The New York Times has a fantastic long-read today about the challenges associated with being poor and attending college or university. I worked my way through the whole thing- it is definitely worth it. It had me pondering some things though.

When a journalist tackles a long piece such as this that profiles individuals, it is necessary to provide details about the people’s lives and circumstances. So far, no problem. I found that this article, however, starts with a dichotomy of the poor as striving from negative circumstances (mostly true), but also as downtrodden, unfortunate victims (problematic).

The implication, then, that, is that the rich start from a place of positivity and ease. Certainly, when it comes to financial matters, this is true. It can also be true that low-income families have happy, stable and healthy home lives. However, the same cannot also be true for wealthy families- they too can have dysfunctional, unhealthy home lives. (I must acknowledge the privilege associated with being wealthy, and white, for the most part, but I wish to take this out of the equation.) Children from wealthy families can face circumstances that cripple them in life, such as mental health issues, addiction and family trauma (although the article rightly points out that wealthy families can more easily access help and treatment for these problems).

I am not entirely certain what my issue with this article is, just that it is time for journalists to put more thought into how they portray the issue of poverty. The young women in the article are one-dimensional individuals who confirm the stereotypes associated with poverty. No contrasting positive story is provided, nor is there a counter-point provided in the way of a wealthy student who might have had issues in completing their post-secondary educational career. This type of story, while moving and worthwhile, also perpetuates stereotypes of the poor and minority populations as hapless victims who are at the mercy of faceless institutions. Please read the story here and give it some thought.

In any case, I must say that I hope this type of journalism continues. It is absolutely essential.