In the front page article of the July 10 issue of WW-P News, “A Portrait of Affordable Housing from One of its Own,” the officials and individuals quoted attempt to distance themselves and our community from those on welfare, Section 8 housing, and the poor and unemployed. They also invoke stereotypes of New Jersey’s city-dwellers — stereotypes that are inextricably intertwined with race and class.
By adding to the stigma and “otherness” of being poor, and widening the gap between socio-economic classes, we polarize and divide. Studies show that in the U.S., one’s wealth, or lack thereof, is highly dependent upon the wealth of his or her parents and the conditions one was born into. All people, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, deserve to live in stable housing, have access to solid and free public education, and have equitable economic opportunities throughout their lives.
Let’s leave the racial-coding and poor-shaming to the pandering politicians, and strive for the true inclusiveness that our community can achieve. It starts with the narrative we choose to believe about our neighbors.
Amol Sinha Esq.
Civil Rights Advocate
