why do people assume all people on the dole are scum?

Question

i have been on JSA (job seekers allowance) for 3 months, IT IS THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I HAVE BEEN ON IT. and i swear the reception i am getting from certain people (especially on here) is horrible, they think i am a dole dossing, layabout who does nothing all day and doesnt want to work, i am DESPERATE to find a job. I have a partner and a child to support, what else do they think i should do???

Answer 1

Dare I mention that I used to be a civil servant with the Benefits Agency? (*runs and ducks for cover*)

I kid you not, the Benefits Agency have to be the world's WORST for prejudice against people that have fallen on hard times (hence the reason why I left) Yes, admittedly, there are people that completely take the p*ss (and they are the ones that consistently get away with it) whilst genuine people like yourself are the ones that get caught up in the backlash.

Ignore the ignorant and arrogant people that have no idea what it is like to live on (or more likely) BELOW the breadline. You have my sympathy my friend, given a choice I think that the majority of people would prefer to earn their crust doing an honest day's work - sometimes though it's just not as easy to even get a job that pays enough to warrant coming off benefits.

I'd love all these people that make these sweeping generalisations to survive for a week on Benefits and to walk a mile in your shoes - it's certainly not an easy task at the best of times - especially with Crimbo just around the corner.

Hold your head up high, at least you have paid into the system (unlike SOME) but at the moment you are just unfortunate enough to have to use it. Don't let the barstewards grind you down, keep trying and something will turn up eventually.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I think that is an old fashioned look at it cause years ago there were jobs only some just didn't want to work there are some at the moment who claim benefits that they shouldn't really get and also work which some have been caught at then there are those who have no choice and don't really like to only they need the money to survive so by saying they are scum is stereotyping and that is unfair.Hope you get sorted out soon with a good job that pays you well, take care

Answer 3

I would never assume someone on the dole is scum, I was on the dole myself a good few years ago after been made redundant from the job I'd had for 16 years, I was judged the same too, it wasn't a good feeling, redundancy, a job move or circumstance can have anyone on the dole at anytime, hope you get a job very soon, don't get downhearted there is something good out there for you, lots of good luck.

Answer 4

i don't think you are scum about £45 of my £240 b4 tax a week go,s on tax's i think most of it gos to pay for wars and jag,s they love to use unemployed people as a punchbag its hard to live on my wage i wish they would just tax the Rich more i was on the dole for 2 years since then i have worked for the last 8 all tho I'm not much better off after tax full rent full poll tax and bills i can understand why some people wont take a **** job

Answer 5

Inverted snobbery + double standards... example:

"Look at me... I made it to the top and I came from a council estate." whilst coercing people to support, vote, or join them in their course... then saying, "we should stop helping wasters... I worked my way out, if I can, they can." and failing to realise that the lucky breaks of progress and employment, don't always help people to escape the lower salaried jobs. Or the rented sector.

We have a strange habit in the UK of boasting about our own progress... hating others who make it to a higher level, through jealousy... and looking down on those, who we have left behind.

"Lets drive past the old council house we once lived in..." is also linked to looking down our noses, on those who live there now!

You are spot on with your observation, it is the British way, I've been at the top and bottom many times... and truly, the nicest and most trustworthy and trusting, are those who have little to give, less than most, but give all they can!

You surely do discover who your real friends are when you lose everything... and trust me on this... they are decidedly NOT the ones you thought they were, they always turn out to be the very people, society had no real time for!

Answer 6

I do not think that ALL people assume that ALL people on the dole are scum. That is far to much of a generalisation is nt it!
Of course there are the guys who are, and make it a total art form to do as little for as much as they can.
But these days, many of us have been where you are standing, its no fun, and those of us who have empathise with your plight and wish you well, GOOD LUCK, think positive, it helps!

Answer 7

I cant stick stuck up snobby people who think they are better than other people. I was brought up on a council estate and the amount of people who lived there as kids and married a guy with a decent job and now they have people carriers and are in the parent association at their kids school just get on my wick as all they do is look down on people on the brew.

Answer 8

When I answered this question about a week ago, I didn't say ALL people. I said it annoys me when people ABLE to work, can't be bothered to go and look for a job. There are people who can't work for one reason or another, and that is acceptable. But not those who CAN work, and choose not too.

Answer 9

i am i lift engineer.and i use to take home lots of money each month.but now i on the dole because of ill health.and i get 45pounds. 95 pence.per week.what i get on the dole.each month dose not cover one weeks taxes when i was working.so if you think the likes of me are dole scum.so be it

Answer 10

I don't honestly think that all people assume that everyone on the dole is scum.