Is there shame in being on welfare?

Question

What do you think? How do you feel about it? Do you think that people don't have pride like they used to and that it's more acceptable to live off the government dime?

Answer 1

Would you rather Human Beings starve to death on the streets homeless? Even your own little niece? The sick child? There is no shame in getting help for a short time! Many who say it is a crime or something to be ashamed of have never tried to live off of welfare! It isn't very much money! The little dab of money that they receive is so far below the poverty level it's sickening! Its not an easy life! Thrift shops are where you have to buy all of your clothes & shoes! And even that money is hard to come by! Your heart aches for your kids because you know that they deserve better. Your kids get made fun of and they get beat up by the other kids who have better clothes and shoes! They get picked on because of where they live. They get beat-up by the kids who's parents have more. I cried and felt so bad. Yes I was ashamed! But I did what I had to do. I went on welfare to get my kids and myself away from an abusive situation. Living in Public housing is terrible! It's Scary! It isn't a nice place to be living but it is the only place one on welfare can afford! I went back to school and I got a good job as a counselor to women who were victims of domestic abuse or rape. I paid back my student loan.( I thank the Democratic party for that) It is a shame to shame people who are down on there luck! I pray that you never have to experience this awful way of life!

Answer 2

I'm sure most people are a bit shamed to be on welfare. I remember growing up and my grandmother sent me to the store with a food stamp and it was the most humiliating experience ever back then.

As for the third part of your question, some people don't have pride and some people do. Let's say a stay at home mother of four loses her husband and sole provider in an accident. Let's say this husband had his own business so there are no 401Ks or pensions upon death. Let's say life insurance only covered debts, funeral expenses, mortgages, etc. and little was left over. She will, more than likely, need assistance from the government, if only temporarily. Why should she not have pride for a circumstance she can't control? Same with the mother who loses her job and still has to provide for her family until she finds a new one.

In today's age, studies have shown that MOST people live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to save substantial amounts of money because the cost of living has gone up tremendously. Hint: Gas prices anyone?

So, don't be so quick to write off all people on government assistance as lazy, trifling, weed smoking, skanks who pop kids out like a candy machine.

Not all people are like this. But like everything, it's the bad apples that spoils the bunch.

Good day.

Answer 3

No one should be ashamed to ask for help- if they truly need it. Especially if that help is being used (temporarily) to get out of poverty and into a better position to provide for yourself and those you are responsible for. I do think it has become more acceptable to use the welfare system long-term by those that are able to contribute to their own well-being. For those that take advantage of the system, maybe it is a pride issue- but mostly I think it is about self-worth. When you value yourself more- then you tend to want more out of life. It has become way too easy for those that are just plain indolent to use the benefits set aside for those who really need it.

Answer 4

There shouldn't be shame if someone is using the system for the the right reasons. Not all people on welfare are lazy and don't want to work. There are some who use it, get an education or get a job, and then get off of welfare. Of course, there are many many who do cheat the system and never want to work....they should be ashamed. That's why they instituted a limit on how long someone could receive benefits in many states.

I don't like how some of the answerers automatically attached a welfare recipient to a black person....there are many other cultures who are on welfare....ignorant morons.

Answer 5

No, but staying on welfare when you can get a job is. Too many people abuse the system and they are the reason why it's not working anymore.

And for Emilo S. comment: If Black people are the minority in this country how can it be that they are the only ones on welfare. Go read a book and learn some things so you can have a educated opinion dummy.

Answer 6

There is no shame in getting help for a short period of time. I don't think most states allow people to stay on welfare long anymore. They have a looking for work program. They teach people how to get work. Some states make looking for work a requirement in order to receive their check. I have known women who received their C.N.A. license & other people like the lady above me who told her touching story get grants or student loans and get degrees. Please don't be so judgmental, or harsh.

Answer 7

I DON'T THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE ANY SHAME IN BEING ON WELFARE. SOME PEOPLE REALLY NEED IT. THE ONLY THING THAT I HATE IS PEOPLE ABUSING THE WELFARE SYSTEM. NOT WORKING AND ONLY PAYIN 20 DOLLARS FOR RENT AND SOME CAN'T PAY THAT. I THINK THAT IF YOU ARE DON'T FEEL SHAME BECAUSE IF YOU ARE DOING WHAT YOU CAN WITH WHAT YOU GOT IT'S OK.

Answer 8

If it is needed there's nothing wrong with it but there are more people who don't deserve it making babies just to stay on welfare. That should be punished to the legal limits of the law.

Answer 9

Why should their be, Executive management at fortune 500 companies across the USA or on welfare, so why should it matter if poor people get it?

Answer 10

there is shame if you're taking advantage of the system.. but if you need the help.. that's why that program is avaiable.. but stand on your two feet if you can.