Should I have sympathy for the working poor? I am lost on whether I should feel sorry for people in low wage jobs or feel empathy for them for not knowing how to escape the grasp of poverty. On one hand, they are treated horribly and sometimes had no choice or believe they had no choice in the path of their life. However, some of the working poor choose this for themselves by not caring in schools and not wanting to do any work. So by doing so, they condemmed themselves to a life of low wage jobs.
I agree with you Greg. Only I come from the lower waged part of society. So for me, I see the struggles and sacrifices that are made for everyday survival. It's not always the fact that the people are too lazy, uneducated, or uncaring. Most of it has to do with how much abuse a body can take. She could work a few jobs, but is it really possible for a body to take that much work in one day? It may not even be possible for those people to receive that many jobs period.
She does, however, have a very "unique" sense about her when she is writing. When I first picked out the book I thought it would show more empathy and compassion towards the poor. But as I continue to read, I realize that she does her job well in the fact that she is reporting the truth like she set out to do. She's reporting on the life of a person living in poverty. I think she set out to do the same thing you are now realizing, which is whether she feels sorry for them or if they deserve what they have. Though she tells us the facts and allows us to configure our own opinions, aspects, and perspectives on the matter, I think it still has some of compassion coming through in her own voice. She shows interest in the other character's lives. But as of this point in the book, I am still trying to figure out her perspective on the issue at hand. Whether or not she feels as you do, or as I do, I have not yet figured out.
After pondering Greg’s question, I remain dissatisfied with my lack of answer. Should I feel sorry for those working with limiting wages, or feel empathetic towards their unfortunate circumstances? Both reactions to the thought-provoking question seem appropriate, yet I remain displeased. When Barbara Ehrenreich describes her fellow employees’ lifestyles, I felt compassion for each hardworking person individually. For example, Tina, a server, and her husband pay $60 a night for a hotel room. They also don’t have a vehicle. With just $2.43 an hour plus tips, Tina must be barely getting by with her daily bill at the hotel, low income, and don’t forget the cost of food (pg. 26). Ehrenreich’s emotional appeal here caught me by surprise. In regards to Natalie’s statements, I definitely agree with her thoughts regarding Ehrenreich’s style of writing. The author states the facts, the truth, which is what the reader needs to know. She clearly stated that she needed to find another job to make ends meet. “So unless I want to start using my car as a residence, I have to find a second or an alternative job” (pg. 28). She does this one other time before her research in Florida comes to an end. I am attracted to Enrenreich’s writing style and the truth she states in every word.
For my own evaluation of what I have read thus far, I have a few questions. For example, in the introduction, the author declares that she has limits and restrictions with her “experiment” (pg 5-6). If she really wanted to portray the complete truth of those living in poverty, why would she call it quits at times of extremities? Isn’t the entire act of volunteering yourself for poverty extreme enough? Then again, she cannot just throw all of her past, successful life away for a simple trial of a new life in poverty. Another question I continue to ask myself regardless of the city she is in, observes the touchy subject of ethnicity and race. Why does race have to come hand in hand with job capability? I do understand the fact that language barriers may cause trouble, but besides that, ethnicity should not matter. When Ehrenreich looked for a job besides waitressing at the Hearthside, she pushes for some type of house-keeping opportunity at a hotel. Her efforts are not enough. “ . . . or I am at the wrong end of some infallible ethnic equation: most, but by no means all, of the working housekeepers I see on my job searches are African Americans, Spanish-speaking, or refugees from the Central European post-Communist world, while servers are almost invariably white and monolingually English-speaking” (pg29). Why does America have these invisibly set standards for certain jobs? After contemplating, I am still unsure. With any job: housekeeper, waitress, teacher, lawyer, or president, race and ethnic background should be the last of the employer’s worries. What should be considered is how capable the applicant is for the specific job, right? Or is this type of “capability regardless of race” idea only taken seriously in higher-paid jobs? The idea is necessary for any job opportunity, whether one is being paid by the hour or annually. Overall, I am enjoying the book and look forward to future comments.
In regards to Marissa's comment, I agree. The author continuously touches upon the subject of race. One remark made by Ehrenreich that I found somewhat racist and uncalled for was made while she was waitressing at Jerry's. The author was full with tables and complaining about the customers reactions to her service. She stated, "Meanwhile, the yuppies are waving me down for more decaf and the black couple looks ready to summon the NAACP, (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)(p.47)." Why should it matter whether the couple was black or not? Does the color of their skin alter their reaction to poor service? I don't think so, and the author's description of this couple seems extremely distasteful. Barbara Ehrenreich often compares herself to those of color. Her method of including race seems somewhat unnecessary because jobs should not be given out based on the color of one's skin.
One question I am pondering over is how much of an impact do these high-stress level jobs have on a person's smoking habits? I found it intriguing, yet disappointing, when Ehrenreich mentions, "I buy myself a pack of cigarettes and sit out in the rain to puff (I haven't inhaled for years but it helps anyway while the others drink their Cokes in the car), (p. 99)." Obviously, after working as a maid one may be stressed or overwhelmed, but it saddens me to see that a person would result to smoking as a way of relieving stress. Yes, many Americans have this habit, but if she hasn't smoked in years, then why start back up now?
Although some of the author's habits aren't the best, I enjoy her voice throughout the book. In one particular part, she is conversing with her boss, Ted. She tries to explain how the "mother in her" causes her to become worried or protective for her fellow co-workers. Ted, with his smart alec comments, replied, "Well, I'm a parent too, and that doesn't make me less of a person." After reading this statement I was angry at Ted for saying such a thing, but I soon read on to love Barbara's retaliation. She stated, "It's supposed to make you more of a person," (p. 114). The author's voice is strongly used throughout the story, making it enjoyable to read.
I personally feel sympathy for the working poor. If you look closely to what they say and their actions verses emotions, you can tell that they have a background that positioned them in the low wage work force. None of them ever dreamed of growing up to work behind the counter at Denny's or scrubbing their neighbors' toilets. It's not that they have condemned themselves into low wage jobs because of self disrespect, but it is because of the life they have lived and what has happened to them. Each one has a different story they tell Barbara.
Marissa, I agree with what you are saying about Ehrenreich's limitations to her "experiment." If she is truly trying to experience the lives of the lower-wage people than she should have no limitations to that. Personally, I feel extreme compassion for anyone working in low-wage jobs. While working as a maid in Maine, Ehrenreich discovers that most of her co-workers are single mothers that live with their own mothers, coworkers, or boyfriends. The lower-working class is faced with decisions of another night in a motel room or another meal.
Something that really bothered me throughout the entire book was if Ehrenreich was intent on revealing whether she could survive in the lower-wage working class or revealing the lives of the people in the lower-class world. I sometimes felt as though she was just trying to prove herself. Although I do believe that she did a wonderful job informing people about how horrible the lower-wage workers have it.
Marissa and Lindsey, I agree that Ehrenreich was being distasteful in regards to her approach on race. She always points out the race of the people that she encountered. When in Maine, she attends a Christian "tent revival" and she observes, "I count three or four people of color-African and, I would guess, Mexican Americans..."(pg. 67) Why is that relevant? She also makes several other statements when she is applying for jobs or going to orientations. Why should a person's race determine whether they receive a certain job? Why should stereotypes be put onto any race?
I agree with you all that she does mention race in a non-tasteful way. But I think the point that she is trying to prove is that businesses in America are required to meet a "quota" of how many people of each "race" are needed in order to operate their stores.
Another thing that confused or angered me is her "safety net". I don't think it's fair that she started herself off with $500 and a car because most people in that situation don't have a car or $500. Also I think that her safety net does not give her as much of a drive as people without one. If you did not know that you were safe for the month, you would work harder to earn your money than you would if you already had money to provide necessities for living.
For me, I believe that her safety net has no effect in how she worked. From what I can infer, Barb is definately of higher class. So whenever she would be in dire trouble, she could just whip out her cell phone or any kind of communicating device and call in for help.
On another note, by doing this article, isn't Barb basically cheating out the companies she was working for? By this, I mean that the companies hired her in hope of having a great employee. And when Barb proves her skill and the company is happy, she uproots and leaves the company hurt.
Natalie, you make a valid observation. I agree that since she was going to conduct this experiment she shouldn't have used a "safety net." Wasn't one of the reasons she did this was to live the life of a low-wage worker? Greg, I also agree with what you were saying about cheating out the companies. Although I think she was doing this experiment for a somewhat good reason, she was basically screwing up companies. It isn't easy to hire new people right away for most companies.
She also made friends while she was working the jobs, and several of her coworkers needed her. When Barbara left was informing her coworkers of the Maids in Maine, a coworker named "Marge" said to her, "But we need you."(113) She was an extra member of the team and she was needed to help with the extra work. A statement that Barbara made when informing her coworkers shocked me. One of her coworkers was reassuring her that their boss "Ted" would never fire her, but Barbara retaliates with, "Oh, I'm not worried about it. There're millions of jobs our there. Look at the want ads." (113) It seems as if Barbara learned nothing from her experiment up to this point. Most of these people couldn't get any other job if they wanted. If they went one day without working to find a new job, they would be in a big mess icluding no food or no place to stay the night. I just found that statement unsimpathetic on Barbara's part. Although some people have made decisions in their lives that have gotten them to the low-wage world that they are in, doesn't mean that every person can help that they are there.
Like many of my peers have stated, I do not fully understand why Barbara Ehrenreich put limitations on her experiment and gave herself a safety net. While I was reading the introduction, I was surprised to find the list of restraints she put on her new life. If she wanted to experience the life of a low-income worker then shouldn't she have set herself completely equal with them. Analyzing each limitation, I have found that I disagree with each one in at least one way. First, Barbara will always have a car. I know that some low wage workers do have the convenience of a vehicle but those privileged people still had to work to their car. Shouldn't Ehrenreich have worked for her's? I can understand why she allowed herself to use her own money to get a car the first month, but after that I think she should have used her earnings to pay for the vehicle. There may have been a month or two that she would have to go without one, but that is the life of a lower class laborer. Second, Ehrenreich would never be homeless. I can understand Ehrenreich's hesitation to allow herself to become homeless, but would sleeping in her car for a couple nights be that bad. I am sure this has happened to multiple people with low income. Now, if the lack permanent housing continues, I can see why she would call it quits. I just think she should not have manipulated the experiment like she did. Finally, Barbara would not go hungry. I agree that the author should have food at every meal. What I do not agree with is that she planned to "cheat" if such a threat came up. I believe she should end the project if it gets to a point where she has to skip meals. Going to the bank and then continuing the experiment would skew the results. A normal low income worker cannot pull up to an ATM whenever things get tight; they have to live through it by going to a food pantry or shelter. It is not completely clear whether or not she would continue her project after she "cheated", but I get the impression that she would. Overall, I think she should have research what the average monthly income is of low wage workers and started herself out with this much. She would have to pay for rent, food, and, if enough, a car out of this until she got her pay check. Then, when she moved to a new town she would have to use her earnings from the last location to get started in the new one, just like anyone else.
In regard to the issue of race, I do believe Ehrenreich is harsh at times. There are other instances when the mention of race is unnecessary. But at the same time, it is interesting to see how different races are treated in the lower class world. Today, there are people working to rid our country of discrimination, but it seems like these efforts never end up reaching the lower class. It is like they are a few decades behind the rest of the country. I cannot help but feeling sympathy for low wage workers of different ethnicity. This book has been eye-opening and I am sure it will continue to be.
Kya, you stated valid points. I agree with every single one. I believe that this book was informative of the life of a low-income worker from the people that Ehrenreich came across. She did not by any means display that life with her experience on a personal level. She had her "safety net". The bottom line is that you will never truly know how the low-income workers live unless you have experienced it in full.
Kya, I also agree with your solution. She should have calculated how much the average low-income worker earns and started with that. This book was informative and shocking, but her "experiment" was not valid or even fair.
In regard to Greg;'s question, I began to ponder this while I read. When her co-workers' living conditions were mentioned, I thought of my own job, it makes me question how many of the people I work with live in conditions similar to those mentioned in the book. Greg's comment also makes me question both sides of poverty. Those who can't help but be impoverished and those who could've done better. I do feel sympathetic to those working low income jobs for a living, but at the same time I wonder if they could escape their poverty but lack the drive to do better. I do not understand how someone could live each day knowing they could easily reach higher than how they are currently surviving.
Emily, I agree with you. I sympathize with those that live in similar conditions to those mentioned in the book. I believe that some people can escape that poverty, but yet some cannot. Many believe that people are being lazy. I think that is not the case. Some people can't afford college so that they can have a better life. One could then argue that they should have tried harder in highschool to get a scholarship to go to college. Several people that are in these situations don't have the drive to achieve the better because they have lost hope. I believe that everyone is capable of achieving what seems impossible. Emily, I agree. How could someone live each day knowing that they could reach higher? Most of the time, those people don't know.
By reading this book, my eyes have really been opened to the real world.
For example, I have stayed in numerous hotels and motels and never have had the slightest thought that a homeless person could have been a temporary neighbor. Not that this is a big deal, but, to me, its just the fact that I've never understood that the word homeless doesn't always mean living in shelters or on the street.
Also, another example is the fact that in a family, both parents can be working and still be below the poverty line. However, this raises an inner-debate within me on whether minimum wage is morally acceptable as being a salary where one can barely get by or as a must in society where the rich and poor are interdependant for jobs and resources.
Greg brings up an excellent point, should minimum wage be raised? Obviously minimum wages aren't high enough for single parents to get by. For example, while most of us may look at a seven dollar t-shirt as a bargain, Barbara Ehrenreich finds it out of her price range while working for only seven dollars an hour at Wal-Mart, (p. 159). Yes, some may say its not necessary to buy the shirt, but in most cases, jobs require certain attire which may not be an affordable option. Ehrenreich also proves the unaffordable housing situation by including the fact on page 170, "...rents usually have to be less than thirty percent of one's income to be considered 'affordable'...59 percent of poor renters...spend more than fifty percent of their income on shelter."
One thing unexpectful in the book was Barbara's change of thought during her job at Wal-Mart. Once she adjusts to her new job, she soon becomes edgy and controlling. For instance, while she is watching a new co-worker, she comments, "A surge of evil mirth. I peer around from where I am wokring in Jordache, hoping to see her go splat, (p. 168). Her attitude towards others differs creating even more stress in her life.
I completely agree with Greg about the emergency part. Barb worked and lived in low class, but she always had high class to back her up. Even though she turned down her friend, who went through it, for a night at her house, Barb still had the motive of continuing her low-wage life because she was to be rewarded at the end by her higher class who will enjoy her book. It amazes me how much time seems to stand still as she works in Wal-Mart. The description she made of herself in the mirror and the way she described her coworkers seemed desperate. Desperate for their shift to be over, for time to speed up so they can go; although none of them had a place to go.
Marissa, I agree with the comments you made about Barbara's limitations. While I admire her bravery for giving up her comfortable life for the sake of research, I think that if she was truly to emerse herself in the life of a low paid worker she should not be able to cut corners. Those who are truly in this situation are not able to quit and relocate when times get tough and have a car and emergency cash fund at their fingertips. They are not able to work all day and know that if things dont work out they can always give up and go somewhere else and still have the resources to start a new life.
Lindsey, I also agree that Barbara's comments regarding race and ethnicity were distasteful. I am well aware that there are racial quotas in the work place but the author's multiple references to race through the novel were slightly annoying.
Overall, I thought this novel was interesting and eye-opening, but not exactly enjoyable. I found that I was somewhat bored throughout the novel, although some of the facts shocked me, such as the fact that a Wal-Mart employee is hesitant to buy a shirt from their own store even when its on clearance.
Regarding back to Greg's question, I cannot help but feel sympathy for the people working in low class jobs. You cannot control what family you were born in to and what conflicts you might have had. Everybody's situation is different, but I am almost 100% sure that the people working low wage jobs every day just to survive never wanted to end up there. In almost every job Barbara worked, her fellow employees were not only just as hardworking, but kind and gracious as well. On the other hand though, some of the people that Barbara befriended seemed to have given up hope, and had accepted the fact that they would always be forced to work low paying jobs. For example, “This is a work stoppage. Ever hear of that? This is a strike. Denise just goes back to work, crinkling her face up in embarrassment or maybe disgust”(pg.111). I think with enough drive it would be possible to escape low class, but a lot of people don’t have lost all drive. Throughout the book I noticed a change in Barbara. It seemed as if towards the beginning of the book she was more determined and looked at the experiment as almost a fun little challenge. Towards the end, she seems a lot more personally involved. Even her personality changed a little bit. For instance, while she was working at Wal-Mart she compares the differences of Barb and Barbara. “Take away the career and the higher education, and maybe what you’re left with is this original Barb, the one who might have ended up working at Wal-Mart for real if her father hadn’t managed to climb out of the mines. So it’s interesting, and more than a little disturbing, to see how Barb turned out- that she’s meaner and slyer that I am, more cherishing of grudges, and not quite as smart as I’d hoped”(pg. 169). This is very interesting for me to think about. How having worked only a couple months has changed how she thinks, acts, and views other people.
I agree with Cristina. She made a very good point when she stated that everyone’s position in life is different and not everyone is born with the same benefits. For instance, the majority of Barbara’s coworkers were often struggling to maintain a residence and were, usually, barely educated beyond the high school level, but there is no telling what caused them to become minimum wage workers. Perhaps they’re just experiencing rough patches in their lives or maybe their families experienced major economic hardships and couldn’t afford to send any of their children to college. Nobody knows what caused their poverty or how their lives might have turned out had they been raised with the benefits that allow for a better education or even a better life in general, but what matters is that they trying to make a difference in their lives no matter what their reasons are for doing so. Toward the beginning of the novel, when Barbara was working at the diner, a few of her coworkers were homeless and the others were just struggling to get by, living in what seemed to be described as run down shacks. The reason her coworkers lived like this is because they didn’t have the resources, or the income to survive. Barbara, on the other hand, had the resources to survive because of her high paying job as a journalist and her well earned education. I think that’s the reason why Barbara allowed herself to use a 1,200 dollar “safety net” because she had the resources to survive. I think Barbara wanted to experience life as a minimum wage worker, but not truly live like a minimum wage worker or, in essence, become a minimum wage worker. Throughout the novel Barbara continuously referred to herself as being more intelligent and more qualified and she constantly referred to her numerous jobs as temporary experiments. Barbara only intended on using her security net when she had to because, unlike her coworkers, she could afford limitations and she never wanted to live out of her car like so many of them were.
After reading through all the comments made by my classmates, I have found that many of us share similar opinions on the topics discussed. I, personally, have been able to find at least one point from each blog that I can easily say I agree with. This really surprised me.
Although I have finished this book, I keep thinking about the section in Maine when Barbara was working as a maid. I was shocked when Holly continued to work after she hurt her ankle. It is sad that someone can be so desperate for money and praise that they work through injury and in the end hurt themselves more. Another thing that bothered me was that Ted was completely okay with Holly working through it. I do not understand why low-wage workers get treated so poorly. They are probably doing some of the hardest physical labor, are not getting paid much, and they are still treated like dirt. Shouldn't they be the ones to go on extravagant vacations and be pampered? I know that if I were to get hurt on the job, I would expect to have time off and appropriate medical care.
Yet another topic that I found to bother me is the way we treat the lower class, not just when they get hurt, but in general. I feel guilty for expecting so much when I go to a restaurant or hotel. I find myself picking out all the negative things about my experience. "The waitress was slow.", "There was no soap in the hotel room.", and so on. I mean when you think about it putting new soap in a hotel bathroom is only one small task the maid must do while cleaning a room. It was just a simple mistake, no big deal. But it was a big deal- to me, and it shouldn't have been. We are so critical of others, but I don't think we stop to realize all the other luxuries given to us. Would a simple "thank you" really hurt us the next time we see a maid or leaving a restaurant. I wish I could say that the next time a low income worker messes up I would be understanding and reassure them, but I couldn't say that without lying. The truth is I probably won't. Most of us wouldn't. We do not want to think about or witness the dirty jobs of the world. Let's be honest- they are really unpleasant and no one would necessarily "want" to do them. My challenge to you and myself is to at least try to be understanding of the people you encounter, who can barely scrape by. You don't have to talk to them, just try not to be rude or unappreciative. Maybe a little smile would be the kind a praise they need to get through the day.
I feel sympathetic towards the working poor. This book has made me open my eyes to how some of them live. As Ehrenreich explained, they work and work but still are in deeper poverty. I don't know how I could bear to live that way.
This book made me think about my own job, especially since I work at Wal-Mart. Most of the things she mentions about Wal-Mart are true; however, I do not have to clock out for break. She also mentioned the way that people dress shows their level of poverty. I recall her mentioning that footwear, particularly mocasins, and hair style can show someone's social class. I began to look at people's appearances as I worked and noticed some of these characteristics. Her description opened my eyes to the people working around me.
In regards to Kya's statement, I also think that most of us would have found Holly's situation unbearable. Its sad that someone is so desperate for money that they must work through intense obstacles, while most middle and upper class workers would just say "forget it."
After reading this book, I found the most voice in one of Barbara's statements, "What you don't necessarily realize when you start selling your time by the hour is that what you're actually selling is your life,"(p. 187). I had never thought of it this way, but now looking at her job at Wal-Mart, it was as if she just waited for the shift to be over, and then continued to do the same routine each day. Although her voice was strong throughout the novel, I found her to sometimes be naive. For example, Barbara thought her and another co-worker could have helped unionize Wal-Mart if she had stuck with it. How many people have already tried this? Yes, you shouldn't give up hope on tasks like this, but I doubt she would have been able to get something started before she would be fired.
The most critical fact to me in this book is in the evaluation, "Many employers will offer almost anything- free meals, subsidized transportation, store discounts- rather than raise wages,"(p.204). I found this shocking, why would an employer waste money on those things when they could just raise wages and the employee could choose to put their money towards those items. And finally, the most saddening and eye-opening thing in this book was in the afterword. An email reading, "Nickled and Dimed is far from fiction. It is pretty much my life. With two college degrees, I have struggled, and with no health insurance, I've incurred a ton of debt,"(p.226). The fact that this person has been through college and is unable to find a "livable wage job" is extremely sad. How are we supposed to get by? This book, although slow at some points, is very eye-opening and informing.
After reading this novel, I can’t honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s great to get a first person viewpoint of poverty itself and the tortures of working in a minimum wage position, but it’s not the novel I didn’t like it was the unique writing style. As stated by a few other students, Barbara wrote the novel in a reporting fashion. She stated facts about coworkers, working conditions, finances, and treatment, but there was just something missing that I’ve gotten from the few other novels I’ve read; this feeling of attachment that you get when you’re completely immersed in the novel’s story line. Some novels are meant to pull you in and keep you reading, but I found that, with this novel, it grew harder and harder to read it as the days went by. Considering the fact that Barbara is a journalist, perhaps her sole purpose was not to completely immerse the readers in the life of a minimum wage worker, but simply to inform them of how difficult and tormenting it can be to survive on that salary and maybe that’s the reason why I didn’t like it. However, I did like how truthful she was in her reporting especially when it came to finances. She budgeted every dollar she spent and stated that simple things, things we take for granted everyday, like a pair of thirty dollar slacks were out of her price range and that she would try to keep them as clean as possible on a daily basis, something we all do but not for the same reason, because, for her, cleaning them was a difficult task considering that she didn’t have a washing machine to use. I also enjoyed the truths she found in the common stereotypes we all know. For instance, Barbara stated, in the beginning of the novel, that nearly all of her coworkers exhibited at least one of the common signs of the working poor such as messy hair, dirty or wrinkled clothing, and torn or old footwear. After reading this, I began to realize that people all around me display these characteristics.
This book has been an eye opener to me. Before reading, Nickel and Dimed I had no idea that the working class had it that bad. It really makes me appreciate the life that I have. I think one of the biggest things that shocked me was just how the company’s Barbara worked for treated their employees. They were all obviously over worked and they were given barely any breaks. For example one situation that surprised me was when Barbara worked at the nursing home and was forced to feed and memorize the diets of 30 Alzheimer’s patients by herself. If she would have made one mistake this could have been very dangerous to the patients. There should have been more people helping her with this task. After reading about this I thought about what my mother just went through. Recently she just got her nursing license and applied to work at a nearby nursing home. She was truly appalled. Not only were they under staffed which resulted in neglecting the patients, but they were also overworked. There would be days when my mom wouldn’t come home till 3:30 AM. My mom finally quit after being left on a floor with 25 patients to herself. She didn’t want to jeopardize her nursing license. Later on, she called and complained saying that the patients were not getting the care they deserved and that they needed to treat their nurses better. The only response she got was that they were understaffed and that this is how it is like in every nursing home. My mom was able to quit, but I cannot help but to think of all the people working who cannot afford to quit. It’s not right. Something needs to be done.
I feel like I am just repeating what everyone else has said, but this novel has shown me the surprising treatment of low-wage workers. I have learned that these workers are not just high school dropouts who were to lazy to do something with their life. I feel guilty for all the times I have thought something bad about the workers at Walmart or some fast food place. Just because of what was going on with their family at the time, they did not necessarily have the choice to go to college when they were young. And if they were lucky enough to attend, that does not guarantee a life of prosperity. A low-wage life is just what came to be. It makes me want to somehow give them the life they never had. But I know randomly walking up to somebody and giving them a thousand dollars would not give them that life. I am trying to think of ways the upper and middle class could help the lower class climb out of the swamp they are in. But then I think back to were Barbara mentioned something about how the upper class relies on the lower class and that in order for society to be balanced, basically, there will always have to be a certain amount of poor people. Why does it have to be this way? It is not fair. Why should some people never be given the chance to succeed?
Overall, I have enjoyed reading this book. In the later part of the section on Walmart, I started to disagree with what Barbara said and did. I didn't like how she seemed to become very angry and territorial. And then she began talking about unions to coworkers. I did not fully understand why she started to do this. She went into these situations to see what life was like for the low-income workers and to see if it was truly possible to survive on their salary, not to change the way Walmart functions. However, the facts that have been presented and the lives of her coworkers that have been discovered are all very interesting and eye opening. I am glad that I have read this book so I understand what the people I encounter on a daily basis have been through.
After reading one of Kya’s points, I realized how right she really is. In the past, I’ve stayed in hotels and visited restaurants, but I feel guilty whenever I ask for tedious things such as more napkins or salad dressing. It makes me feel as if I’m establishing my dominance over the minimum wage worker even though I know that’s not what I’m doing. I can see in their eyes, when they bring the extra napkins, that they hate their jobs and wish they didn’t have to please every customer by obliging their every request. I can tell how demeaning it is for them to follow every order and try to smile while they do it. I can’t even imagine how awful it must be to feel as if everyone is looking down on you like they don’t even realize you’re there only to acknowledge you’re presence when they need a soda refill. Don’t they deserve a little more money in return for the pride they sacrifice on a daily basis? On Barbara’s last day at the dinner she had many rough tables all complaining about something unimportant. I always try to be as gracious as I can to minimum wage workers because I know how terrible their jobs must be, but I continue to feel guilty even after the waiter/waitress fetches me more napkins because I didn’t mean to put them on a pedestal by making them bring me something as miniscule as another napkin or two. I think that’s what creates the tension between the wealthy and poor, the fact that humanity places people on pedestals only defining them by how much money they have or their position in life rather than by their personality or character. As many other students stated, Barbara’s personality began to change, toward the end of the novel, while she was working at Walmart. Barbara remained calm throughout the novel, knowing that it was just a temporary experiment, but after a few days at Walmart it sounded as if she was becoming a completely different person. She worked in what seemed like a maze of clothing; folding shirts and restocking shelves. She became angrier, territorial, and more stressed with each passing day. One day a small oriental woman began working in her section, telling her how she should fold clothes, and Barbara lost her cool and began questioning the woman. Even Barbara, herself, stated that she had completely lost her mind—taking on this persona of an angry, more irritable woman named barb. Eventually Barb tried to organize a union, which makes no sense because her position at Walmart was only temporary. From this experience, it’s easy to see how stressful certain minimum wage positions are and how torturous life as a member of the working poor can be.
In regards to Kya's most recent statement, I feel the same way. Why is it that most people look at low-wage workers as people who are not trying? In most cases, it is the opposite. In Maine, Ehrenreich shows her experiences in the maid business. One of the other maids, Holly, seems to be having a difficult time. At one point, she even injures her ankle, causing cleaning to be a difficult task (pg. 109-110). Another Holly moment consisted of Marge thinking that she's pregnant. The signs of nausea makes it a possibility. She never truely says that she is or isn't, but the strenuous work on their hands and knees couldn't help the situation, sickness or pregnancy. Knowing that they cannot take a day off without worry of money is ridiculous. Atleast a few paid days off should be permitted. These workers are trying and working for their well-being, yet it is, and never will be, enough.
Ehrenreich later has a conversation with Holly and Marge about how maids seem to be looked at by society. For some strange reason, they feel that they are lower than other workers. Holly even mentioned, "They think we're stupid" (pg.100). Marge followed with, "We're nothing to these people" (pg. 100). I find this quite ridiculous. No human being should feel of a higher-significance than the next person. What a person earns, to me, is simply their business. Why does certain $6-$7 per hour jobs look more highly of than other $6-$7 per hour jobs? This is not morally right.
My favorite conversation of the Scrubbing in Maine chapter was at the end. Barbara questions how her co-workers feel about the rich customers. Lori simply suggested that she was jealous and looks up to them (pg. 118). Colleen, on the other hand, simply mentions that she does not particularly mind. The rich's treasures are not of significance to her. She just wishes she was "able to take a day off now and then . . . if I [she had to . . . and still be able to buy groceries the next day" (pg. 119). Why is Colleen content with where she is at? Lori strives to be them, almost like their role models for her. But Colleen doesn't seem to mind, which confuses me.
In the Selling in Minnesota chapter, I find Ehrenreich's idea of "selling her life" especially interesting. "What you don't necessarily realize when you start selling your time by the hour is that what you're actually selling is your life" (pg. 187). She technically is just working her life away, hour by hour.
Finishing the novel, I found myself full of questionable emotions. I feel sorry that we all have proof that minimum wage is not enough to get by, yet it remains low. Also, the people of America have a false perception of what low-wage workers are all about. Personally, I figured these employees never really tried in the workforce, were most likely a high school drop-out, or both. Now, I realize that I was completely wrong. They work hard, if not harder, than other people who get paid more. They take on more jobs, constantly try to find less costly living quarters, and don't forget about the cost of food. Why are Americans, including myself prior to reading, so ignorant to the poor? Most people work to make ends meet. For most, ends do meet. For these low-wage workers, they are pushing and working constantly for the ends to meet. They are lucky, if they do make the wages meet. Others are not so lucky. We, as free Americans, should push for a better future and a higher minimum wage.
To further touch base on my first blog and Lindsey and Lauren's later comments, I remain dissatisfied with Ehrenreich's choice of words throughout her entire piece of work. To start off with the Scrubbing in Maine segment, Ehrenreich immediately brings up the race factor. "I chose Maine for its whiteness" (pg.51). Why does she take ethnicity to such high concern? Soon later, she explains her thoughts on the people of Maine. "Maybe, I reasoned, when you give white people a whole state to themselves, they treat one another real nice" (pg. 52). How is this relevant to minimum wage workers and her job in Maine? When discussing how a maid uniform may make a person lower than one in a waitress uniform, she states, "Maybe, it occurs to me, I'm getting a tiny glimpse of what it would be like to be black" (pg. 100). This comment made me extremely wide-eyed. Not all African American people are unsuccessful or looked down upon. To start off her Selling in Minnesota chapter, she discusses why she chose Minnesota instead of a California city. " . . . my worry that the Latinos might be hogging all the crap jobs and substandard housing for themselves, as they so often do" (pg. 121). How can an entire race or type of human "hog" occupations or housing? She never considered that in Maine, which she commented on being predominantly white, the Caucasian population was "hogging" the housing or job opportunities. Over the entire novel, I would skip a breath at certain ignorant comments regarding race. Every single person in America needs money to live. Most work for this money. Regardless of who, what, where, or when, everyone needs housing and food. There is not one particular group of people that need it more than others.
The most thought-provoking, specific statement in the entire book was in her Evaluation section. She notes that, " . . . I learned something that no one ever mentioned in the gym: that a lot of what we experience as strength comes from knowing what to do with weakness" (pg. 195). I found this comment particularly inspiring. We, as people, must use our weaknesses and change them to strengths. It is the only way we can evolve as working individuals. Overall, this novel got me thinking of how to view all American’s, struggling or not.
On page 100, it amazes me how she states "Maybe, it occurs to me, I'm getting a tiny glimpse of what it would be like to be black." This sentence shocks me because it is the perfect example of our world today. Racism is a huge interference in our societies, whether with jobs or schooling. The way one dresses, looks, or their skin color will determine the way that our world will treat them. Prejudice is common and it hurts me to watch such nice people as Barb who are working their life away to live in a motel. If i were to be put into a situation such as that I'm not too sure if I would of handled it quite like Barb. Look at the way she gets through the days, its tough, but she keeps going.
Overall I am glad that I read this book. I have a new respect for the working class. Reading Nickel and Dimed reminded me just how hard people can work. I have also noticed changes in myself. For example the other day I found myself at the store trying on clothes. Usually when I’m done I just hang the unwanted clothes on some random rack of clothes, not bothering to even try to find its proper place. This time though I actually took the time to find the right places for each clothing item I had. I didn’t want to add any more stress to the employees by giving them more work. Before I read this book I didn’t think that it was hard to be a waitress, Wal-Mart employee, or maid. I didn’t even take the time to realize that these people probably have more than one job. Nickel and Dimed helped shed a lot of my ignorance.
After reading Nickel and Dimed I realized that i saw the other side of the working class, the actual work part. I walked trough Wal-Mart with my mom the other day and i saw a worker. It was funny cause I looked at the nametag and it said Barb. Barb reminded me of the book and I started thinking about working there. I looked at the other workers and how they presented themselves. Their fake smiles and rough personalities cover up their entire life. I wondered what was going on in their life that made them end up where they are now, like if any of their stories were similiar to the ones that we read about.
After reading Nickel and Dimed, I also feel as though my ignorance to the working class has been reduced. Like many have stated on their blogs, I now do more to help people in stores. When I used to go shopping, if an item fell, I said oh well a worker would pick it up. However, now I pick up clothes that I have dropped and others, too. I also try to put the clothes and items back where I found them and not in a random place.I now realize how much it really does help someone or brighten their day, even just a little, when you hold the door open or smile. One smile can help someone who's having a horrible day making sure the place is a perfect, clean, milieu for you to enjoy.
I agree that this novel was an important one to read because it shows us just how hard low wage employees have to work just to get by. I now have a new respect for the men and women working in Wal-Mart and other such stores. Prior to reading this novel, I never really noticed them. It was like I knew they were there, but I really didn't process the fact that they were actual people, just people who helped around the store. Now, as the greeter at Wal-Mart gives me a welcoming smile, or the lady stocking the shelves in the canned food section asks if I'm doing okay, I no longer think of what they could be doing for me, but what their individual stories are.
I applaud Barbara for keeping up with this project. She could've stepped out at any time. She didn't need to stay in poverty, she was educated. Her dedication to this book astounds me. I don't think I would have been able to keep it up.
I agree with Kaity. This novel opened my eyes to how hard low wage people work. They have to put so much effort into what they do. I know that after I'm done working I am pretty tired. I usually just go home and rest, but they don't get that chance. Most of them work two jobs so they can keep up with rent and gas prices. I have a new appreciation for people with low wage jobs.
I agree with Emily's comment about Barbara's persistance. I admire her for continuing with the project even when times were tough. Not everyone can so easily give up their former lifestyle for the sake of research. She did an excellent job of opening our eyes and educating us in the obstacles that many low wage workers have to fight their way through. Not everyone could stick with it the way Barbara did. While I had my issues with the novel, overall I believe Barbara did a fantastic job and is a very dedicated journalist.
Should I have sympathy for the working poor? I am lost on whether I should feel sorry for people in low wage jobs or feel empathy for them for not knowing how to escape the grasp of poverty. On one hand, they are treated horribly and sometimes had no choice or believe they had no choice in the path of their life. However, some of the working poor choose this for themselves by not caring in schools and not wanting to do any work. So by doing so, they condemmed themselves to a life of low wage jobs.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Greg. Only I come from the lower waged part of society. So for me, I see the struggles and sacrifices that are made for everyday survival. It's not always the fact that the people are too lazy, uneducated, or uncaring. Most of it has to do with how much abuse a body can take. She could work a few jobs, but is it really possible for a body to take that much work in one day? It may not even be possible for those people to receive that many jobs period.
ReplyDeleteShe does, however, have a very "unique" sense about her when she is writing. When I first picked out the book I thought it would show more empathy and compassion towards the poor. But as I continue to read, I realize that she does her job well in the fact that she is reporting the truth like she set out to do. She's reporting on the life of a person living in poverty. I think she set out to do the same thing you are now realizing, which is whether she feels sorry for them or if they deserve what they have. Though she tells us the facts and allows us to configure our own opinions, aspects, and perspectives on the matter, I think it still has some of compassion coming through in her own voice. She shows interest in the other character's lives. But as of this point in the book, I am still trying to figure out her perspective on the issue at hand. Whether or not she feels as you do, or as I do, I have not yet figured out.
After pondering Greg’s question, I remain dissatisfied with my lack of answer. Should I feel sorry for those working with limiting wages, or feel empathetic towards their unfortunate circumstances? Both reactions to the thought-provoking question seem appropriate, yet I remain displeased. When Barbara Ehrenreich describes her fellow employees’ lifestyles, I felt compassion for each hardworking person individually. For example, Tina, a server, and her husband pay $60 a night for a hotel room. They also don’t have a vehicle. With just $2.43 an hour plus tips, Tina must be barely getting by with her daily bill at the hotel, low income, and don’t forget the cost of food (pg. 26). Ehrenreich’s emotional appeal here caught me by surprise. In regards to Natalie’s statements, I definitely agree with her thoughts regarding Ehrenreich’s style of writing. The author states the facts, the truth, which is what the reader needs to know. She clearly stated that she needed to find another job to make ends meet. “So unless I want to start using my car as a residence, I have to find a second or an alternative job” (pg. 28). She does this one other time before her research in Florida comes to an end. I am attracted to Enrenreich’s writing style and the truth she states in every word.
ReplyDeleteFor my own evaluation of what I have read thus far, I have a few questions. For example, in the introduction, the author declares that she has limits and restrictions with her “experiment” (pg 5-6). If she really wanted to portray the complete truth of those living in poverty, why would she call it quits at times of extremities? Isn’t the entire act of volunteering yourself for poverty extreme enough? Then again, she cannot just throw all of her past, successful life away for a simple trial of a new life in poverty. Another question I continue to ask myself regardless of the city she is in, observes the touchy subject of ethnicity and race. Why does race have to come hand in hand with job capability? I do understand the fact that language barriers may cause trouble, but besides that, ethnicity should not matter. When Ehrenreich looked for a job besides waitressing at the Hearthside, she pushes for some type of house-keeping opportunity at a hotel. Her efforts are not enough. “ . . . or I am at the wrong end of some infallible ethnic equation: most, but by no means all, of the working housekeepers I see on my job searches are African Americans, Spanish-speaking, or refugees from the Central European post-Communist world, while servers are almost invariably white and monolingually English-speaking” (pg29). Why does America have these invisibly set standards for certain jobs? After contemplating, I am still unsure. With any job: housekeeper, waitress, teacher, lawyer, or president, race and ethnic background should be the last of the employer’s worries. What should be considered is how capable the applicant is for the specific job, right? Or is this type of “capability regardless of race” idea only taken seriously in higher-paid jobs? The idea is necessary for any job opportunity, whether one is being paid by the hour or annually. Overall, I am enjoying the book and look forward to future comments.
In regards to Marissa's comment, I agree. The author continuously touches upon the subject of race. One remark made by Ehrenreich that I found somewhat racist and uncalled for was made while she was waitressing at Jerry's. The author was full with tables and complaining about the customers reactions to her service. She stated, "Meanwhile, the yuppies are waving me down for more decaf and the black couple looks ready to summon the NAACP, (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)(p.47)." Why should it matter whether the couple was black or not? Does the color of their skin alter their reaction to poor service? I don't think so, and the author's description of this couple seems extremely distasteful. Barbara Ehrenreich often compares herself to those of color. Her method of including race seems somewhat unnecessary because jobs should not be given out based on the color of one's skin.
ReplyDeleteOne question I am pondering over is how much of an impact do these high-stress level jobs have on a person's smoking habits? I found it intriguing, yet disappointing, when Ehrenreich mentions, "I buy myself a pack of cigarettes and sit out in the rain to puff (I haven't inhaled for years but it helps anyway while the others drink their Cokes in the car), (p. 99)." Obviously, after working as a maid one may be stressed or overwhelmed, but it saddens me to see that a person would result to smoking as a way of relieving stress. Yes, many Americans have this habit, but if she hasn't smoked in years, then why start back up now?
Although some of the author's habits aren't the best, I enjoy her voice throughout the book. In one particular part, she is conversing with her boss, Ted. She tries to explain how the "mother in her" causes her to become worried or protective for her fellow co-workers. Ted, with his smart alec comments, replied, "Well, I'm a parent too, and that doesn't make me less of a person." After reading this statement I was angry at Ted for saying such a thing, but I soon read on to love Barbara's retaliation. She stated, "It's supposed to make you more of a person," (p. 114). The author's voice is strongly used throughout the story, making it enjoyable to read.
I personally feel sympathy for the working poor. If you look closely to what they say and their actions verses emotions, you can tell that they have a background that positioned them in the low wage work force. None of them ever dreamed of growing up to work behind the counter at Denny's or scrubbing their neighbors' toilets. It's not that they have condemned themselves into low wage jobs because of self disrespect, but it is because of the life they have lived and what has happened to them. Each one has a different story they tell Barbara.
ReplyDeleteMarissa, I agree with what you are saying about Ehrenreich's limitations to her "experiment." If she is truly trying to experience the lives of the lower-wage people than she should have no limitations to that. Personally, I feel extreme compassion for anyone working in low-wage jobs. While working as a maid in Maine, Ehrenreich discovers that most of her co-workers are single mothers that live with their own mothers, coworkers, or boyfriends. The lower-working class is faced with decisions of another night in a motel room or another meal.
ReplyDeleteSomething that really bothered me throughout the entire book was if Ehrenreich was intent on revealing whether she could survive in the lower-wage working class or revealing the lives of the people in the lower-class world. I sometimes felt as though she was just trying to prove herself. Although I do believe that she did a wonderful job informing people about how horrible the lower-wage workers have it.
Marissa and Lindsey, I agree that Ehrenreich was being distasteful in regards to her approach on race. She always points out the race of the people that she encountered. When in Maine, she attends a Christian "tent revival" and she observes, "I count three or four people of color-African and, I would guess, Mexican Americans..."(pg. 67) Why is that relevant? She also makes several other statements when she is applying for jobs or going to orientations. Why should a person's race determine whether they receive a certain job? Why should stereotypes be put onto any race?
I agree with you all that she does mention race in a non-tasteful way. But I think the point that she is trying to prove is that businesses in America are required to meet a "quota" of how many people of each "race" are needed in order to operate their stores.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that confused or angered me is her "safety net". I don't think it's fair that she started herself off with $500 and a car because most people in that situation don't have a car or $500. Also I think that her safety net does not give her as much of a drive as people without one. If you did not know that you were safe for the month, you would work harder to earn your money than you would if you already had money to provide necessities for living.
For me, I believe that her safety net has no effect in how she worked. From what I can infer, Barb is definately of higher class. So whenever she would be in dire trouble, she could just whip out her cell phone or any kind of communicating device and call in for help.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, by doing this article, isn't Barb basically cheating out the companies she was working for? By this, I mean that the companies hired her in hope of having a great employee. And when Barb proves her skill and the company is happy, she uproots and leaves the company hurt.
Natalie, you make a valid observation. I agree that since she was going to conduct this experiment she shouldn't have used a "safety net." Wasn't one of the reasons she did this was to live the life of a low-wage worker? Greg, I also agree with what you were saying about cheating out the companies. Although I think she was doing this experiment for a somewhat good reason, she was basically screwing up companies. It isn't easy to hire new people right away for most companies.
ReplyDeleteShe also made friends while she was working the jobs, and several of her coworkers needed her. When Barbara left was informing her coworkers of the Maids in Maine, a coworker named "Marge" said to her, "But we need you."(113) She was an extra member of the team and she was needed to help with the extra work. A statement that Barbara made when informing her coworkers shocked me. One of her coworkers was reassuring her that their boss "Ted" would never fire her, but Barbara retaliates with, "Oh, I'm not worried about it. There're millions of jobs our there. Look at the want ads." (113) It seems as if Barbara learned nothing from her experiment up to this point. Most of these people couldn't get any other job if they wanted. If they went one day without working to find a new job, they would be in a big mess icluding no food or no place to stay the night. I just found that statement unsimpathetic on Barbara's part. Although some people have made decisions in their lives that have gotten them to the low-wage world that they are in, doesn't mean that every person can help that they are there.
Like many of my peers have stated, I do not fully understand why Barbara Ehrenreich put limitations on her experiment and gave herself a safety net. While I was reading the introduction, I was surprised to find the list of restraints she put on her new life. If she wanted to experience the life of a low-income worker then shouldn't she have set herself completely equal with them. Analyzing each limitation, I have found that I disagree with each one in at least one way. First, Barbara will always have a car. I know that some low wage workers do have the convenience of a vehicle but those privileged people still had to work to their car. Shouldn't Ehrenreich have worked for her's? I can understand why she allowed herself to use her own money to get a car the first month, but after that I think she should have used her earnings to pay for the vehicle. There may have been a month or two that she would have to go without one, but that is the life of a lower class laborer. Second, Ehrenreich would never be homeless. I can understand Ehrenreich's hesitation to allow herself to become homeless, but would sleeping in her car for a couple nights be that bad. I am sure this has happened to multiple people with low income. Now, if the lack permanent housing continues, I can see why she would call it quits. I just think she should not have manipulated the experiment like she did. Finally, Barbara would not go hungry. I agree that the author should have food at every meal. What I do not agree with is that she planned to "cheat" if such a threat came up. I believe she should end the project if it gets to a point where she has to skip meals. Going to the bank and then continuing the experiment would skew the results. A normal low income worker cannot pull up to an ATM whenever things get tight; they have to live through it by going to a food pantry or shelter. It is not completely clear whether or not she would continue her project after she "cheated", but I get the impression that she would. Overall, I think she should have research what the average monthly income is of low wage workers and started herself out with this much. She would have to pay for rent, food, and, if enough, a car out of this until she got her pay check. Then, when she moved to a new town she would have to use her earnings from the last location to get started in the new one, just like anyone else.
ReplyDeleteIn regard to the issue of race, I do believe Ehrenreich is harsh at times. There are other instances when the mention of race is unnecessary. But at the same time, it is interesting to see how different races are treated in the lower class world. Today, there are people working to rid our country of discrimination, but it seems like these efforts never end up reaching the lower class. It is like they are a few decades behind the rest of the country. I cannot help but feeling sympathy for low wage workers of different ethnicity. This book has been eye-opening and I am sure it will continue to be.
Kya, you stated valid points. I agree with every single one. I believe that this book was informative of the life of a low-income worker from the people that Ehrenreich came across. She did not by any means display that life with her experience on a personal level. She had her "safety net". The bottom line is that you will never truly know how the low-income workers live unless you have experienced it in full.
ReplyDeleteKya, I also agree with your solution. She should have calculated how much the average low-income worker earns and started with that. This book was informative and shocking, but her "experiment" was not valid or even fair.
In regard to Greg;'s question, I began to ponder this while I read. When her co-workers' living conditions were mentioned, I thought of my own job, it makes me question how many of the people I work with live in conditions similar to those mentioned in the book. Greg's comment also makes me question both sides of poverty. Those who can't help but be impoverished and those who could've done better. I do feel sympathetic to those working low income jobs for a living, but at the same time I wonder if they could escape their poverty but lack the drive to do better. I do not understand how someone could live each day knowing they could easily reach higher than how they are currently surviving.
ReplyDeleteEmily, I agree with you. I sympathize with those that live in similar conditions to those mentioned in the book. I believe that some people can escape that poverty, but yet some cannot. Many believe that people are being lazy. I think that is not the case. Some people can't afford college so that they can have a better life. One could then argue that they should have tried harder in highschool to get a scholarship to go to college. Several people that are in these situations don't have the drive to achieve the better because they have lost hope. I believe that everyone is capable of achieving what seems impossible. Emily, I agree. How could someone live each day knowing that they could reach higher? Most of the time, those people don't know.
ReplyDeleteBy reading this book, my eyes have really been opened to the real world.
ReplyDeleteFor example, I have stayed in numerous hotels and motels and never have had the slightest thought that a homeless person could have been a temporary neighbor. Not that this is a big deal, but, to me, its just the fact that I've never understood that the word homeless doesn't always mean living in shelters or on the street.
Also, another example is the fact that in a family, both parents can be working and still be below the poverty line. However, this raises an inner-debate within me on whether minimum wage is morally acceptable as being a salary where one can barely get by or as a must in society where the rich and poor are interdependant for jobs and resources.
Greg brings up an excellent point, should minimum wage be raised? Obviously minimum wages aren't high enough for single parents to get by. For example, while most of us may look at a seven dollar t-shirt as a bargain, Barbara Ehrenreich finds it out of her price range while working for only seven dollars an hour at Wal-Mart, (p. 159). Yes, some may say its not necessary to buy the shirt, but in most cases, jobs require certain attire which may not be an affordable option. Ehrenreich also proves the unaffordable housing situation by including the fact on page 170, "...rents usually have to be less than thirty percent of one's income to be considered 'affordable'...59 percent of poor renters...spend more than fifty percent of their income on shelter."
ReplyDeleteOne thing unexpectful in the book was Barbara's change of thought during her job at Wal-Mart. Once she adjusts to her new job, she soon becomes edgy and controlling. For instance, while she is watching a new co-worker, she comments, "A surge of evil mirth. I peer around from where I am wokring in Jordache, hoping to see her go splat, (p. 168). Her attitude towards others differs creating even more stress in her life.
I completely agree with Greg about the emergency part. Barb worked and lived in low class, but she always had high class to back her up. Even though she turned down her friend, who went through it, for a night at her house, Barb still had the motive of continuing her low-wage life because she was to be rewarded at the end by her higher class who will enjoy her book. It amazes me how much time seems to stand still as she works in Wal-Mart. The description she made of herself in the mirror and the way she described her coworkers seemed desperate. Desperate for their shift to be over, for time to speed up so they can go; although none of them had a place to go.
ReplyDeleteMarissa, I agree with the comments you made about Barbara's limitations. While I admire her bravery for giving up her comfortable life for the sake of research, I think that if she was truly to emerse herself in the life of a low paid worker she should not be able to cut corners. Those who are truly in this situation are not able to quit and relocate when times get tough and have a car and emergency cash fund at their fingertips. They are not able to work all day and know that if things dont work out they can always give up and go somewhere else and still have the resources to start a new life.
ReplyDeleteLindsey, I also agree that Barbara's comments regarding race and ethnicity were distasteful. I am well aware that there are racial quotas in the work place but the author's multiple references to race through the novel were slightly annoying.
Overall, I thought this novel was interesting and eye-opening, but not exactly enjoyable. I found that I was somewhat bored throughout the novel, although some of the facts shocked me, such as the fact that a Wal-Mart employee is hesitant to buy a shirt from their own store even when its on clearance.
Regarding back to Greg's question, I cannot help but feel sympathy for the people working in low class jobs. You cannot control what family you were born in to and what conflicts you might have had. Everybody's situation is different, but I am almost 100% sure that the people working low wage jobs every day just to survive never wanted to end up there. In almost every job Barbara worked, her fellow employees were not only just as hardworking, but kind and gracious as well. On the other hand though, some of the people that Barbara befriended seemed to have given up hope, and had accepted the fact that they would always be forced to work low paying jobs. For example, “This is a work stoppage. Ever hear of that? This is a strike. Denise just goes back to work, crinkling her face up in embarrassment or maybe disgust”(pg.111). I think with enough drive it would be possible to escape low class, but a lot of people don’t have lost all drive.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the book I noticed a change in Barbara. It seemed as if towards the beginning of the book she was more determined and looked at the experiment as almost a fun little challenge. Towards the end, she seems a lot more personally involved. Even her personality changed a little bit. For instance, while she was working at Wal-Mart she compares the differences of Barb and Barbara. “Take away the career and the higher education, and maybe what you’re left with is this original Barb, the one who might have ended up working at Wal-Mart for real if her father hadn’t managed to climb out of the mines. So it’s interesting, and more than a little disturbing, to see how Barb turned out- that she’s meaner and slyer that I am, more cherishing of grudges, and not quite as smart as I’d hoped”(pg. 169). This is very interesting for me to think about. How having worked only a couple months has changed how she thinks, acts, and views other people.
I agree with Cristina. She made a very good point when she stated that everyone’s position in life is different and not everyone is born with the same benefits. For instance, the majority of Barbara’s coworkers were often struggling to maintain a residence and were, usually, barely educated beyond the high school level, but there is no telling what caused them to become minimum wage workers. Perhaps they’re just experiencing rough patches in their lives or maybe their families experienced major economic hardships and couldn’t afford to send any of their children to college. Nobody knows what caused their poverty or how their lives might have turned out had they been raised with the benefits that allow for a better education or even a better life in general, but what matters is that they trying to make a difference in their lives no matter what their reasons are for doing so.
ReplyDeleteToward the beginning of the novel, when Barbara was working at the diner, a few of her coworkers were homeless and the others were just struggling to get by, living in what seemed to be described as run down shacks. The reason her coworkers lived like this is because they didn’t have the resources, or the income to survive. Barbara, on the other hand, had the resources to survive because of her high paying job as a journalist and her well earned education. I think that’s the reason why Barbara allowed herself to use a 1,200 dollar “safety net” because she had the resources to survive. I think Barbara wanted to experience life as a minimum wage worker, but not truly live like a minimum wage worker or, in essence, become a minimum wage worker. Throughout the novel Barbara continuously referred to herself as being more intelligent and more qualified and she constantly referred to her numerous jobs as temporary experiments. Barbara only intended on using her security net when she had to because, unlike her coworkers, she could afford limitations and she never wanted to live out of her car like so many of them were.
After reading through all the comments made by my classmates, I have found that many of us share similar opinions on the topics discussed. I, personally, have been able to find at least one point from each blog that I can easily say I agree with. This really surprised me.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have finished this book, I keep thinking about the section in Maine when Barbara was working as a maid. I was shocked when Holly continued to work after she hurt her ankle. It is sad that someone can be so desperate for money and praise that they work through injury and in the end hurt themselves more. Another thing that bothered me was that Ted was completely okay with Holly working through it. I do not understand why low-wage workers get treated so poorly. They are probably doing some of the hardest physical labor, are not getting paid much, and they are still treated like dirt. Shouldn't they be the ones to go on extravagant vacations and be pampered? I know that if I were to get hurt on the job, I would expect to have time off and appropriate medical care.
Yet another topic that I found to bother me is the way we treat the lower class, not just when they get hurt, but in general. I feel guilty for expecting so much when I go to a restaurant or hotel. I find myself picking out all the negative things about my experience. "The waitress was slow.", "There was no soap in the hotel room.", and so on. I mean when you think about it putting new soap in a hotel bathroom is only one small task the maid must do while cleaning a room. It was just a simple mistake, no big deal. But it was a big deal- to me, and it shouldn't have been. We are so critical of others, but I don't think we stop to realize all the other luxuries given to us. Would a simple "thank you" really hurt us the next time we see a maid or leaving a restaurant. I wish I could say that the next time a low income worker messes up I would be understanding and reassure them, but I couldn't say that without lying. The truth is I probably won't. Most of us wouldn't. We do not want to think about or witness the dirty jobs of the world. Let's be honest- they are really unpleasant and no one would necessarily "want" to do them. My challenge to you and myself is to at least try to be understanding of the people you encounter, who can barely scrape by. You don't have to talk to them, just try not to be rude or unappreciative. Maybe a little smile would be the kind a praise they need to get through the day.
I feel sympathetic towards the working poor. This book has made me open my eyes to how some of them live. As Ehrenreich explained, they work and work but still are in deeper poverty. I don't know how I could bear to live that way.
ReplyDeleteThis book made me think about my own job, especially since I work at Wal-Mart. Most of the things she mentions about Wal-Mart are true; however, I do not have to clock out for break. She also mentioned the way that people dress shows their level of poverty. I recall her mentioning that footwear, particularly mocasins, and hair style can show someone's social class. I began to look at people's appearances as I worked and noticed some of these characteristics. Her description opened my eyes to the people working around me.
In regards to Kya's statement, I also think that most of us would have found Holly's situation unbearable. Its sad that someone is so desperate for money that they must work through intense obstacles, while most middle and upper class workers would just say "forget it."
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this book, I found the most voice in one of Barbara's statements, "What you don't necessarily realize when you start selling your time by the hour is that what you're actually selling is your life,"(p. 187). I had never thought of it this way, but now looking at her job at Wal-Mart, it was as if she just waited for the shift to be over, and then continued to do the same routine each day. Although her voice was strong throughout the novel, I found her to sometimes be naive. For example, Barbara thought her and another co-worker could have helped unionize Wal-Mart if she had stuck with it. How many people have already tried this? Yes, you shouldn't give up hope on tasks like this, but I doubt she would have been able to get something started before she would be fired.
The most critical fact to me in this book is in the evaluation, "Many employers will offer almost anything- free meals, subsidized transportation, store discounts- rather than raise wages,"(p.204). I found this shocking, why would an employer waste money on those things when they could just raise wages and the employee could choose to put their money towards those items. And finally, the most saddening and eye-opening thing in this book was in the afterword. An email reading, "Nickled and Dimed is far from fiction. It is pretty much my life. With two college degrees, I have struggled, and with no health insurance, I've incurred a ton of debt,"(p.226). The fact that this person has been through college and is unable to find a "livable wage job" is extremely sad. How are we supposed to get by? This book, although slow at some points, is very eye-opening and informing.
After reading this novel, I can’t honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s great to get a first person viewpoint of poverty itself and the tortures of working in a minimum wage position, but it’s not the novel I didn’t like it was the unique writing style. As stated by a few other students, Barbara wrote the novel in a reporting fashion. She stated facts about coworkers, working conditions, finances, and treatment, but there was just something missing that I’ve gotten from the few other novels I’ve read; this feeling of attachment that you get when you’re completely immersed in the novel’s story line. Some novels are meant to pull you in and keep you reading, but I found that, with this novel, it grew harder and harder to read it as the days went by. Considering the fact that Barbara is a journalist, perhaps her sole purpose was not to completely immerse the readers in the life of a minimum wage worker, but simply to inform them of how difficult and tormenting it can be to survive on that salary and maybe that’s the reason why I didn’t like it. However, I did like how truthful she was in her reporting especially when it came to finances. She budgeted every dollar she spent and stated that simple things, things we take for granted everyday, like a pair of thirty dollar slacks were out of her price range and that she would try to keep them as clean as possible on a daily basis, something we all do but not for the same reason, because, for her, cleaning them was a difficult task considering that she didn’t have a washing machine to use. I also enjoyed the truths she found in the common stereotypes we all know. For instance, Barbara stated, in the beginning of the novel, that nearly all of her coworkers exhibited at least one of the common signs of the working poor such as messy hair, dirty or wrinkled clothing, and torn or old footwear. After reading this, I began to realize that people all around me display these characteristics.
ReplyDeleteThis book has been an eye opener to me. Before reading, Nickel and Dimed I had no idea that the working class had it that bad. It really makes me appreciate the life that I have. I think one of the biggest things that shocked me was just how the company’s Barbara worked for treated their employees. They were all obviously over worked and they were given barely any breaks. For example one situation that surprised me was when Barbara worked at the nursing home and was forced to feed and memorize the diets of 30 Alzheimer’s patients by herself. If she would have made one mistake this could have been very dangerous to the patients. There should have been more people helping her with this task. After reading about this I thought about what my mother just went through. Recently she just got her nursing license and applied to work at a nearby nursing home. She was truly appalled. Not only were they under staffed which resulted in neglecting the patients, but they were also overworked. There would be days when my mom wouldn’t come home till 3:30 AM. My mom finally quit after being left on a floor with 25 patients to herself. She didn’t want to jeopardize her nursing license. Later on, she called and complained saying that the patients were not getting the care they deserved and that they needed to treat their nurses better. The only response she got was that they were understaffed and that this is how it is like in every nursing home. My mom was able to quit, but I cannot help but to think of all the people working who cannot afford to quit. It’s not right. Something needs to be done.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I am just repeating what everyone else has said, but this novel has shown me the surprising treatment of low-wage workers. I have learned that these workers are not just high school dropouts who were to lazy to do something with their life. I feel guilty for all the times I have thought something bad about the workers at Walmart or some fast food place. Just because of what was going on with their family at the time, they did not necessarily have the choice to go to college when they were young. And if they were lucky enough to attend, that does not guarantee a life of prosperity. A low-wage life is just what came to be. It makes me want to somehow give them the life they never had. But I know randomly walking up to somebody and giving them a thousand dollars would not give them that life. I am trying to think of ways the upper and middle class could help the lower class climb out of the swamp they are in. But then I think back to were Barbara mentioned something about how the upper class relies on the lower class and that in order for society to be balanced, basically, there will always have to be a certain amount of poor people. Why does it have to be this way? It is not fair. Why should some people never be given the chance to succeed?
ReplyDeleteOverall, I have enjoyed reading this book. In the later part of the section on Walmart, I started to disagree with what Barbara said and did. I didn't like how she seemed to become very angry and territorial. And then she began talking about unions to coworkers. I did not fully understand why she started to do this. She went into these situations to see what life was like for the low-income workers and to see if it was truly possible to survive on their salary, not to change the way Walmart functions. However, the facts that have been presented and the lives of her coworkers that have been discovered are all very interesting and eye opening. I am glad that I have read this book so I understand what the people I encounter on a daily basis have been through.
After reading one of Kya’s points, I realized how right she really is. In the past, I’ve stayed in hotels and visited restaurants, but I feel guilty whenever I ask for tedious things such as more napkins or salad dressing. It makes me feel as if I’m establishing my dominance over the minimum wage worker even though I know that’s not what I’m doing. I can see in their eyes, when they bring the extra napkins, that they hate their jobs and wish they didn’t have to please every customer by obliging their every request. I can tell how demeaning it is for them to follow every order and try to smile while they do it. I can’t even imagine how awful it must be to feel as if everyone is looking down on you like they don’t even realize you’re there only to acknowledge you’re presence when they need a soda refill. Don’t they deserve a little more money in return for the pride they sacrifice on a daily basis? On Barbara’s last day at the dinner she had many rough tables all complaining about something unimportant. I always try to be as gracious as I can to minimum wage workers because I know how terrible their jobs must be, but I continue to feel guilty even after the waiter/waitress fetches me more napkins because I didn’t mean to put them on a pedestal by making them bring me something as miniscule as another napkin or two. I think that’s what creates the tension between the wealthy and poor, the fact that humanity places people on pedestals only defining them by how much money they have or their position in life rather than by their personality or character.
ReplyDeleteAs many other students stated, Barbara’s personality began to change, toward the end of the novel, while she was working at Walmart. Barbara remained calm throughout the novel, knowing that it was just a temporary experiment, but after a few days at Walmart it sounded as if she was becoming a completely different person. She worked in what seemed like a maze of clothing; folding shirts and restocking shelves. She became angrier, territorial, and more stressed with each passing day. One day a small oriental woman began working in her section, telling her how she should fold clothes, and Barbara lost her cool and began questioning the woman. Even Barbara, herself, stated that she had completely lost her mind—taking on this persona of an angry, more irritable woman named barb. Eventually Barb tried to organize a union, which makes no sense because her position at Walmart was only temporary. From this experience, it’s easy to see how stressful certain minimum wage positions are and how torturous life as a member of the working poor can be.
In regards to Kya's most recent statement, I feel the same way. Why is it that most people look at low-wage workers as people who are not trying? In most cases, it is the opposite. In Maine, Ehrenreich shows her experiences in the maid business. One of the other maids, Holly, seems to be having a difficult time. At one point, she even injures her ankle, causing cleaning to be a difficult task (pg. 109-110). Another Holly moment consisted of Marge thinking that she's pregnant. The signs of nausea makes it a possibility. She never truely says that she is or isn't, but the strenuous work on their hands and knees couldn't help the situation, sickness or pregnancy. Knowing that they cannot take a day off without worry of money is ridiculous. Atleast a few paid days off should be permitted. These workers are trying and working for their well-being, yet it is, and never will be, enough.
ReplyDeleteEhrenreich later has a conversation with Holly and Marge about how maids seem to be looked at by society. For some strange reason, they feel that they are lower than other workers. Holly even mentioned, "They think we're stupid" (pg.100). Marge followed with, "We're nothing to these people" (pg. 100). I find this quite ridiculous. No human being should feel of a higher-significance than the next person. What a person earns, to me, is simply their business. Why does certain $6-$7 per hour jobs look more highly of than other $6-$7 per hour jobs? This is not morally right.
My favorite conversation of the Scrubbing in Maine chapter was at the end. Barbara questions how her co-workers feel about the rich customers. Lori simply suggested that she was jealous and looks up to them (pg. 118). Colleen, on the other hand, simply mentions that she does not particularly mind. The rich's treasures are not of significance to her. She just wishes she was "able to take a day off now and then . . . if I [she had to . . . and still be able to buy groceries the next day" (pg. 119). Why is Colleen content with where she is at? Lori strives to be them, almost like their role models for her. But Colleen doesn't seem to mind, which confuses me.
In the Selling in Minnesota chapter, I find Ehrenreich's idea of "selling her life" especially interesting. "What you don't necessarily realize when you start selling your time by the hour is that what you're actually selling is your life" (pg. 187). She technically is just working her life away, hour by hour.
Finishing the novel, I found myself full of questionable emotions. I feel sorry that we all have proof that minimum wage is not enough to get by, yet it remains low. Also, the people of America have a false perception of what low-wage workers are all about. Personally, I figured these employees never really tried in the workforce, were most likely a high school drop-out, or both. Now, I realize that I was completely wrong. They work hard, if not harder, than other people who get paid more. They take on more jobs, constantly try to find less costly living quarters, and don't forget about the cost of food. Why are Americans, including myself prior to reading, so ignorant to the poor? Most people work to make ends meet. For most, ends do meet. For these low-wage workers, they are pushing and working constantly for the ends to meet. They are lucky, if they do make the wages meet. Others are not so lucky. We, as free Americans, should push for a better future and a higher minimum wage.
ReplyDeleteTo further touch base on my first blog and Lindsey and Lauren's later comments, I remain dissatisfied with Ehrenreich's choice of words throughout her entire piece of work. To start off with the Scrubbing in Maine segment, Ehrenreich immediately brings up the race factor. "I chose Maine for its whiteness" (pg.51). Why does she take ethnicity to such high concern? Soon later, she explains her thoughts on the people of Maine. "Maybe, I reasoned, when you give white people a whole state to themselves, they treat one another real nice" (pg. 52). How is this relevant to minimum wage workers and her job in Maine? When discussing how a maid uniform may make a person lower than one in a waitress uniform, she states, "Maybe, it occurs to me, I'm getting a tiny glimpse of what it would be like to be black" (pg. 100). This comment made me extremely wide-eyed. Not all African American people are unsuccessful or looked down upon. To start off her Selling in Minnesota chapter, she discusses why she chose Minnesota instead of a California city. " . . . my worry that the Latinos might be hogging all the crap jobs and substandard housing for themselves, as they so often do" (pg. 121). How can an entire race or type of human "hog" occupations or housing? She never considered that in Maine, which she commented on being predominantly white, the Caucasian population was "hogging" the housing or job opportunities. Over the entire novel, I would skip a breath at certain ignorant comments regarding race. Every single person in America needs money to live. Most work for this money. Regardless of who, what, where, or when, everyone needs housing and food. There is not one particular group of people that need it more than others.
The most thought-provoking, specific statement in the entire book was in her Evaluation section. She notes that, " . . . I learned something that no one ever mentioned in the gym: that a lot of what we experience as strength comes from knowing what to do with weakness" (pg. 195). I found this comment particularly inspiring. We, as people, must use our weaknesses and change them to strengths. It is the only way we can evolve as working individuals. Overall, this novel got me thinking of how to view all American’s, struggling or not.
On page 100, it amazes me how she states "Maybe, it occurs to me, I'm getting a tiny glimpse of what it would be like to be black." This sentence shocks me because it is the perfect example of our world today. Racism is a huge interference in our societies, whether with jobs or schooling. The way one dresses, looks, or their skin color will determine the way that our world will treat them. Prejudice is common and it hurts me to watch such nice people as Barb who are working their life away to live in a motel. If i were to be put into a situation such as that I'm not too sure if I would of handled it quite like Barb. Look at the way she gets through the days, its tough, but she keeps going.
ReplyDeleteOverall I am glad that I read this book. I have a new respect for the working class. Reading Nickel and Dimed reminded me just how hard people can work. I have also noticed changes in myself. For example the other day I found myself at the store trying on clothes. Usually when I’m done I just hang the unwanted clothes on some random rack of clothes, not bothering to even try to find its proper place. This time though I actually took the time to find the right places for each clothing item I had. I didn’t want to add any more stress to the employees by giving them more work. Before I read this book I didn’t think that it was hard to be a waitress, Wal-Mart employee, or maid. I didn’t even take the time to realize that these people probably have more than one job. Nickel and Dimed helped shed a lot of my ignorance.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Nickel and Dimed I realized that i saw the other side of the working class, the actual work part. I walked trough Wal-Mart with my mom the other day and i saw a worker. It was funny cause I looked at the nametag and it said Barb. Barb reminded me of the book and I started thinking about working there. I looked at the other workers and how they presented themselves. Their fake smiles and rough personalities cover up their entire life. I wondered what was going on in their life that made them end up where they are now, like if any of their stories were similiar to the ones that we read about.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Nickel and Dimed, I also feel as though my ignorance to the working class has been reduced. Like many have stated on their blogs, I now do more to help people in stores. When I used to go shopping, if an item fell, I said oh well a worker would pick it up. However, now I pick up clothes that I have dropped and others, too. I also try to put the clothes and items back where I found them and not in a random place.I now realize how much it really does help someone or brighten their day, even just a little, when you hold the door open or smile. One smile can help someone who's having a horrible day making sure the place is a perfect, clean, milieu for you to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this novel was an important one to read because it shows us just how hard low wage employees have to work just to get by. I now have a new respect for the men and women working in Wal-Mart and other such stores. Prior to reading this novel, I never really noticed them. It was like I knew they were there, but I really didn't process the fact that they were actual people, just people who helped around the store. Now, as the greeter at Wal-Mart gives me a welcoming smile, or the lady stocking the shelves in the canned food section asks if I'm doing okay, I no longer think of what they could be doing for me, but what their individual stories are.
ReplyDeleteI applaud Barbara for keeping up with this project. She could've stepped out at any time. She didn't need to stay in poverty, she was educated. Her dedication to this book astounds me. I don't think I would have been able to keep it up.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kaity. This novel opened my eyes to how hard low wage people work. They have to put so much effort into what they do. I know that after I'm done working I am pretty tired. I usually just go home and rest, but they don't get that chance. Most of them work two jobs so they can keep up with rent and gas prices. I have a new appreciation for people with low wage jobs.
I agree with Emily's comment about Barbara's persistance. I admire her for continuing with the project even when times were tough. Not everyone can so easily give up their former lifestyle for the sake of research. She did an excellent job of opening our eyes and educating us in the obstacles that many low wage workers have to fight their way through. Not everyone could stick with it the way Barbara did. While I had my issues with the novel, overall I believe Barbara did a fantastic job and is a very dedicated journalist.
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