Death of the American dream (for many)
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Posted By: torin ellis on August 16, 2010 Found this piece in an online London news source called the Guardian. Title: "Jobless millions signal death of the American dream for many" Subtitle: "Even the criminals have fallen on hard times in America's poorest city as the long-term unemployed struggle to keep a grasp on normality" To sum it up, the piece talked about Camden, NJ - America's poorest city. It made reference to Richard Gaines, one of the best-known faces on Camden's Haddon Avenue. He in the best of times still found it took plenty of work to turn a profit or make money in the three businesses he operates (barbershop, fitness center, and hair salon). The article then turned towards the jobless rate of 9.5%, the millions of individuals who have given up on looking for work and the he 99er's. Who? It refers to the 99 weeks of benefits that the jobless can qualify for in America. No one that I know REALLY wants to be in that group of folks. A few do - not many. Who are they? Some in politricks might say: they are feckless, lazy, too proud, or job shy. I, as a full time recruiter, would say they are folks that cover a range of disciplines, from various industries, empty nesters to those fresh out of college and everyone in between. Whatever your count, we are entering into what many believe to be the third year of this recession. Weekend reports even suggest the economy is beginning to slow yet again and that employment and housing numbers are going to take another black eye over the next six months. Not happy? I'm not surprised. Question: what has this economy taught you about how YOU manage your career, education, finances, home, or presence in the community? Share your feedback with us and others. Let us know what you are doing differently to sidestep the realities being faced by so many of those that live in Camden and other cities across the country. What are you doing to create, protect and/or save the American Dream? If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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torin ellis From baltimore, MD Member Since December 2008 |
Comments
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I'm just beginning my 3rd round of unemployment claims and I am neither lazy, too proud or job shy. There simply aren't enough jobs to go around for the millions out of work -- I've sent out over 250 resumes these past two years and had a total of 4 interviews. I'm 53 years old -- no one wants experienced as this equates with "more salary". At this point, I will take just enough to cover the essentials. Because I worked for H&R Block part time seasonally for the past two years to "hone" my financial skills, the NYS Deprtment of Labor deemed it necessary to cut my weekly benefit from $405 to $106 a week. How am I supposed to pay my rent with that, much less buy food, pay student loans, and other essentials? I dropped cable a long time ago, have not been able to go to a doctor to renew prescriptions for the past 6 months, and now the life insurance will have to go This was a long time in the making. What did corporate America think would happen when many jobs once deemed American are now outsourced overseas? It's simple economics -- People who are out of work don't have money to spend and without money to spend, mortgages and rent don't get paid -- and voila you have a surge in homelessness and hunger. Businesses start to falter because no one's buying their products; thus begins a new cycle of lay offs. It's not a black and white thing anymore -- it's a "green" (AKA economic) thing. Any viable suggestions anyone??? Thursday, August 19th 2010 at 10:17AM |
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