Appalachian Poverty Essay -- Poverty in America

Appalachian Poverty Poverty is a global problem, and it has existed from the beginning of civilization. Hunger, homelessness, and lack of health care are major aspects of this world-wide dilemma. Many countries are in complete poverty and a majority are third-world countries. Within the United States of America, a land of plenty, there are also pockets of extreme poverty. Governments around the world are trying to solve this huge problem. Third world poverty and Appalachian poverty, which occurred in the United States of America, have developed for various reasons, and these situations have led to a great deal of problems. Throughout the world, poverty has plagued all countries. In smaller, under-developed countries many people die from starvation. These countries can not afford to support their citizens. Due to their financial problems, the people lack proper shelter and clothing to keep themselves warm during cold months. Since they lack adequate shelter and clothing, diseases occur all over. These diseases develop a lot easier with poor nutrition. Once again with more financial problems, health care is limited to none. Lawrence Senesh, the contributor of "Poverty as a Social Problem" from World Book, says poverty is usually caused by the difficulty in holding and even getting a job(650). Ability, education, and skills help determine the kind of job an individual gets (650). Horten 2 Everyone does not have the same physical abilities and mental abilities. Poor health and abilities prevent some people from holding a job. Through science people have been able to hold onto jobs a lot easier (650). It has increased the need for professional workers and lowered the demand for the unskilled (650). So, the people with higher education will get paid a higher income, and people with lower education will get paid a lower income. Changes in economic slumps can often bring poverty. When businesses drop off and production declines people lose jobs without warning (650). Poverty is also caused by social conditions, such as racial discrimination (Blacks, Asians, and Mexicans) (650). Whites are usually the ones who do the discriminating (650). There are a variety of third-world countries in the world. A third world country is a country that is economically depressed and continues to grieve. Examples of third wor... ...achia." U.S. News and World Report 6 May 1996 : 62-63. Ralston, Jeannie. "Bark grinders and fly minders tell a tale of Appalachia." Smithsonian February 1996: 44-53. Ralston, Jeannie. "In the Heart of Appalachia." National Geographic February 1993: 112. Senesh Lawerence. "Poverty as a Social Problem." World Book 1977: 650-650a. Winerip, Michael. "What's a nice Jewish lawyer like John Rosenberg doing in Appalachia?" New York Times Magazine 29 June 1997 :25-27. ii Appalachian Poverty Thesis statement: Third world poverty and Appalachian poverty, which occurred in the United States of America, have come about for various reasons, and these situations have led to a great deal of problems. I. World-Wide poverty A. Third world poverty 1. Lack of Social Security 2. Lack of nutrition 3. Lack of financial stability B. First world poverty 1. New York 2. West Virginia II. United States of America poverty A. Cause of poverty 1. Unemployment 2. Racial dicrimination B. Effects of poverty 1. National shame iii 2. More poverty C. Resolution to poverty 1. Improve education 2. Improve technology