I enjoyed reading the text Black and on Welfare. I agree with several points that the author makes, though I did not find them shocking. I hate the assumptions that go along with black women on welfare. I have also heard the negativity that is associated with being on welfare. What I find shocking is that, welfare programs were established during the Great Depression for white people.
In her essay, Golden explains the stereotypes and disrespectful gestures that black women on welfare receive. She says that people assume that welfare recipients are unmotivated, unskilled and uneducated. This is the stereotype that is associated with black women that receive government assistance. Black women are also accused of bringing fatherless children into the world. I can relate to this myth. One of my best friends is a single parent of two. When people see that she is on welfare, they look at her as if she is worthless. They associate her with being lazy and a stereotypical single mother. What these people fail to realize is that, in spite of having two kids at a young age; she is finishing her senior year of college and on her way to medical school. She defers the assumption that women that receive welfare are uneducated, lazy, and unmotivated.
In the essay, Sandra Golden explains that Black women have relied on church for spiritual and social renewal. Since, black women on welfare are discriminated against and disrespected, their self-esteem is lowered. She says that the social interaction in church activities help build confidence and a sense of belonging. By participating in various ministries, the women build confidence and meet other women. These ministries give them a chance to exemplify leadership. I agree with the fact that it is important that black women rely on religious institutions to provide support.
I also agree with the fact that churches are a great source for black women. I have seen the influence of church organizations that support poor black women. My church is located in the poorest zip code in my county. My church has developed a company and other programs to reach out to this community. We have established specific programs to help single black mothers. We offer assistance programs, child-care services, job training, tutoring for children and adults that want to further their education. My church has many “success stories.” Several of these women that lead some of the specific programs are single black mothers that have participated in the same programs. My church also offers special outings for these women.
Jerrika Leslie
I agree with you. It is a sad reality that Black women on welfare must be subjected to the harsh judgements of the American public for being on welfare. However, I think that poor whites on welfare are also looked down upon for being on welfare. From what I see, in white society if you are not middle class or upper class you are not worth much to society at all. So therefore it seems that both blacks and poor whites are in the same boat. People of higher classes look down their noses at those on welfare. Another group of people who are looked down upon for being on welfare are Hispanic and Latino people. Mostly because they are seen as immigrants and illegals. As a result of this even the other races who are on welfare look at them with a look of severe dissatisfaction. Those other races may feel as though the Hispanics are stealing their government money. This an unfortunate situation in our society but we must deal with it. -Mary Williams
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