Wealth Inequality in the U.S.

This image, from This Website shows the distribution of US Wealth for 2009, using data from the Economic policy institute. It shows that the top 1% of  income earners own 35% of the wealth in the United States, while the bottom 80% own merely 12.8%. However, we have to ask ourselves, what are the effects of this? I believe that there are both positive and negative aspects of these alarming statistics.

Clearly the bottom 80% are not going to live as comfortably as the top 1%, maybe sacrificing luxury items to provide for basic needs. Additionally, many families in the bottom 80% may have both parents working instead of just one. However, the 80% could not survive without the top 1%. The top 1% are those who grow companies and provide jobs for the bottom 80%. Without the top 1% or even the top 20%, we would all be 80%-ers.

Should we try to equalize the distribution of wealth in the United States? I believe the answer to that is no, as inevitably life is going to be "unfair" and there are going to be those who own a vast majority of the wealth - it's unavoidable. But are there things we can do to help minimize the differences between the wealthy and the poor in the classroom? I believe that's a yes! As educators we should treat every student fairly, and not give priority to one student over another based on their socio-economic status.

Unequal Education

Is education in America equal? No.  This is more apparent on the East Coast where the norm is to attend some sort of boarding school or preparatory school.  A couple months after birth parents scurry about to get their children onto waiting lists for PRESCHOOL.  While paying $30,000 a year for preschool may seem absurd to some this will help lead to gaining a competitive edge when applying to kindergarten at one of the many highly sought after Private Schools.  St. Albans, a private school in Washington, DC is extremely competitive to gain entrance into and is extremely expensive.  This school has a long list of famous graduates that include Al Gore, Michael Bennet, Harold Ford Jr, Michael Collins, Jesse Jackson Jr., and Evan Bayh.  The importance of gaining admittance to one of these schools is seen in a 2004 article in the Wall Street Journal that found that among U.S. schools, St. Albans had the 11th highest success rate in placing graduates at 10 highly selective universities.  According to St. Albans website, tuition is $37,573 per year and if the child will be boarding at the school the yearly tuition is $52,382 per year.  Only the upper class can afford prices like this.  If you can afford to pay for your child to attend St. Albans they will have a great chance of being excepted to one of America's top universities.  But what about those who can't afford a private school tuition? Is it fair?

References:
"Your Tuition Dollars At Work." Wall Street Journal.  April 2, 2004.
www.stalbansschool.org

Occupy Wall Street: The Growing Phenomenon

"We are the 99 Percent" seems to be a prevalent and overpowering statement throughout the United States.  This refers to the 99% of people who are part of the recession currently being experience by citizens of the United States.  Many attribute the recession to Wall Street and have initiated various protests throughout the U.S.  These protests have even begun to spread through Europe creating an uproar especially amongst the youth.  A large percentage of these protesters are college students like myself who are graduating with insane amounts of debt as a result of student loans and are now unable to find jobs.  The movement aims to address classism and the affect that it is having on society today.  There is strength in numbers when it comes to the Occupy Wall Street protesters and their voice is difficult to ignore.  This movement is controversial and has been criticized by many- while many do not support to movement they are addressing some serious issues that pertain to classism and these issues need to be addressed in one way or another.  Whether you are in support of the movement or not, do your part, research the movement and create your own opinion.  The issue of classism affects everyone.

Classism Among Youth

Classism & poverty are oftentimes tied with bullying, and is especially evidenced in elementary-aged children. A New York Times article from 2010 highlighted specific bullying stories from children under the age of ten. One of these stories involves Scarlett, the victim, and Lila, the bully:

Scarlett, she sneered, couldn’t read. Her Payless and Gap shoes weren’t good enough. She wasn’t “allowed” to play with certain girls. Lila was forming a band, and Scarlett couldn’t be a part. One girl threatened to physically hurt her. During recess, Lila would loom over Scarlett, arms crossed, and say, “I’m watching you."
-The Playground Gets Even Tougher (2010)

Lila harrassed Scarlett because she didn't have shoes that were of the right brand. While to adults and older children this may seem like a petty elementary school argument, this same type of bullying that is tied to class and poverty continues into middle school and high school. Not having the best cell phone or iPod can lead to nastiness and teasing from other children. Not dressing in the best clothes or being well-put together can also lead to teasing or bully.

The question is, as educators, how do we mitigate this teasing and bullying in the classroom? I believe it is best to treat students as equals. Don't place a higher value on certain students. Foster tolerance, respect, and understanding. Practice what you teach, and never underestimate the value of promoting positive behavior.