. It is the people who do frown upon the low-income workers that are to be frowned upon.
Allison A
ReplyDeleteRosenbloom 1
2-8-10
Q.5
Ehrenreich reports at length about the physical ailments of low-wage workers. What are they? How are they Dealt with?
From lifting heavy items and bending over all day, many workers have bad lower backs. Many other stress related pains are common because of the amount of repetative work that a low-wage employee does. These workers don't eat properly because they have no money for healthy food so they suffer from under or malnutrition. They deal with their pains by taking pain medication.
Question 6
Were your perceptions of blue collar America changed? Do you treat these workers differently now?
I definitely view low-wage workers differently now. I have more respect for what they accomplish and what they must go through every day. I realize that if there is a tip jar, I owe it to them to leave something in there because they rely on tips to get them through. I understand now when employees get frustrated easily, or have annoying attitudes, and have become more patient with poor english speeking workers.
ps My stuff keeps getting deleted i hate this thing!
Jen Pham - Period 6 - Mrs. Blaber
ReplyDeleteQuestion 5: Ehrenreich reports at length about the sorts of physical ailments low-wage workers have to endure. What are they? How are they dealt with?
->Low wage workers endure many physical aiments due to the background of their jobs and the tasks they are required to perform. Ehrenreich describes headaches, toothaches, cramps, arthritis, backs pains concieved from tasks such as scrubbing, and muscle pains. Most of these hard working low class cope with the inexorable pains with pain relievers such as Advil or Excedrin, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, using drugs, as well as legal and illegal herbals.
Question 6: Ehrenreich found that she could not survive on $7.00 per hour -- not if she wanted to live indoors. Consider how her experiment would have played out in your community: limiting yourself to $7.00 per hour earnings, create a hypothetical monthly budget for your part of the country.
-> Hawaii is a fairly expensive place to live in although the climate is a lot warmer, so if one could not afford indoor housing, it would be possible (although not preferrable) to live without a home. If this experiment were to be conducted in Hawaii, it would have resulted a lot differently, because in this time period prices aren't very feasible and a low wage worker making $7.00 an hour would have a difficult time making ends meet. One of the cheapest rental prices I've heard of is $400 a month, and if one worked ten hours a day every day, making $7.00 an hour, they would earn $70 a day, $490 a week and about $3430 a month. This is pretty reasonable pay for one person, but many people must care for their families, as well as electric bills, water bills, food costs, as well as the occasional clothing articles.
Lindsey Caldwell
ReplyDeletePd: one
Mrs. Rosenbloom
Question 1: Ehrenreich experienced remarkable goodwill, generosity, and solidarity among her colleagues. Does this surprise you? How do you think your own colleagues measure up?
Answer 1: many think that people who work minimum wage jobs and are not teenagers are rude, and just the kind of people you don't want to be around. But actually they are just like you and me. Except they may not be as educated or don't have enough money. They are down to earth people who just want to make people happy, and get paid so they can stay a float.
I have never worked a minimu wage job before, but I'm sure my colleagues would be caring, generous and goodwilled. I think the personality of your co workers depends on the job you are working.
Question 2: how does managers' scrutiny- "time theft" crackdowns and drug testing- affect workers moral? How can American companies make the workplace environment safe and efficient with out treating employees like criminals?
Answer 2: most people don't want to be accused of being something their not, especially a criminal. For many they feel a little angry and irritated because of having to go through these interogation like interviews, and take a drug test all for a job that may not even pay for dinner. Some are more frustrated with this process than others but usually most forget about it as soon as they know they have gotten the job. if the companies never did these test and crackdowns it could not only put the company in danger but also its workers. i dont think there is another way for the working environment to be safe and efficient with out doing these test. which is why i think they are important and the employees should understand that.
Talea Lischetzki
ReplyDeletePer. # 6
Question One: Ehrenreich reports at length about the physical ailments of low-wage workers. What are they? How are they dealt with?
There are several physical restraints on the low-wage workers. Firstly, they work long hours that often require time on their feet such as housecleaning, waitressing, or maid services. They often have very poor health due to their lack in health insurance which restricts them from getting proper health care. Often, those who cannot afford to pay for health have very poor health and are given very little health benefits. The low-wage workers often work very long, unrelenting hours. This affects their health because sleep is a very essential part in one’s body and mind. Long hours also lead to aching bones and joints which further affect one’s health.
Question Two: Q: Were your perceptions of blue-collar Americans transformed or reinforced by Nickel and Dimed? Have your notions of poverty and prosperity changed since reading the book. What about your own treatment of waiters, maids, and sales-people?
My perception on low-wage workers has definitely changed from this book. At first, I believed that if one really works hard enough they can achieve their dreams. I believed that the “American Dream” really was always attainable. But this book has opened my eyes to see that sometimes hard work really isn’t enough. These low-wage workers are some of the hardest working people I’ve ever heard of, and they still barely get by. It shows that sometimes money is all that matters. And, without money you have a much, much less chance of living a comfortable life in this over-glorified place called America.
Ileana Argyris
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom
Period 1
Unless you count Budgie, Ehrenreich had no real family responsibility during her experiment. How would her routine have changed if she were responsible for children? How would her economic circumstances have changed? Given the historical patterns of childcare and current trends in child custody in divorce cases, would these challenges fall more heavily upon low wage women?
Ehrenreich’s routine would have changed drastically is she were responsible for children. Most of her budget would go towards food, clothing and child care. This would mean less money to spend on gas or rent. One short coming would be horrendous. If she got sick, that would be a loss of resources and could possibly put her and her child out on the streets for a few nights or more. Her whole routine would be thrown off balance. There is no room for error. However, there are some benefits one can get if children are involved. Some of these benefits include welfare, church services as well as family support services.
Why didn’t the low wage workers just switch to higher paying jobs (Ehrenreich notes that there were higher paying jobs available)? What circumstances discourage low wage workers from seeking out and taking the best paying job they can find?
Low wage workers didn’t switch to higher paying jobs for a reason. According to Nickel and Dimed, most of the help wanted ads were so that businesses had people to hire in the case of a turn over. Another circumstance is the application process. Many low wage workers do not wish to complete this process and do not have the time or patience to do such. With the crazy hours they work, they cannot dedicate the energy needed to apply for jobs. They get so tired that they can’t think of finding a new job and have other matters to attend to as well. Low wage workers don’t have time to waste.
For some reason, I've had to post this about three times for it to actually show up.
ReplyDeleteKatie Radova
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
Question: minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers? What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
Answer: Most of the time I encounter with minimum wage workers at any store or any fast food restaurant or gas station. They provide a variety of services. They work as a waitress, cashier in a store, restaurant or a gas station. They help customers and they show respect, but they not always receive respect they should. For example when you ask a low wage worker any kind of question and when they give you a wrong answer you may say thank you or you might tell them something that would asset him or her. You should respect low wage workers because they are humans and they have feelings too. I have never had any kind of job before.
Katie Radova
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
Question: Nickel and Dimed takes place in 1998-2000, a time of unprecedented prosperity in America. Do you think Ehrenreich’s experience would be different in today’s economy? How so?
I think Ehrenreich’s experience would have been very different, because we have crisis and it’s hard to find a job. The rents are expensive and if you don’t have a job you are probably a bum. I think for Ehrenreich it would be slightly easier to find a job because she speaks a second language. And when you work a low wage job you can talk to the customers even if they don’t speak English.
Katie Radova
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
Question 1: Make a list of privileges you experience as a person of your "class". Make a list of drawbacks. How would you characterize your relationship to the American dream? Do your goals seem acheivable?
Answer: In my life I have so many privileges especially here in America, because America provides good education, and you can go to college and achieve American dream even if don’t really have money. You can get a scholarship and still achieve your American dream. I don’t think I have any drawbacks. Maybe it’s my laziness of doing work, and that is it.
Question 2: Why did Ehrenreich stay in motels for 200 per week, which was more expensive than apartment rentals?
Answer: Ehrenreich is renting a motel even though it is more expensive than apartment is because she can’t find an apartment that is cheap and you can pay week by week. When she finally finds one there are other people that want it also. The other reason why she is renting motel is because she can pay week by week. She wants to pay week by week because she doesn’t have enough money to pay for the whole month.
Katie Radova
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
Response to Rachael Bianchi
I agree that it would be hard for her to get a job now in 2010 because of our bad economy. And it would be really hard to find a cheap place to stay at. I think she has more opportunities to get a job than any other American person, because she speaks another language. It will still be hard
Response to Chloe Adkison
I agree that it is almost impossible to be healthy when you are a low wage worker, because they eat fast food because they can’t afford organic. They are stressed and tired so most of the low wage workers use Tylenol, Advil or something else. They have barely any money for their rent so how do you think they will pay for their health insurance.
Question 3:
ReplyDeleteOn page 27, Ehrenreich writes: "There are no secret economies that nourish the poor; on the contrary, there are a host of special costs." Describe some of these costs. How do the people in Nickel and Dimed deal with these costs?
--> Some of the costs that Ehrenreich is speaking of are the expenses for having an apartment, transportation, and living expenses for food and water. Ehrenreich dealed with these costs by trying to get another job. Some people, like her friend gail, rely on the health plans given to the employee for health pays or medication.
Question 4: Most of the low-income workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. is there a connection between "women's work" and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for this situation.
--> Most of the low waged workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. Most women need to deal with raising a child on their own, or going through college at the moment. They need to support for themselves and for their children or family. The women's rights movement was established to ensure that women would have the same rights as men and allowing them to work along side with men. Even though this has given the world a better and more dynamic life style they're are still some feminists who believe women cant be as successful as men. And sadly that is some of the issues that Ehrenreich see's in this experiment.
Francesca Enos
ReplyDeleteBlaber
od. 6
Response to Katie Radova
Yes america does give us good opportunities that most countries do not have, and everyone has a drawback, laziness is something that we both have to work on.
Jen Pham - Period 6 - Mrs. Blaber
ReplyDeleteResponse to Ileana Argyris - Period 1 - Mrs. Rosenbloom
Question: Unless you count Budgie, Ehrenreich had no real family responsibility during her experiment. How would her routine have changed if she were responsible for children? How would her economic circumstances have changed? Given the historical patterns of childcare and current trends in child custody in divorce cases, would these challenges fall more heavily upon low wage women?
Ehrenreich’s routine would have changed drastically is she were responsible for children. Most of her budget would go towards food, clothing and child care. This would mean less money to spend on gas or rent. One short coming would be horrendous. If she got sick, that would be a loss of resources and could possibly put her and her child out on the streets for a few nights or more. Her whole routine would be thrown off balance. There is no room for error. However, there are some benefits one can get if children are involved. Some of these benefits include welfare, church services as well as family support services.
-> Ileana's statement is true in the sense that if Ehrenreich were responsible for children her experiment would have dramatically been altered, particularly for the worst. When she states that there are also benefits, one could disagree because even though certain services such as welfare are provided, these services often don't cover the full costs of a child's needs. For example, one service, WIC provides dairy products such as milk and cheese, as well as baby formulas, and bread. If Ehrenreich were responsible for a child, this WIC service could cover her child's food needs, but then there are also clothing needs and school needs depending on wether or not the child is old enough. There are places such as Salvation Armys as well as thrift stores, but even at that these stores still cost money. Although Ehrenreich could have probably managed taking care of a child by getting ANOTHER job as well as child services, she was already having a difficult time caring for herself on low wages, and a child would simply tighten her small budget.
Lea Shishikin
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom
Period 1
In response to:
Kelly Jernigan
Mrs. Blaber
Period 6
I agree with Kelly, because our help is very important, and others as well. So if we go out there and eat or be in a dirty not sanitized environments we can get sick. I would also not want to go to such a place, so therefore that if Ehenreich works in suck a place then that means that not a alot of people will enjoy it and of course it would be a low paying job. But if it were clean, sanitized, and neat then maybe there would be more people and comfortable for employ's and costumers. It may also lead to a higher paying job.
Kate-Lyn Capelli
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom
Period: one
Response to Linda Chai Question Five:
I agree with your response to how Ehrenreich’s life would have changed if she had a family with her, but it was little over the top; I don’t know if they would end up homeless, but it would be much harder for her to live her everyday life. I liked how you mentioned the bigger space and child custody cases, which is true that they can both pose big problems. Although if you can’t afford a lawyer for a child custody case you do get one for free form the state, but you lose the time that you need at work. You also could have included the time she would have to spend with the child, and that would take away from time that she should be working. Altogether I liked what you said about how it would be a harder experiment if she has family responsibilities.
Megan Saks
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 6
Response to Linda Chai: You stated that Ehrenreich's routine would have changed drastically if she had to care for a family. I agree completely with this statement. No matter what class you abide in, caring for more people than yourself is difficult. Even the extremely wealthy hire other people to raise their children. Supporting a child or adult is an extremely exhausting and strenuous commitment. Like you said, Ehrenreich would have to use her already miniscule salary to pay for day care, food, and a higher rent. Not to mention, Ehrenreich's necessary support would also have an impact on her psychologically. If she were caring for a child, she would probably suffer the aching of a mother who cannot adequately provide for her child or give them a comfortable life.
lindsey caldwell
ReplyDeletepd 1
mrs rosenbloom
responding to francesca enos: question 4
your answer to the question about low wage and womens work was answered well, and i liked it. however you needed to put more information on womens roles in history. this would have made the question anwered all little more completely. other than that it was good.
question 3: i also liked your answer for the question about the special costs. you did explain a little but it would have been a little more interesting if you would have went into it more. it was a good responce other than that.
Josh Whitehead
ReplyDeleteBlaber
Pd 6 (the BETTER period)
Response to Jen Pham’s question 5:
I agree with Jen in that “low wage workers endure many physical aliments due to the background of their jobs…” I also think that low wage workers are pushed harder in their jobs compared to the top fifth of America. All this hard work does call for more medical attention, like Jen said, “…pain relievers such as Advil or Excedrin, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, using drugs, as well as legal and illegal herbals.”
Pua Aholelei
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber Pd 6
Response to Katie Radova:
I like how you said that here in America, especially for you, there are "better" privileges which leads me to think that you are an immigrant. For the most part I would agree with you. Yes, there are more privileges here as opposed to other countries and yes there is a better education here but I would have to disagree with you when you say that anyone can achieve the "American Dream". Not everyone can achieve it. The "American Dream", in my opinion, is a rhetorical thing unless you put it into action. For some fellow Americans, its a struggle to get at least half-way to the American Dream. Poverty is an obstacle that most people face. It has increased in number since the economical fall. Because of poverty, many aren't even able to reach the American Dream. It was great how you connected it to your life but more evidence to support your answer would have made your answer complete!
Francesca Enos
ReplyDeleteBlaber pd. 6
Question 5:
The Poverty Guidline is issued each year by the Department of Health and Human services. In 2004, HHS found that for a family of four to live above the poverty line, they had to earn 18,850. Describe life in your home town for a family of four living above the poverty line. Where would they live? Work? What would they eat? What daily challenges would they face?
--> For a family of four to live above the poverty line there would have to have at least two members of the family working and making at least 8$ an hour to abide on living well. People in Hawaii would most likely be living in homes that are either inherited down thru family. Or they could be living in apartment complexes. Most jobs in Hawaii would be waitressing, housekeeping, recreation, maid, or bartender. A lot of families would probably buy food at markets or budget their money when they go to Costco for bulk portions of food. They would have to be challenged with, who's going to take the kids to school, and if they have money to pay for the months rent. These people may not have as much struggle as the people living in Poverty in Ehrenreich's book, but stress is something thy all have in common.
Francesca Enos
ReplyDeleteBlaber pd.6
Question 6:
Make a List of privileges you experienced as a person of your "class". Make a list of Drawbacks. Ho would you characterize your relationship tot he american dream? DO your goals seem achievable?
--> I have many privileges that a lot of people don't. I am able to go out on a Friday night while others have to work. I can go to the beach, and hang out with my friends while some have to take on more responsibility than i do. i do have some drawbacks, i do work, but its for my benefit, not to take care of others. I sometimes need to babysit, and thats something that i need to remember is a BIG responsibility. I need to work on my laziness and start to see that around the corner we'll be graduating and fulling stepping into life and the working field. The American Dream to me is something my dad says he's living, "with a beautiful wife, 2 daughters and a great home". I want to have the same type of life that he's living and for that i need to preservere and work hard, tot realize that all my goals are achievable.
Question #5: Ehrenreich notes an apparent need for “approval” from the workers’ supervisor. She also notes that mass media images are decidedly negative (or absent) regarding low-wage workers, and reports a sense of feeling alone in one’s circumstance. Do you think that this is an accurate portrayal of mass media imagery (verify by noting TV or magazine images)? What economic incentives would lead the mass media to behave in this manner, assuming that you agree with Ehrenreich?
ReplyDeleteI agree that mass media images regarding low-wage workers are decidedly negative (and sometimes, nonexistent). Shows like “Dirty Jobs” depict the horrors of low-wage jobs, including road-kill collectors and cow poop sifters. After watching this show…well, it’s no wonder that most people who know nothing about low-wage workers consider them either incompetent, lazy, or both. Major news stations like CNN hardly show minimum wage workers at all, preferring to highlight government scandals and “The American Spirit” (which is pretty much a segment about people who rescue stray animal and save babies from burning buildings). Magazines ignore the issue of minimum wage workers, choosing to display the exact opposite: models in lavish homes wearing expensive clothing. Mass media behaves this way because, honestly, no one wants to see a documentary about low-wage workers lives. The bottom line is money; disheveled people and run-down homes just don’t sell. It’s depressing to most, and the sympathy isn’t there anymore. Most people are detached idiots, not realizing or caring about the problem of poverty until it’s literally at their doorstep, in the form of an eviction notice. The never-ending pursuit of money (which has become synonymous with happiness) is what I believe drives this depiction of low-wage workers.
Linda Chai
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 5:
Response to Francesca's question #4:
I like the social and historical examples you used to explain women’s work, but I thought you could have elaborated more for the examples to explain the connection between women’s work and low wage jobs. I also think that you could have use examples from the text to showcase the similar issues Ehrenreich goes through in the experiment. I like how you said that most women deal with going to college because that relates to how women are not treated equally enough before in order to get an education. I also like how you portrayed the women’s rights movement in your piece because it shows that the struggle women had before. Women did not have the same rights as men. Sometimes it seems like women’s work is more because women are the ones that have to support their children and family.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIsla Young
ReplyDeleteMrs.Balbers
Lovely pr 6
My Response to Kate-lyn Capelli's question #5
I have to disagree with you because of my own opinion and point of view on the reasoning why low-wage worker are stuck in the mediocre daily routines they live. I do not agree that these workers are offered higher paying jobs because they are unskilled and would not be able to fit the requirements for that type of job. I believe these people are working low-wage jobs everyday because of their past education, living environment, and the unfortunate effects they have experienced. Also the society looks down on those who are uneducated or living in poverty. As a single mother working to provide for a family of three on $6-$7 an hour cleaning other people’s houses for a living, it is not her choice, however she has no other option because she had gotten pregnant when she was 20 and could not afford to finish college, now she is forced to limit herself to have successful life for her family and herself. Because these low-wage workers are drained emotionally and physically, the percent of them that would apply to a higher paying job, if it was offered is obviously high. No one actually chooses to live in poverty; there might be bad choices that result in lower class environments nevertheless sometimes there are no opportunities offering these low-wage workers a chance of help out of that lifestyle.
Layla Zelko Period 1
ReplyDeleteResponse to Talea Lischetzki
I agree with your question one on the physical ailments of workers. Your three points were very insightful and used evidence from the text. I particularly liked your points on the lack of sleep. I don’t believe this was a particular problem with Ehrenreich because she only worked one job a day and though she often worked late she got to wake up late because of this. I liked your connection on increased aches and pains and lack sleep. It makes a huge difference to your health if you get enough sleep.
Daisy Green
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber Pd. 4
Response to Talea Lischetzki second question
I completely understand what you feel, because I thought the same thing, that hard work will lead to the American Dream. Minimum wage workers work way too hard, for their little pay. I bet that the CEO of a company will not continue through the pain, like Holly, one of Ehrenreich’s coworkers, did after she hurt her ankle. The CEO would go to the hospital, and get it fixed, but all Holly could do was continue with her job with The Maids, enduring the pain. Even Ehrenreich says that “no job, no matter how lowly, is truly unskilled” (193). Minimum wage jobs are really hard physically and mentally, but because they do not have to do with analyzing data and numbers, or giving a speech to an important committee, they are considered “unskilled,” resulting in their little pay.
Jonathan Lomberg
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 6
Response to Ileana Argyris Question 1
I previously answered this question, and arrived at a similar, but not mirrored, conclusion. Ileana approached this question from a similar angle, but incorporated different aspects of having children in to her response. While I mainly narrowed in on the negative aspects, and difficulties of having children, and what a burden they would put on top of a mother struggling financially, Ileana’s answer was much more well-rounded. She focused on the difficulties of having children as well as the benefits of having children. She discusses how “there are some benefits one can get if children are involved”, including “welfare…church services…[and] family support services”. I think it is terrifically important to consider all possible outcomes before making a colossal decision such as having children. I appreciated this enhanced perspective of the question.
Josie Painter
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rosenbloom, P.1
February 11, 2010
Response to Kelly Jernigan's Question 6:
I agree to your statement but I also think that you forgot a couple of reasons. Yes, they did have to make a certain amount of money each week. However, they also didn't really have time to search for higher paying jobs. Their work schedules were already hectic and that's on top of caring for your family, paying the bills and doing all of the other duties that life requires. Also after working those hard jobs, it's tough to find a better one. Many of the low-wage workers are "bone tired" from work and they don't have the time or the physical strength to go through an application process.
Brittany Denzer
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Pd. 4
Question 5: Unless you count Budgie, Ehrenreich had no real family responsibility during her experiment. How would her routine have changed if she were responsible for children? How would her economic circumstances have changed? Given the historical patterns of childcare and current trends in child custody in divorce cases, would these challenges fall more heavily upon low wage women?
Caring for a child is an extremely demanding job for any parent, but financial limits experienced by minimum wage earning families can make raising a child even more difficult. Ehrenreich conducts her experiment solo, so her choices only affect herself. The lifestyle of a minimum wage worker is often lived in a temporary manner; shelter, food, transportation and jobs are constantly being reconsidered and changed depending on income, resources, and opportunities available. While an individual may be able to cope with these events, it is essential a child be nurtured in a safe, comfortable environment. For this reason, maintaining a job as well as a home is crucial to the care of a family. If Ehrenreich had a child to care for, she would need to take into account the extra cost of food, school, childcare, medical insurance and time essential to the up bringing of a child. Mother’s have a natural instinct to protect their young. Because of this, minimum wage mothers may take drastic risks on their own health to support her child. Also, many mothers end up with more than half custody of a child in a divorce. This does put an extra weight on already over-worked, female minimum wage workers.
Question 6: Why did Ehrenreich stay in motels for 200 per week, which was more expensive than apartment rentals?
In Nickel and Dimed, Barbara Ehrenreich attempts to recreate a lifestyle living on minimum wage including food, jobs, and housing. One of Ehrenreich’s first jobs is a waitress at the Hearthside, where she earns $2.43 an hour plus tips. Though she works for eight hours a day, she cannot earn enough money at one time to pay the rent for an apartment. Motels allow Ehrenreich to pay per-day or week, so the initial deposit is less. Her situation is similar to many minimum wage workers’. Inexpensive housing is in high demand by the low-earning working class but is not easily found. Barbara conducts a survey amongst her coworkers in the Hearthside and finds that most of them live accompanied, allowing rent, appliances, and costs to be shared. Living alone while earning only about six dollars an hour is much more difficult than living with companion also receiving pay. The lifestyle of a minimum wage worker is temporary and focused on the present difficulties-so temporary, ensuring a whole month’s shelter is nearly impossible for one income.
Kelly Jernigan
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 6
Response to:
Megan Saks
Mrs. Blaber
Period 4
I agree with your comment that at all the jobs Ehrenreich works she experiences work- related physical pain that limits her ability to work hard but, I do not agree with what you said about the fact that if employers provided their employees with health benefits. Even though they would do their jobs quicker and better, I do not believe that minimum wage employees should be provided with medical insurance because the majority of businesses that employ minimum wage workers do not make enough money to pay for their employees salaries and medical benefits. Although minimum wage workers would be able to place more effort into their jobs if they had paid medical care, most of the businesses that employ low wage workers would not exist because they would not be financially stable. If all employers provided their employees with medical care there would be no such thing as a minimum wage worker, according to how we classify this group today. Minimum wage workers earn smaller amounts of money and receive little or no medical benefits compared to people of the upper class due to their lack of education, skill, and in some cases poor decisions made in the past. I like how you stated that even though Ehrenreich contracted a severe rash she still went to work everyday; minimum wage workers do work just as hard if not harder then most people in society. The majority of low wage workers in society today could be working higher paying jobs if they had put in all of their effort in school, made wiser choices in their life, and really strived for excellence.
Brittany Denzer
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Pd. 4
Response to Allison A.
I love your response to the question about your changed views on blue collar Americans. My views have also changed similarly. I definitely have a new respect for the low-paid working class. The minimum wage for Hawaii is currently $7.25, however jobs receiving tips can be paid less. As we have seen in numerous examples in Nickel and Dimed, the work done by minimum wage workers can be arduous, and surviving with such a low income is hard. Ehrenreich constantly struggles to find affordable housing, cope with work stress and buy necessities. Your comment on putting tips in the tip jar and having empathy towards these workers is very caring of you. It may seem hard to help these struggling workers, but tipping, being patient, and spreading a little aloha is a step, however small, towards making them feel appreciated. I will without a doubt drop some extra money into the tip jar the next time I eat out to say thank you to the people who work so hard.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTalea Lischetzki
ReplyDelete11 February, 2010
per.6
Response to Allison:
I agree with you. I think the fact that the low-wage workers receive no over-time pay or benefits is not only unfair, but feeds to the entire system of the declining economy. It only seems to make the problem worse and worse. If low-wage workers were to be paid for their over-time or were granted promotional wages, many of their situations would be better. Yet, I also think that this problem is much larger and cannot simply be solved by an increase in salary. The solution involves a very great increase in respect for the low-wage workers—which will assist in returning dignity to the under-class.
Chloe Adkison- Period six
ReplyDeleteResponse to Megan Saks Question 5
Megan-
I really liked reading your response to the question about physical ailments. You brought out an excellent point that no matter what Ehrenreich was doing, she always pointed out the physical ailments that she was dealing with. I liked your response because you elaborated on what you were saying to back up your answer. I also enjoyed that you pointed out the irony in the fact that if employees were given health insurance, they would be able to perform better. It was an excellent answer. One thing that you may have wanted to take into consideration was that at one of her jobs, I believe at The Maids, Ehrenreich was given the option to have minimal health insurance but she opted not to because she needed the money for rent.
Allison Alterman
ReplyDeleterosenbloom p.1
Response to Jonathan L
I like the fact that Jonathan said that all people deserve the same amount of respect and that he treats all people as equals. He even goes on to say that people who think otherwise should be frowned upon. However, I find it hard to believe that one can read Ehrenreich's story and not have changed views of the working class. This book simply describes too many moving events and stories of under-payed, overworked people to come out feeling the same about them as before you knew the depth of their misery and struggling to survive.
Isla Young
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber pr 6
Question #7: Why didn’t the low wage workers just switch to higher paying jobs (Ehrenreich notes that there were higher paying jobs available)? What circumstances discourage low wage workers from seeking out and taking the best paying job that they can find?
The majorities of people get hired for a job and then rely on that opportunity for years to follow, although it is not enough to support their own family a fulfilling meal every night. The feeling of knowing that reliable job is going to support these low-wage workers with a pay check at the end of the week and work every Monday, is why these workers have no thought of changing their jobs. The changes of not getting that job or having to look for another one might mean no money or food for a week or two. These circumstances are discouraging for anyone that believes they will not be able to support themselves or other family members, for longer than a day. Copious low-wage workers living in poverty are also discouraged because they do not have confidence in themselves that they have the requirements for the jobs offering higher pay. Another reason low-wage workers do not seek higher paying jobs because they do not have a problem with their life and see those people who have money and what their truly like. Because Ehrenreich’s coworkers were low class they felt how higher class people look down on them and realize “… don’t want what they have” (119), they just want “… to be able to take a day off now and then …if [they] had to …and still be able to buy groceries the next day”(119).
Question #8: Were your perceptions of blue-collar Americans transformed or reinforced by Nickel and Dimed? Have your notions of poverty and prosperity changed since reading the book? What about your own treatment of waiters, maids, and sales-people?
It does not matter if I am in a restaurant, store, or even a hotel I do not look at the waiters or waitresses, maids, and sales-people as a different type of class or lower than myself or the person standing next to me because they work where they work. Ever worker has a reason why they work at the job they do, that is not my business, however, my business can be to offer my empathy and ask these low-wage workers how there day is going and what is going on in their life. Now because I know a lot more information and facts on poverty and blue-collar Americans from Nickel and Dimed, my perception of the workers are reinforced. The notions I have of poverty and prosperity have changed since reading this book because it tells the other side of the society’s judgment and deeper into the lives of people living in poverty and working low-wage jobs. The outlook I now have on poverty and prosperity is that working for a higher education as a teenager will better your future as an adult and I have the belief everyone has a plan and god did not create us to live in classes dependent on your income. My church this past Sunday talked about having communication with the workers at Costco and Safeway to learn their names and giving them the love of god through listening to them, about their life and offering praise for a change for the better.
Pua Aholelei
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 6
Question #7: Why didn’t the low wage workers just switch to higher paying jobs (Ehrenreich notes that there were higher paying jobs available)? What circumstances discourage low wage workers from seeking out and taking the best paying job that they can find?
When a person is given the opportunity to have work and earn money, especially if he is below the poverty line, the answer “no” is never taken in for consideration. Many people who encounter this dilemma are thankful that they even have a job that pays them. Other people who decide not to switch to a higher paying job is because they don’t have the “skills” to work in that particular position. A firm may be hiring a person to dry clean, but this person is only good with work in the yard. Knowing that they are earning money and knowing that they have a better chance at this job than anything else is good enough for certain people. Another reason why others consider a lower paying job is because it would be too much of a hassle to change jobs. A bunch of new interviews, new outfits, new environments, might be too much for a person to handle. They don’t mind living in the kind of life that they have. On page 119, Ehrenreich notes that these people do not care about what the “high class” has. They do not want it. They enjoy the life they have now and I respect that.
Question 8: Most of the low-income workers Ehrenreich encounters are women. Is there a connection between “women’s work” and low wages? Explain some of the social and historical reasons for this situation
Low wage workers and “women’s work” can be found in our world today. Not only in the present day, but it can be tracked as far back to World War I. Women were looked down upon as “weak”. If one was to ask you what “women’s work” was, don’t deny that you would say housekeeping, cooking, laundry, and raising kids. I would say that, that’s what my mom does! Many people underestimate what a women can really do. Josh Whitehead, in a previous blog, brought up some great information about World War I. The aspect of women being “weak” shifted in thinking “when women were needed in the working force.” Women have been given oppertunities to obtain the same occupation as men, but there are still people out there who think women aren’t strong enough to handle a “man’s job”.
Pua Aholelei
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 6
Response to Isla Young:
Question #8:
I totally agree with what Isla said and how she shared her feelings about not judging a person by the job that they obtain. The connections that she shared to her religious life was very touching. This book is a very big "eye-opener" and it helps the higher class people realize that life outside their "magical life" isn't so great after all. Many people underestimate the low-end workers. Ehrenreich uses the motif and theme of "empathy" and how you never really know what situation a person is going through unless you are in his shoes. They shouldn't be judged and it shouldn't be any of our buisness of what they go through in life.
Brett Imamura
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Per.6
Question: Were your perceptions of blue-collar Americans transformed or reinforced by Nickel and Dimed? Have your notions of poverty and prosperity changed since reading the book? What about your own treatment of waiters, maids, and sales-people?
Answer: My perceptions of blue-collar Americans have moderately transformed since reading Nickel and Dimed. I knew that low-wage workers faced a tough time surviving in America with the costs of food, housing, gas, and maybe even childcare being so high, while their pay was low. Although, I did not know the full extent of these problems such as the poor conditions of houses and the types of food some workers were limited to eating on a daily basis. My notions about poverty and prosperity have changed since reading the book, especially about how prosperity can affect poverty. In the book, Ehrenreich calls the poor victims of prosperity so if the rich get richer, the poor get poorer. I didn’t know that prosperity in America could affect the low-wage workers. My treatment of waiters and sales-people has changed. At a restaurant yesterday, I gave a 28% tip over our customary 15%. I have also been acknowledging sales-people more by recognizing their efforts and trying not to make a mess for them to clean. This book has dramatically changed the way I see poverty.
Brett Imamura
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Per.6
Question: Why do you think low-wage workers are reluctant to form labor organizations as Ehrenreich discovered at Wal-Mart? How do you think employees should lobby to improve working conditions?
Answer: I believe low-wage workers are reluctant to form and maintain labor organizations or unions because of fear. They are afraid of their employers, who hold all the power over them. The low-wage workers are afraid that their employers, although it is illegal, will terminate their jobs and find people who will not be rebellious towards management. The managers want obedient and determined workers who are not worried about how they can exploit management for better pay, benefits, or insurance. Sadly, many people have lost their jobs trying to improve the working conditions of their jobs. I believe employees should lobby to improve working conditions to show the people in charge how unfairly they are being treated and that something needs to be done to resolve this major issue.
Malosi Correa P.6
ReplyDeleteMake a List of privileges you experienced as a person of your "class". Make a list of Drawbacks. How would you characterize your relationship to the American dream? Do your goals seem achievable?
Being part of the middle class, I have many privileges. For one, I have a house and a big yard. My parents can afford it with their jobs. Since we have no neighborhood rules, we can have parties and make all the noise we want and have as many people over. Another privilege is that my parents get a lot benefits. We have insurance and get to stay for free at the most luxurious hotel in the world (my mom works for the hotel). A drawback would be that I got to clean the house and yard. I can’t snap my fingers and have the maid do it for me. Although, it is good to have something to do and work for. To me, I am living the American dream. I have a family, a house, material things and food. My goals are achievable. I can name so much more privileges, but I can’t fit them all.
Jonathan Lomberg
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 6
Q: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible. Where do you encounter minimum wage workers What sorts of services do they provide? Have you ever worked in a low-wage job? If so, what was your experience?
A: Minimum wage workers often report feeling invisible because to the majority of the general pubic they are invisible. How often do you actually think about the struggles of the everyday workers you encounter working jobs for miniscule pay? How often do you actually show empathy or sympathy towards the lower working class? The truth is, you probably don’t. This is not to say that you are necessarily right or wrong, this is simply a fact. The class that the majority of society is often blinded towards provides many of the essential services of living. They are the cashiers, the store clerks, and the grocery baggers. They are the custodians, the janitors, and the cleaning ladies. They are the working class that most often makes civilized life possible for the rest of us, and they trudge on through their penury, often illness, and discomfort silenced. I have had a low-wage job, so it is difficult to empathize with the workers, but I have read of their struggles, and have a newfound respect for them.
Jonathan Lomberg
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
Period 6
Q: What are the significance of nutrition and health, a recurrent theme in Ehrenreich’s narrative? Who would benefit if the workers were healthier? What incentive do workers have to go to the doctor if they are ill? What happens when people who are ill wait long periods before going to the doctor for treatment?
A: The recurrent themes of nutrition and health in Ehrenreich’s narrative play a significant role. Throughout the text Ehrenreich speaks of the poor health conditions that low-wage workers endure. If the workers were in a healthier state, all would benefit from it; the workers, and employers. If the workers did not have to battle colds, overworked muscles, tired bones, and unhealthy eating habits, they would be more apt to the hard work they perform. Their conditions would not interfere with their working abilities, and in turn, they would be able to accomplish more in the same amount of time. Although improving the health conditions of the workers may not motivate them to work any harder, the workers would benefit from it because they would not be forced to work in agony. The incentive for minimum wage workers to see a medical specialist is almost non-existent. Not all workers have health insurance, which makes the initial visit to the doctor an expense that they can not afford. Perhaps visiting a doctor is nothing more than a luxury. Even if they eventually did see a doctor, often times patients are told to rest, or are prescribed a medicine, which once again, costs money. The unhealthy workers are then faced with yet another challenge- go to work, and work through the pain, and hope that their condition does not worsen. Or not go to work and be unable to generate any money, and end up not eating. Don’t even ask about affording prescriptions when their next meal is often doubted. What happens to these people after not being treated for long periods of time? Their condition worsens. With a worsened condition, medication costs more money, so they put off going to the doctor. It is a vicious wheel of penury and agony that few in it are able to escape.
Allison Alterman
ReplyDeleteRosenbloom P.1
Question 7:
What is the significance of nutrition and health, a recurrent theme in the narrative? Who would benefit if the workers were healthier? What incentive do workers have to go to the doctor if they are ill? What happens when people who are ill wait long periods before going to the doctor for treatment?
In order to do any job, let alone the low wage, phisicaly demanding jobs that are described in the book, nutrition is very important. To stay alert and focused, you must eat and drink a lot. If a maid is feeling dizzy because she is not replenishing the calories and fluid she is losing while working, she will be much less productive. For this reason, employers would benefit from workers getting proper nutrition. Also, they would keep their workers for many more years because they would still be healthy. With no money or benafits, workers have little insentive to visit a doctor. They could not pay for the medacin they are perscribed so why pay to get the perscription? This leads to sicknesses becoming more severe because of neglect.
Linda Chai
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
Question #7
Why didn’t the low wage workers just switch to higher paying jobs (Ehrenreich notes that there were higher paying jobs available)? What circumstances discourage low wage workers from seeking out and taking the best paying job that they can find?
Low wage workers do not switch to higher paying jobs for many feasible reasons. With the change of jobs, workers have to go to a new location. Many workers can’t afford cars. Many carpool, walk or ride a bike to work. So when changing jobs comes to mind, workers have to consider the possibility of traveling to a different area. Also with job switches, workers have to deal with a lot of stress. They have to deal with the applications, interviews, drug tests, and also the wait for the result of the job. Also, at a new job, a worker is more diffident because he or she does not know anyone or anything about the job. Workers have to start fresh and learn about the jobs and their co-workers. Workers are discouraged to search or get the best job available because they have to deal with the stress. They get stressed out by the question if they got the job or not. Also if they don’t they don’t get the job, they have to search for another one. Also because they are low wage workers, they don’t think they are qualified for the job. The world oppresses the low wage workers which can lower their self confidence.
Question #8
As a reader, we get to know many of Ehrenreich’s coworkers. Why does the author use personal narratives in Nickel and Dimed? Choose one person’s story to examine. What about the story surprises you?
Ehrenreich uses personal narratives in Nickel and Dimed because she wants to show the actual life stories and situations her co-workers. She wants her readers to know the life of a “real” low wage worker because what she is experiencing is not the “real deal.” Ehrenreich is pretending to be a low wage worker. Her co-workers have been in low wage jobs from the start. One of her co-workers is Joan, “the svelte fortyish hostess, who turns out to be a militant feminist,” (Ehrenreich 21) works with Ehrenreich at Hearthside in Key west, Florida. When Ehrenreich meets her, Joan has class; she stands up for herself, but still cares about others including Ehrenreich. When Ehrenreich is too busy serving, Joan backs her up. As a hostess, you are supposed to where your own clothes, Joan’s outfits are always tasteful. But people are not always what they seem. “Joan… lives in a van parked behind a shopping center at night and showers in Tina’s motel room.” (Ehrenreich 26) Joan’s story surprised me because when I first read about her, her attitude seems so joyful and cool. I thought she was doing well as a low wage worker because she has so many hostess outfits to buy, but it turns out that she is living her car and she showers in her friend’s apartment.
Malosi Correa P.1
ReplyDeleteUnless you count Budgie, Ehrenreich had no real family responsibility during her experiment. How would her routine have changed if she were responsible for children? How would her economic circumstances have changed? Given the historical patterns of child care and current trends in child custody in divorce cases, would these challenges fall more heavily upon low wage women?
During her experiment, Ehrenreich is alone. She only cares for herself. If she were responsible for children, her routine would have changed and made things harder. Through the book, she talks about how low wage workers usually have children to take care of. She explains that the whole pay check is dedicated to bills and the children. Ehrenreich’s pay check would probably run out faster if her experiment involved children she would have to stay in an apartment rather than the hotel. Almanac of policy issues says that “today, over half (55 percent) of these women provide most, if not all, of their family’s income.” So given that most women do most work for their household, the challenges would fall heavier. My other post was supposed to say P.1
Kelly Jernigan
ReplyDeleteMrs. Blaber
02/15/10
Period 6
Question 7: Nickel and Dimed takes place in 1998- 2000, a time of unprecedented prosperity in America. Do you think Ehenreich’s experience would be different in today’s economy? How so?
While Ehenreich was conducting her study, in 1998- 2000, America was prospering. I believe that if Ehenreich had chosen to run her experiment in today’s economy it would have been much harder to do. America’s economy today is not as strong as it was ten years ago. Today there is a shortage of jobs for Americans, before there was a shortage of employees. In America right now there are many immigrants from foreign nations, who have green cards and work permits, that have taken control of the minimum wage jobs available. Due to a decreased demand for products and services, large companies have laid off many of their low wage employees in order to keep the business alive. Ehenreich’s experience is made easier because of the high demand for low wage workers at the time of her study. The majority of America today is in debt. People are eliminating luxury items and services, like house maids and fancy cars, from their from their meager budgets.
Question 8: After reading Nickel and Dimed, do you think that having a job- any job- is better than no job at all? Did this book make you feel angry? Better informed? Relieved that someone has finally described your experience? Galvanized to do something?
After reading Nickel and Dimed, I think that having a job- any job- is better than no job at all. Although Ehenreich described her and many of her co-workers terrible experiences as a low- wage worker I believe that having a source of income, although it may be small, is better then not having any money at all. This book did not make me feel angry however; it was a good reminder for me that there are many poor people in the world. Sometimes living in Hawaii, as many who live here are wealthy, blinds you from the poverty of America. This book has made me realize that minimum wage workers work equally as hard, if not harder, then middle and upper class citizens in the United States. Reading Nickel and Dimed has made me want to work harder in school so that I do not have to live my life as a minimum wage worker.
Jonathan Schuler
ReplyDeletePeriod 4
Mrs. Blaber
Question #7: Make a list of priveleges you experience as a person of your "class." Make a list of drawbacks. How would you characterize your relationship to the American Dream? Do your goals seem achievable?
Answer #7: I consider myself to be in the middle class. In the middle class, you are not rich, but you get by at an even pase. If one wants to do so, they should try to cook their own food and eat at home rather than spending money else where at a restaurant or at Burger King for that matter. The good thing about being in middle class is that one can sleep at night without worrieing about whether or not they can pay their bills. In middle class one thinks about whether to make dinner at home, or to spend some money at pizza hut. One is more free to choose in the middle class. I would say that I relate to the American dream quite well. When I was 7 or 8, if I wanted money, I had to help my grandma rake leaves. It was hard and it took about 2 hours to clear the field, but at least I got 10 dollars. Last year I worked for my neighbor in the yard for 6 or 7 dollars for around 2 hours, but hey, money is money. One thing that I have learned from trying to live the American dream is that there is always a way to make money. You may not like it, but life is not easy. I am now a musician and get good pay for it. I still work hard, but it is fun at the same time. I want to play music till the day I drop and I hope it is going to be that way.