Poverty or at Home in a Car, Article Critique Example

The article “Poverty or at Home in a Car” by Jackie Spinks presents a number of implications personally and within culture, politics, and economics.  It takes on the oppression of those who have no place to live, citing hardships and the daily life of those involved.  It takes on implications that add to the unfortunate nature of the lives of Spinks and others in regards to homelessness.

Personal Reactions

Personally the issues presented are of course unfortunate and disturbing.  Reading through a work such as this, often those who are more fortunate to be where they are only realize the plight of others through works like this.  Often we are ignorant, living in the unfortunate “out of sight, out of mind” that characterizes a significant number of attitudes in regards to this situation.

Spinks presents a characterization that struck me.  Spinks argues that it is better to be homeless than to be poor.  This theme struck me initially as odd, yet once approached, it does carry some significance.

Maintaining some pride, Spinks speaks for other homeless people in regards to their daily life.  He states that it is better to be homeless, as of course the struggle to keep up with what is necessary to get by would not be worth the trouble.  Also in the equation, from the point of view of Spinks, is the awareness of social structure.  I believe that Spinks would rather be homeless than work at McDonalds to make the company richer.

Social Structures

This topic brings the discussion into social structures.  Spinks disregards this potential employment option, seeming to rather be homeless than to be “helping the rich get richer,” as he likes to put it.  Spinks does not seem to have respect for those in such positions.

Spinks thus contrasts social and economic conditions in which he is involved.  Spinks connects the lesser economic conditions with the social status that he and others likewise hold.  Consequently, Spinks does not regard himself and others as valuable representations within society.

Politics

Spinks connects these issues to the exploitation and marginalization within society.  While more direct methods of exploitation are not presented by Spinks, the less than desirable treatment of homeless people, such as improper conditions at the soup kitchens, are presented in order to clarify this type of behavior.  The marginalization of homeless people takes on such political underpinnings.  Spinks relates the personal interactions that occur with these implications, as such individuals are looked down upon and disregarded in personal interactions.

Conclusion

Spinks presents a number of valid concerns.  Interventions could take place to begin to accommodate homeless people into society.  For instance, conditions that exist in locations that offer food and shelter could be improved, as well as efforts to help such individuals get back into working and getting back on their feet.

The societal implications of this group’s lack of economic presence are unfortunate.  It is of course true to apply these less than desirable conditions and treatment to Spinks’ situation.  The marginalization, oppression, and powerlessness of homeless people is evident.