Monthly Archives: September 2008

Over the course of the term we will be talking about all of the negative stereotypes attached to poor mothers and the ways in which welfare/workfare programs establish a norm against which everyone is to be measured.  In many ways, Sarah Palin is that norm – the supermom who is able to work and run a family all by herself.  As you keep reading about her in the media, consider how she is being framed and think about all of the ways that she plays into ideas about “personal responsibility”.

One really interesting thing to think about is the difference between how the republicans talk about Palin as a mother vs the ways in which Hilary Clinton is discussed as a mother.

This is one piece from the NYTimes today.

Here’s a summary of how people responded to the question of “what is my welfare?” I think its good to start with something Soleil wrote – she really tried to emphasize how individual welfare is – which is important for us all to remember (and comes up in the diversity of answers that people offered). She writes, “To me, welfare in MY SITUATION consists of MY well being according to MY needs to help ME work my way up until I’m able to build or accomplish MY goals. (I added the emphasis)

So here are some of the ideas that people wrote down about what things are important to their welfare:

Good education

A job that I like, a good job (one that pays well)

family, friends, a significant other,

happiness, Being surrounded by positive people, peace, health, healthy mentality

shelter/house, food, water, clothes

security – financial (savings), “money to survive” “a secure future” “not struggling to make ends meet” “financial independence”

Mobility, living with my family

success in my life, prosperity for my family and friends

cell phone, laptop, tv, computer, car, luxuries that I can afford – “my lifestlye and how I am able to maintain it” “It is to have all the necessary things and some luxury things for living” “I like things that only capitalism can buy. I almost feel guilty saying that but its very true.”
Feel free to comment or to add more things in the comments!