When you hear that someone is on government assistance, people start to make assumptions. "They're just lazy and trying to steal money from the government so that they don't have to work," "I have to pay for that family since they don't believe in higher education." Well, what if unfortunate circumstances have hit this family?
It is pretty sad that people make these terrible accusations when statistically less than 3 percent of those on welfare abuse the system. The rest are in need of the program. The reasons that people are in need can range from layoffs, to crippling medical bills, or even being a single parent trying to provide for children. Sometimes higher education is just not an option for people in certain areas of the country because they do not have the same opportunities and minimum wage jobs are just not cutting it anymore.
Coming from a low-income family, I completely understand how hard it really is and to hear those well off complaining about the system is pretty upsetting. Even though the programs give to the families that qualify, they still do not receive everything that they need and have to buy it themselves. Government assistance is an amazing thing to help and really does get people back on their feet.
Since I did not have much growing up, it has made me really grateful for everything I receive in my life and has made me work really hard to make it for myself. Everything I have is what I have worked for, yet people throw out the term lazy. Before I even left home for college, I provided for my family with my minimum wage job and continue to help them out while I am still trying to provide for myself.
Sometimes it is hard for people to empathize with other people. Those who are more fortunate than others can sometimes not relate and assume the worst because of a few bad eggs that they see. Of course there are going to be a few that misuse the system, but that is not the majority. Do not generalize because of this.
It is no secret that the education gap is a real issue. Various schools are way behind others in terms of providing an education due to lack of funding. This makes an unfair advantage for kids attending wealthier schools and make it harder for underprivileged kids. Therefore, I find it appalling that some people blame others for not pursuing a higher education. Some people have a rough home life that affects their motivation in their studies and some do not have the income or grades to attend a university.
I find it incredible that people criticize the programs to assist those with low incomes. yet they give to charities without question. There are many charities that barely give a dime to the people in need, but you don't see anyone dissing them. I also see quite often people giving money to those on the street when they ask. What is so different from those asking on the street and those asking for help in the form of applying for assistance?
