After the recent presidential election, photographer and storyteller, Jake Thompson, from the acclaimed Humans of Our Neighborhood, decided to pivot his focus away from his usual haunts in New York City. Instead, he turned his lens toward Macomb County, Michigan, a region that has been making headlines. Known as a blue-collar stronghold just north of Detroit, Macomb’s economy is significantly tied to the automotive industry. Thompson notes on the Humans of Our Neighborhood Facebook page, “Macomb County recently voted overwhelmingly for a Republican candidate—a first for Michigan in nearly three decades.”
In an effort to comprehend the shifting sentiments among Michigan voters, Thompson has been engaging with local residents, allowing them to share their stories and struggles. One narrative, in particular, has resonated widely, striking a chord with many. How often have we been told to “pull ourselves up by our bootstraps” or admonished with, “Don’t have children you can’t afford”? These mantras shape our belief that hard work is the key to overcoming any challenge, but in today’s economic climate, this notion often falls flat.
“I grew up in a comfortable suburb. I used to think the solution for poverty was simple: ‘Get a job, save your money, and rise above it.’ My perspective has changed,” the post begins. “I was blind to the realities faced by those in poverty.”
Thompson urges us to meet the residents of this community, emphasizing that we are surrounded by the working poor. “These individuals are the ones who sell tools at local stores, repair roofs, care for the elderly, maintain our lawns, and serve our meals. Yet, they are often not compensated with a living wage.”
Have you considered what it truly means to get by in today’s world? Census data reveals that the median household income in 2012 was no greater than it was 25 years ago, and recent trends suggest little has improved. Meanwhile, the cost of living continues to climb.
“People are left with nothing to save. If they fall ill or their car breaks down, they’re in dire straits. One mistake can lead to fines or fees they cannot afford. When you’re in this situation, the system seems to keep pushing you down. You can’t elevate yourself with nothing to hold onto. We aren’t paying our fellow community members enough to survive. We expect them to serve us, yet we fail to serve them in return.”
It’s understandable that people yearn for change. A billionaire’s promise of disruption can appear appealing, but we must consider how far such promises will truly reach in aiding the working poor in struggling areas. We must recognize our shared humanity and the urgent need to support one another. More people are facing hardships than ever before, and we cannot maintain the illusion that we are worlds apart.
At our core, we all strive to care for our families and do the best we can. If you ever catch yourself thinking, “They just need to work harder,” pause for a moment. Be grateful that you may not fully grasp the struggle of working tirelessly and still feeling as if you’re barely scraping by.
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In summary, as we reflect on our perspectives about poverty, it’s crucial to foster empathy and understanding. The narratives from communities like Macomb County remind us that the challenges faced by many are more complex than mere hard work and perseverance.