Why do many of the poor I know think that some day they will "make it" when the vast majority haven't?

Question

I grew up in a poor neighborhood... mainly conservative...

they all work very hard, for the most part... and they all seem to be under the impression that one day their hard work will pay off... as many Republicans seem to believe "all you have to do is work hard and be careful and you will be rich"

yet... very few have "made it"... in fact only the "wealthiest" of those (which weren't very wealthy at all really) came even close to "making it"

I mean the South is the most conservative, in recent elections... yet statistically the poorest area? shouldn't that be the area that works the hardest, THEREFORE MAKES THE MOST MONEY?

those who "reap" the benefits of their actions?

and am I a better person and a harder worker than they were because I "made it"?

oh and the schools are such that few are anywhere close to being able to attend college...

hmm... drive... so a person with a poor education, that grew up in a poor area, with no money should just pick up and spend their life savings on a trip to wall-street... and everything will turn out ok! as long as they have drive... maybe the entire south should do that?

and I've been reading propaganda...

I'm not exactly saying they should give up...

but it sure seems like America has gave up on them... even though they didn't give up on America...

Answer 1

No, my friend, everybody can make it in this society. I assume you've read too much socialist novels.

Answer 2

You are tapping into the 64 million dollar question

When Republicans are in power they push legislation that slams shut the door of opportunity in the face of working people striving to achieve the American Dream

They make it impossible to unionize

They opposed the GI Bill

They always oppose increasing the minimum wage

They always oppose a living wage

They ( Bush Co. )took away overtime pay

They fought against the Family & Medical Leave Act

They fight for tax cuts for the wealthy, crumbs for working people

They attack the graduated income tax and offer replacements like the "flat tax", which would be a $ 5,000+ tax increase for a family of 4 living on $ 50,000 a year

They opposed the Earned Income Tax Credit...too busy trying to cut taxes on profits made in the stock market by rich folks

It is a statistical fact that Americans are the most productive workers on the planet...but while our productivity has increased...our wages have decreased.

This is what conservatives do...out of hatred and ignorance they destroy the American Dream....unless you're rich

Answer 3

marketers (aka the "wealthy scumbags that don't pay taxes") take a threat with their capital and, while the possibility is a fulfillment, they convey a enterprise that creates products and centers to the final public. The marketers thrive while shoppers (the midsection and bigger classification) purchase pronounced products and centers. while the marketers sell their products and centers, they make a income, wherein they are in a position to apply to enhance their enterprise by utilising hiring greater workers and increasing the companies to an more desirable volume of areas. The undesirable do no longer make any contributions to this equation.

Answer 4

There are so many factors in becoming wealthy. It's not one or two things people possess that give them the ability to make money.

And I'm not sure everyone's definition of "making it" involves being wealthy.

For me, being comfortable, not worrying about how bills are going to be paid, being educated, being around a loving family, and just generally being happy is my definition of "making it".

I've found that people who tout their ability to amass money have usually done so at the expense of being a good person or being truly happy. People who have truly "made it" do not list money as the end-all, be-all standard of measurement.

Answer 5

American optimism. It's a good thing.

Look at it in reverse: many highly successful people rose from modest backgrounds and do credit hard work and determination. I think what this means in light of your situation is that it doesn't always work out, but that confidence and grit is a necessary ingredient.

Answer 6

Some will. Some won't.
But at least Conservatives try to improve their lives.
And no matter what, Trying is better than the Liberals whining, crying, hating, and holding their hands out for welfare from us taxpayers.
I was on the Democrat Plantation for years, where blacks & poor whites are kept down, poor, and in their places.
I ESCAPED, by working 7 days a week, 10-12 hours a day, no drugging & no drinking, and by saving and investing.
I NEVER BECAME RICH, BUT I DID WELL ENOUGH TO ESCAPE THE DEMOCRATS & THEIR PLANTATION.

Answer 7

Thank you for asking this question. It is a great question. The total and complete lack of understanding and compassion of people like RICARDVS, makes me wish I could find a truly enlightened and evolved planet to move to! People like you, and me, and the Real Ed-Mike, and Neale Donald Walsh, and Richard Bach, and about maybe 15 or 20 others that I know of, on Y/A politics, remind me that there actually is hope for a truly enlightened human race. But, people like him, remind me of how primitive our species still really is! *sm*

Answer 8

You have to do more than just work hard, you have to work smart and take risks to become rich.

Just because someone shows up on time every day and gives a full day's work is no guarantee of stunning success. If you never make an effort to improve yourself or go above and beyond the average person, you shouldn't expect to strike it rich.

Of course, I've never really known anyone to claim that if you work really hard digging ditches, you'll wake up one day in the company of Warren Buffet or Bill Gates. If someone gets that idea, they have no one to blame for their delusions but themselves.

Answer 9

The promise of "making it" and becoming wealthy if only they work hard enough is what keeps them voting Republican. The carrot that is dangled which will be there if only they work hard enough. So they must vote Republican because one day they too will make it.

Answer 10

Do they have the drive to get places? are they still taking government handouts?

Okay. I guess I'll give up trying since working hard will get me nowhere.

Answer 11

Hopes and dreams. Simple as that.