Being Poor
John Scalzi has written an excellent list detailing what it is to be poor. As a writer, I appreciate the insight he provides. But the essay is not only useful as a writer’s reference, but it also provokes interesting reflection on one’s past and experiences.
I’ve been fortunate enough to never live in true poverty. I’ve had some tight years, to be sure, and unlike many of my peers, I’ve never assumed the parental safety net was going to catch me — but though in the past I ate my share of ramen and missed paying some bills here and there, I’ve never been unemployed or really suffered poverty.
One thing I’ll note, however, is that the list is a reflection of poverty in America. A list of what it’s like to be poor in, for example, India, would be much different, I think.
drupagliassotti @ February 12, 2008