The Throwaway People

Summary

The article "Life in America: The Throwaway People" by J M Mantium reflects on the harsh realities of homelessness and the societal hypocrisies that perpetuate it, contrasting the minimalist lifestyle philosophy of Marie Kondo with the plight of those who have little to nothing.

Abstract

"Life in America: The Throwaway People" is a poignant piece that delves into the paradox of the American dream, particularly for the homeless. It contrasts the luxury of choosing minimalism, as popularized by Marie Kondo, with the necessity-driven minimalism of those without stable housing. The author highlights the emotional attachment the homeless have to their few possessions, which can be easily lost or stolen, and the dehumanization they face, being referred to as "rough sleepers" or "shelter dwellers." The article calls out the NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) attitude prevalent in affluent areas, exposing the underlying greed and selfishness. Through a reflective poem, the author grapples with the societal neglect of the homeless, questioning how a wealthy nation can allow its citizens to suffer such conditions. The piece concludes by suggesting that the heart of America is wounded by hypocrisy, cruelty, and hate, which are at odds with the nation's values of freedom and opportunity.

Opinions

The author implies that the minimalist lifestyle advocated by Marie Kondo is a privilege accessible only to those with financial stability.
There is a critical view of society's tendency to ignore the homeless, despite being a wealthy nation with the resources to help.
The poem reflects a sense of guilt and helplessness about the homeless situation, acknowledging that hard work does not always lead to better living conditions.
The author condemns the NIMBY attitude found in affluent communities, suggesting it reveals a lack of compassion and highlights societal inequalities.
The article suggests that the prevalent hypocrisies, cruelty, and hate in society are damaging the core values of America.

Why Can’t They Be Chosen Ones?

Let your boat of life be light, packed only with what you need-a homely home and simple pleasures, one or two friends worth the name, someone to love and to love you, a cat, a dog, enough to eat and enough to wear………… Jerome K. Jerome

Marie Kondo is only for those Who Have and Have and Have.

Easy to discard, Spark joy with emptiness When there is money to buy more.

The homeless cling to the little They possess. Things leave, get stolen, get lost.

Rough sleepers, Shelter dwellers, Hidden homeless.

We Have Names!

NIMBY In the bluest parts of America Exposes greed and selfishness.

I cannot believe they have no place to live, With us a rich country with so much to give. I think of their troubles and the ends they can’t meet, And that working two jobs means a bed on the street.

Of course, I regret that, but it is not up to me. We live in America, the home of the free. They must simply work hard, try to be strong. It’s sure to get better, and it cannot be long.

Hypocrisies, cruelty, hate Wound the heart of America, Bleed the red, white, and blue.

Thinking about this article by J M Mantium led to this poem.

Life In America

The Throwaway People

Why Can’t They Be Chosen Ones?

Not Long for This World

A theory about why most people neglect the homeless