What's your opinion?

Question

What's your opinion on the following statement?
Poverty is:
A. Completely the fault of the individual
B. Mainly the fault of the individual, but partially the fault of the government/society as well.
C. Partly the individual's fault, partly the government/society's fault.
D. Mainly the fault of the government/society, but partially the fault of the individual as well.
E. Completely the government/society's fault.

Also, if you have any suggestions as to what the individual (or the government or society, depending on your answer) can do to improve the poverty situation, please include that. Thanks!

Answer 1

I'm torn between B and C. I have seen people who are capable of doing something but chose to do nothing, so I'd put more blame on them. Then, there are some cases I've seen where I feel it's equally the fault of both. As far as what can be done, there needs to be more emphasis on the importance of an education. So many people could benefit from a good vocational education program. I know not everyone is cut out for college, but those who aren't could get ahead by taking a good vo-tech course. Most of them are free--attached to many high schools. The government could help by making sure every teen had a chance to go to one if he or she chose to. Also, there needs to be a lot more put into after school programs. There needs to be programs for kids of all ages. There should be several different options for the kids––homework help, crafts, sports, and maybe even some cooking and shop type classes for older kids. Anything to keep kids off the streets and doing something that will help and interest them. In the after school programs, the kids could, with supervision, do things to improve their neighborhoods or help the less fortunate. Anyone who is able to contribute to a society feels better about themselves and will be more likely to continue to make positive contributions to society.

Answer 2

D