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Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Sacrificing the Future of America
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"Tim Wise is one of the great public moralists in America today. In his bracing new book, Under the Affluence, he brilliantly engages the roots and ramifications of radical inequality in our nation, carefully detailing the heartless war against the poor and the swooning addiction to the rich that exposes the moral sickness at the heart of our culture. Wise's stirring analy
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Paperback, 360 pages
Published
October 13th 2015
by City Lights Publishers
(first published September 7th 2015)
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Start your review of Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Sacrificing the Future of America
This was like a blast in the face. I have to quit reading these kinds of books. So depressing, but so informative, so I guess I won't stop reading them. But at this moment I am reading a fun loving book, which I have to do in-between some books I read.
First, I don’t believe that all the affluent people have these negative beliefs about welfare people, nor do I believe that that are all racists, and neither does the author. I know many wealthy people who are out there helping people to rise above ...more
First, I don’t believe that all the affluent people have these negative beliefs about welfare people, nor do I believe that that are all racists, and neither does the author. I know many wealthy people who are out there helping people to rise above ...more
Ok, let's start with the good: Tim Wise is a very readable writer, he obviously cares about the subject at hand (the pathologization of poverty and the lauding of wealth) and he finds really good statistical, demographic and social psych information to tie his points together. He spoke at the college i am teaching at and he has an excellent sense of oratory of which his books are a reflection. So why am i disappointed in this offering? Firstly, i think one of the core problems is that plenty of
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This book is really hard to read if you are at all concerned about the current situation in our country. It is subtitled "shaming the poor, praising the rich and sacrificing the future of America" and Wise spends a lot of the book illustrating through statistics and stories how deeply ingrained in our society it is to shame the poor. And, of course, so much of this is based on ingrained racism. I fear the people who need to read and learn from this book will not. But, as he says in the last chap
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All of Tim Wise's books are excellent and I recommend them, but I'd really encourage you to read this one - especially with all that's going on with our nation's political climate and the upcoming election. Examining how class, race, and sex are intertwined, he brilliantly explains structural inequality and the conditions and attitudes that helped create and continue to perpetuate a "culture of cruelty," especially against the poor, and what could be done to achieve a more just and compassionate
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This book is focused on the culture of cruelty and shame the United States has around the poor and how our false narrative of meritocracy has exacerbated inequality. Wise has a great deal of empirical evidence to support his claims (which can be a bit much to sift through), but ultimately comes up with some pretty straightforward recommendations: that we shift the narrative away from blind meritocracy to acknowledge inequalities in our country and be willing to talk about the racial privilege an
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Nov 15, 2015
Craigtator
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
read-rated,
books-that-no-one-else-gave-a-fuck
This book takes every argument used to justify the class system in America, explains how it arose, and proceeds to demolish it with facts.
If you want to become radicalized, here are the books to read:
Hand to Mouth (Tirado): A ground level view of living poor in America
Under the Affluence (Wise): A sweeping, macro take on class and race in America
The Divide (Taibbi): Alternating chapters describing how the rich and the poor are dealt with in the American justice system
Capital in the Twenty-First ...more
If you want to become radicalized, here are the books to read:
Hand to Mouth (Tirado): A ground level view of living poor in America
Under the Affluence (Wise): A sweeping, macro take on class and race in America
The Divide (Taibbi): Alternating chapters describing how the rich and the poor are dealt with in the American justice system
Capital in the Twenty-First ...more
Every once in while there comes a book that makes me want to shout from the roof tops, “Everybody, please read this book if you truly care about humanity and society!” Tim Wise’s book Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Sacrificing the Future of America, is one such book. And though it may sound melodramatic, I truly think Mr. Wise’s book is an excellent primer on exactly why our nation seems so skewed, confused and messed-up, especially during one of our most scary, yet
...more
If I had to make a list of books that fight evil, this would be one of them.
Wise uncovers the treacherous truth and the history of economic inequity in the United States. He discusses how Americans view government backed safety nets with racist goggles. In short, when post Great Depression white families struggled to make ends meet due to the economic downturn, government assistance was embraced by both Republican and Democrats alike. Support and unity throughout the country was the back drop of ...more
Wise uncovers the treacherous truth and the history of economic inequity in the United States. He discusses how Americans view government backed safety nets with racist goggles. In short, when post Great Depression white families struggled to make ends meet due to the economic downturn, government assistance was embraced by both Republican and Democrats alike. Support and unity throughout the country was the back drop of ...more
This excellent book brings us face to face with the inequality and injustice that exist in the United States…”the culture of cruelty”. There are pages of statistics, with examples which will blow your mind. The comparison of distributing Super Bowl seats between the very rich and the poorest half of the fans was riveting. I couldn’t help feeling depressed and then angry as I continued to read. I hope our nation can somehow turn in a compassionate direction so that the American Dream will be poss
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This is a strongly researched book about the economic inequalities in the United States with a focus on what is happening and why there are such inequalities. Wise focuses on the thinking that keeps the U.S. rooted in thinking that valorizes the rich and demonizes the poor as well as offering some suggestions to remedy the situation. It was a very compelling and saddening read.
Great book. Everyone should read it
"Latinos are about sixty percent more likely than whites to be unemployed (so much for the often heard refrain that they are taking all our good jobs) and African Americans are almost two and a half times as likely as whites to be out of work."
"The rate of poverty is far higher for Americans of color."
"The six heirs to the Walmart fortune are worth as much as the bottom forty percent of the American population, or roughly 120 million people. Meanwhile, most Walmart employees work for wages that ...more
"The rate of poverty is far higher for Americans of color."
"The six heirs to the Walmart fortune are worth as much as the bottom forty percent of the American population, or roughly 120 million people. Meanwhile, most Walmart employees work for wages that ...more
This month, I read Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich, and Sacrificing the Future of America by David Wise. This book provides an excellent (if openly liberal-leaning) analysis of the state of income inequality and social welfare programs in the United States. Although many of the statistics provided were familiar, I still found it a good reminder of the extent of poverty in America and the degree of privilege I have, which I think are important to keep in mind in my servic
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First, this is a great companion piece to White Trash because of the historical discussions of poor-shaming. Second, Tim Wise is good at laying out arguments and overall does a solid job at debunking conservative myths about welfare dependency. Third, I was pleasantly surprised that this book was not purely bashing-- he did try to keep it in check. Fourth, one of the strengths was the collection of truly outlandish anti-poverty laws and commentaries made by conservatives. There's really no way t
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Tim Wise takes a small detour from his usual anti-racist writing to compile a statistical take-down of the American myth that the wealthy are to be applauded for their hard work, and the poor are to be condemned for their lazy inability to provide for themselves.
The reality Wise presents is depressing; reading the litany of statistics about our American greed was sickening. This is not an easy read.
The reality Wise presents is depressing; reading the litany of statistics about our American greed was sickening. This is not an easy read.
An advancement for vocabulary and facts about systematic discrimination for me. The author provides a long list of reference at the end. I appreciate that.
Sad story of growth of inequality in US. Weslthy get away with anything and poor are told they just need to work harder as if the wealthy didn't inherit a lot to start with. Not paying a living wage means people struggle no matter how many jobs they work. Four stars for weak third part on how to improve. The only important message in this part if improving humsn connection. When did making millions off the backs of the workers replace looking out for other humans to help them live.
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Oct 09, 2015
City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
cl-recently-released,
cl-politics
RH Reality Check
"Under the Affluence is an important source of data—bubbling over with hard, footnoted facts—to strengthen readers' resolve against the escalating inequalities in the United States … the book is an essential compendium of numbers, one that will prove useful in strategizing to end inequality and arming readers with the facts they need to tackle these seemingly intractable problems. Overall, the book is an impassioned and heartfelt defense of the poor that is rooted in the idea tha ...more
"Under the Affluence is an important source of data—bubbling over with hard, footnoted facts—to strengthen readers' resolve against the escalating inequalities in the United States … the book is an essential compendium of numbers, one that will prove useful in strategizing to end inequality and arming readers with the facts they need to tackle these seemingly intractable problems. Overall, the book is an impassioned and heartfelt defense of the poor that is rooted in the idea tha ...more
Tim Wise has some good insights in this book. In particular, I agree with his call for progressives to develop narratives that speak to the value and strength of liberal policy, and to reclaim the language and symbolism of American patriotism. However, much of this book expounds his argument using statistics and figures which makes reading a bit of a slog. In my opinion, the real meat came at the end where he offers an impassioned rebuttal to the culture of selfishness and greed that consumes Am
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I received this book from Goodreads. This is a well researched, well written, insightful book that should be read by people on both sides of the political spectrum. The author adds important information to the ongoing discussion of the economic policies of this country.
A good book if not obviously liberal in nature. Some of the language was intention in its trying to get people angry. And while this is something people should be upset about, getting angry doesn't solve problems. Some of the facts seemed so unreal that I would have to fact check, but if true a very well written book about a hot topic.
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Despite having rather sternly told myself I was not allowed to check out any books because I already had too many checked out at home, I saw this one in the new non-fiction section and could not resist. Reading it swayed me more to Bernie than any articles actually about the candidates did. The system of inequality is just too unjust for tinkering to fix. It needs a sledgehammer.
Reading this book was highly emotional for me. In many sections, especially early on in the book, the ideas Wise was s ...more
Reading this book was highly emotional for me. In many sections, especially early on in the book, the ideas Wise was s ...more
Apr 28, 2016
Bill
added it
The bad news (for me) is Tim Wise wrote exactly the book I was going to write...I even had begun researching (that's how I stumbled onto it). The good news though is he is a great writer and has hit it out of the park. I wish this book could become some sort of required civics reading. It covers income inequality, the myths around welfare, the coddling of the rich, the history of the way economics developed in this country, white privilege and race, the broken notions of who is deserving and und
...more
I feel like this would have worked better as a feature article in a magazine. I'm not a big nonfiction reader, but I'm trying to expand; unfortunately, while this started out as a compelling read, it quickly got bogged down with paragraphs of numbers and data that were relevant, but started to feel repetitive. I know the poor are treated horrendously, that's one of the reasons I picked up the book, I don't need 100 pages telling me I'm right. I'm glad I read what I got through, and Wise is an ex
...more
This was an amazing read. I've heard a lot of talk about "the poor" as if those less fortunate are some how not human but a thing. Compassion is certainly lacking. This book forces a look at this difficult subject and it's complexities. Full of information it is a must read, especially for those who feel compelled to pass judgement on others.
I received a free copy of this book in a goodreads giveaway. Opinions are my own. ...more
I received a free copy of this book in a goodreads giveaway. Opinions are my own. ...more
Alas, the combination of the author's ego and lack of wish or ability for deeper analysis shallows the subject. The entire book reads like a long post on a message board and is the epitome of bumbling finger-pointing.
There are better works on the matter (albeit a somewhat different angle), e.g. "Who Stole the American Dream?" by Hedrick Smith.
Still, "Under the Affluence" deserves two stars for we'd rather have that than nothing at all. ...more
There are better works on the matter (albeit a somewhat different angle), e.g. "Who Stole the American Dream?" by Hedrick Smith.
Still, "Under the Affluence" deserves two stars for we'd rather have that than nothing at all. ...more
A- This book was very dense, but also very fascinating. Wise looks into why and how the U.S. glorifies rich people, demonizes poor people. He destroys the "You can do anything if you put your mind to it" Horatio Alger BS, and destroys the "welfare mother" myth. Tons of statistics (that's what makes it dense - imagine fact-checking it) but really illuminating stuff.
...more
Should be required reading in any economics class. Should be required reading of anyone trying to make a living in the U.S.
The way we think of wealth has to change. Tim Wise uses the simplest language, statistics, common sense and facts to illustrate this beautifully.
The way we think of wealth has to change. Tim Wise uses the simplest language, statistics, common sense and facts to illustrate this beautifully.
Interesting read, a must read for those who need to be awakened. A lot of data being represented in this book. Is that a good or bad thing? Well that's up to the reader to make that call.
...more
I really wanted t like this book. And much of it I did. I certainly acre with the premise and his points. But overall, it was far too wordy with too few concrete accessible suggestion.
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Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and activists in the U.S., and has been called the foremost white anti-racist intellectual in the nation, having spoken in 46 states, and on over 300 college campuses, including Harvard, Stanford, Cal Tech and the Law Schools at Yale, Columbia, Michigan, and Vanderbilt.
From 1999 to 2003, Wise served as an advisor to the Fisk University Race ...more
From 1999 to 2003, Wise served as an advisor to the Fisk University Race ...more
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“the rich seem to believe that for the poor and struggling, only the prospects of continued poverty and struggle could possibly motivate them to hard work and success. If people are poor, then they must not be poor enough, on this rendering, for if they were, surely they would have gotten sufficiently motivated so as to not be poor any more. Make no mistake; this is the thinking of the sadist, akin to those who say we should make prisons as awful as possible so as to deter people from committing crime.”
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“Goldman Sachs hoards rice, wheat, corn, sugar and livestock and jacks up commodity prices around the globe so that poor families can no longer afford basic staples and literally starve. Goldman Sachs is able to carry out its malfeasance at home and in global markets because it has former officials filtered throughout the government and lavishly funds compliant politicians—including Barack Obama, who received $1 million from employees at Goldman Sachs in 2008 when he ran for president. These politicians, in return, permit Goldman Sachs to ignore security laws that under a functioning judiciary system would see the firm indicted for felony fraud. Or, as in the case of Bill Clinton, these politicians pass laws such as the 2000 Commodity Futures Modernization Act that effectively removed all oversight and outside control over the speculation in commodities, one of the major reasons food prices have soared. In 2008 and again in 2010 prices for crops such as rice, wheat and corn doubled and even tripled, making life precarious for hundreds of millions of people. And it was all done so a few corporate oligarchs, the 1 percent, could make personal fortunes in the tens and hundreds of millions of dollars. Despite a damning 650-page Senate subcommittee investigation report, no individual at Goldman Sachs has been indicted, although the report accuses Goldman of defrauding its clients.319”
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