The Urban poor.......Why more?

Oh Dear Diary-

While spending time reading about and contemplating inner-city poverty, a couple of issues struck a cord with me. In my daily work, i encounter employees from many different socio-economic backgrounds. Typically, they are not the best of employees. I try in earnest to "meet them where they are" and not have preconcieved notions. But sometimes it is hard to ignore the obvious. They feel as though they are owed something by the organization.

While reading about inner-city poverty, i came across a hypothesis that "the poor are complicate in their own fate." I couldnt agree more. While there are individuals that deserve assistance in inner cities, I am afraid that they are far outnumbered by the individuals who just dont care. They do not put forth their best efforts in their work, or even to obtain work, instead being complacent and waiting for someone to give them something. And then, in steps public policy to what?; encourage that attitude.

Another hypothesis discovered in my reading was that Public Poilicy is partly to blame for inner city poverty. YES! I cannot recall the number of times that an employee has been terminated for gross misconduct in the workplace and simply does not care. You might ask why. It is because they believe they should be entitled to unemployment, and suprisingly sometimes are awarded. This undermines organizations ability to enforce policy in the workplace. Individuals have actually aske my advice on how they can best leave their current position (they are tired of working their) and still draw their "pennies," a common descrition of unemployment checks. It is an attitude that i am afraid is fostered by their community and encourages their lack of effort and participation in attaining their own way.

Unfortunately, i am afraid i am coming across as jaded, but it remains a daily challenge to stay optimistic in the face of blantant abuse on "the system."

Glorified Omission

Dear Diary-

While my last post might have seemed to glorify suburbanization, it failed to mention or recognize the externalities of the situation. As witnessed in viewing a historical video on New York, many people were left in the dust with no means to escape.

While the American Dream of owning that little plot of land that is all your own surrounded by green, it can seem somewhat sinister if the "means to the end" are not considered.

There is more than one way to obtain a goal!

Good Night New York!

-J