do you think the designation "poor folk" is demeaning?

[grasswire]

I used that phrase in response to someone's claim that the reason Hillary didn't poll well post debate is because those who might have supported her either worked two jobs, weren't home from work yet, or didn't have cable or computer to see the debate or make their opinion known.

I characterized that group of people as "poor folk". I don't think that was demeaning at all. It is just reality, and I have been in that category too. Too poor to be home by 5:30, too poor for cable or Internet access/computer.

I believe that poster was trying to say that people of color didn't get a chance to make their support for Hillary known because of their economic status, but didn't quite write that clearly.

I wonder if DU-ers believe that to be true?

[Newest Reality]

1. I have no problem with it...

Being in that class of "folks", it may be possible to have some more PC or accurate term, but "poor folks" is the way it feels and looks.

After several years of poverty, the terms used don't seem to be very important. One's views about things change as well as one's place and status.

[grasswire]

7. interesting

I think there is some comfort in knowing that one is not ALONE in the status. Poor working folk can have a rich life of camaraderie, helping each other and being free in communication with each other. No class barrier.

But this poster's larger point was that Hillary supporters could not participate in the polls post debate because of their status, and I wonder if that is true.

[NorthCarolina]

2. Being that we have so many of them in America, I think it is

something closer to morally reprehensible.

[whathehell]

3. No, I don't see why it would be considered demeaning.

[Vinca]

4. I don't think "poor folk" is demeaning. That's what they are.

It irks me when terms are deemed offensive when they're the truth. My personal favorite is "food insecure." Heaven forbid we should call hungry people hungry.

[last1standing]

5. As with every other word or phrase in the English language, it depends on context.

Like patriotism, attacking the words or phrases someone uses, without considering context, is the last refuge of a scoundrel. It generally means, the opposing party has no valid argument and has had to resort to cries of racism, sexism, poorism, wealthism or some other ism in order to close down the discussion and claim a win.

[haikugal]

6. I don't consider it demeaning.

It's the poverty that is demeaning.

I'm poor folk myself now.

It's a term you hear In some regions of the country, but not used a lot in my region.

I think the observation is correct as far as work times and money for cable etc. I think if more people were able to see the debates and talk with others about it they'd choose Bernie because of his genuine concern for the American people.

[grasswire]

9. yes

Why would a person working two jobs or long hours or without today's usual standard of communication (cable, Internet) want to vote for a 1 percenter who is in bed with Wall Street and corporate America, as opposed to Bern?

[Fumesucker]

8. Well, they mostly think of themselves as temporarily embarrassed millionaires...

Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat, but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires. -John Steinbeck

[olddots]

15. John Steinbeck saw the future

and its not pleasant .

[ChisolmTrailDem]

10. OFFS! Why don't we just start labeling groups with letters of the alphabet...except for "F"...since

that wouldn't be politically correct!

[haikugal]

13. It's a little like counting brown faces at rally's... nt

[Hortensis]

11. Poor folk sounds fine ot me too. It's conservatives who always surround it

Last edited Thu Oct 15, 2015, 01:59 PM - Edit history (1)

with things like "lazy" and "unwilling to work" who have smeared an honest description with dishonesty.

I think assuming Democrats refuse surveys because they are poor might not be spot on, though.

[JustAnotherGen]

12. Can you provide the link? n/t

[grasswire]

17. no

I don't want to be accused of calling out a particular member.

[Demobrat]

14. In the south "poor"

is code for black. That is why you never hear southern politicians use the term. They talk about the middle class instead, because that is code for white.

[Downwinder]

16. I don't mind.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

18. No. It's an acknowledgement of poverty.

And, having been hungry/homeless poor several times in my life, I described myself and my family as poor.

[Ino]

19. No more demeaning than "rich folk"...

The phrase I always found demeaning is "everyday Americans"... like everyday dishes, as opposed to the special ones you bring out for company.

I guess that's why Hillary stopped using that tone-deaf expression.