After the recent presidential election, photographer Alex Harper from Humans of New York shifted his focus away from the bustling streets of NYC to the heart of Macomb County, Michigan. Nestled just north of Detroit, this predominantly blue-collar area has made headlines for its surprising political shift, notably supporting Donald Trump for the first time in nearly three decades. “Macomb County has experienced a lot of change,” Harper shares in a pinned post on the HONY Facebook page. “The local economy is heavily tied to the auto industry, and the recent election results reflect a significant turning point.”
In an effort to delve deeper into the reasons behind this voter transformation, Harper has been engaging with residents, giving them a voice to share their personal struggles. One particular story has gone viral, resonating with many and shedding light on the flawed perceptions we often have about poverty. How often have we heard phrases like “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” or “don’t have kids you can’t afford?” It’s a hopeful notion, but in the reality of today’s economy, it rings hollow.
“I grew up in a comfortable suburb. I once thought I could just tell someone in need: ‘Just get a job, save some money, and you’ll be fine.’ That perspective has shifted dramatically,” the post begins. “I was blind to the harsh realities faced by the impoverished.”
Harper invites everyone to meet the individuals living in these struggling neighborhoods. “Right now, we are surrounded by hardworking families. These are the people who help maintain our homes, serve our meals, and care for our loved ones, yet they often earn less than a living wage.”
Have you considered what people are truly living on today? Census data reveals that median household income in 2012 was stagnant, remaining at levels seen 25 years earlier, and there’s been little improvement since. Meanwhile, the costs of basic necessities are skyrocketing.
“There’s hardly any money left for savings. What happens when they get sick? If their car breaks down? A single mistake can lead to fines they can’t pay. When you’re at the bottom, the system keeps pushing you down further. You can’t pull yourself up when there’s nothing to hold on to. We’re not compensating our fellow humans enough to ensure they can live. We expect them to serve us, yet we neglect to support them.”
It’s no wonder people are yearning for change. A billionaire promising to disrupt the status quo feels like a refreshing alternative. However, we must consider how far those promises will truly extend to the working poor in these communities. It’s crucial to recognize our shared humanity; more individuals are struggling than ever, and we can’t afford to let the illusion of separation persist. We all aspire to provide for our families and do our best. If you catch yourself thinking, “They just need to try harder,” pause for a moment and appreciate that you may not know what it’s like to work tirelessly and still barely scrape by.
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In summary, the Humans of New York post underscores our misconceptions about poverty, revealing that hard work alone often isn’t enough to escape the cycle of struggle. With the economy in turmoil, it’s imperative to recognize our shared humanity and extend empathy to those facing hardships.