It is likely that the phrase “the poor are poor because they want to” is, in equal parts, as popular as it is unfair. Aware of the latter,the academic and political activist Maximo E. Jaramillo-Molina He played with the statement and titled his first book Poor because they want to (Grijalbo).
“On the one hand, it is an extremely common phrase, which everyone has heard at least once in their life; This idea, then, appeals to this phrase so common and so popular. But, on the other hand, it is also a matter of finding other audiences”, the author stated, in interview with this diary.
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“(It is indeed about) dismantling this poverty guilt narrativeto turn around diffrent myths that are related to meritocracy, but specifically the part of poverty, (which) is perhaps the most common, this blaming and even humiliation of the poorest peopel, regarding their life results “I think that is what needs to be dismantled,” added the creator of the platform. Kittens against Inequality.
LOOK FROM OTHER PERSPECTIVES
Jaramillo-Molina proposes, in the first instance, two key starting points: that having or not having something, a little or a lot, is not subject to a individual problem, and, conversely, paint a different perspective of what the success, and stop making cultural, historical, political and social contexts invisible.
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“Understanding that we can reach a point of view where, andInstead of competing and hurting each other among so manny peopleRather, let us understand that there are ways of collaborating and cooperating that can lead to other types of perspectives and results,” stated the academic of Jalisco origin, with the understanding that it will be better for the discomfort to turn into reflection.
Regarding the vision of success, and how we understand phenomena, he also reflected on the “paradox of inequality”.
“one would think that in countries where inequality is so visible, so lacerating, where there is so much poverty and few people with such extreme wealth, that there it would be more obvious that people cannot achieve success, or whatever it is that call success, only with effort, work and your talents. And that doesn’t happen.”
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A hypothesis regarding this paradox, segregation is so visible in latitudes such as Mexico City: “Something that usually happens is that people do not coexist with different social strata.”
He then recalled the research titled Parallel Worlds. “Just like the idea of parallel lines, they never touch.”
“They have told us that these efforts always have to be individual, and what is being left aside, and what we can do, are collective efforts,” commented Máximo, regarding the iimportance of the community vision.
“I think the crucial thing is that this ecosystem is being generated in which the name is not so important,but rather the group,the collective,what is being formed,the work that is being done,and I think that this shows that this moving forward in dismantling these narratives,” he concluded.
Did you know that…?
To the extent that you mix with fewer social strata,it is more challenging for you to understand why someone is rich or,on the contrary,for the rich to believe that the poor are poor because they want to.
Related
How does Maximo E. Jaramillo-Molina propose to challenge the prevailing narratives surrounding poverty in society?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Maximo E. Jaramillo-Molina
time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Maximo! ItS a pleasure to have you here today to discuss your new book, Poor As They Want To.The title itself challenges a widely held belief that the poverty of individuals is a result of their own choices. Can you explain the inspiration behind this provocative title?
Maximo E. Jaramillo-Molina (MEJ): Thank you for having me! The title is intentionally provocative because it reflects a common sentiment in society — that the poor are to blame for their circumstances. This belief is not only popular but deeply ingrained, and I wanted to challenge it through my work. The phrase encapsulates a narrative that often leaves those in poverty feeling guilty or ashamed about their situation, which is fundamentally unjust.
TNE: That’s a powerful point. You mentioned in a previous interview that part of your goal is to dismantle the “poverty guilt narrative.” Could you elaborate on what that entails?
MEJ: Absolutely.The poverty guilt narrative suggests that individuals are poor as they lack effort or motivation.This idea is often tied to myths of meritocracy, where success is solely seen as a result of individual hard work. Though, this overlooks systemic barriers, social inequalities, and ancient contexts that considerably contribute to poverty. My aim is to illuminate thes factors and encourage a shift in perspective — from blame to understanding.
TNE: It sounds like you’re advocating for a more nuanced understanding of poverty. What inspired you personally to take on this topic?
MEJ: My background in both academia and activism played a meaningful role. I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles of individuals in marginalized communities and how their circumstances are often dismissed or misunderstood.This drives my passion for social justice and the need for equitable solutions. I wanted to shed light on the realities of poverty rather than perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
TNE: You also mentioned in your book the idea of reaching ”other audiences.” Who did you have in mind when you were writing it?
MEJ: While I hope to speak to those who are already aware of and engaged in discussions around poverty, I also want to reach skeptics and those who might be entrenched in the conventional views of poverty. I aim to spark conversations that challenge preconceived notions and encourage broader discussions about economic justice and systemic causes of poverty.
TNE: It sounds like a critical discourse that is necessary in today’s society. Given the current political climate, where do you see the conversation surrounding poverty heading in the next few years?
MEJ: I think we’re at a pivotal moment. Ther is growing awareness about systemic inequalities, especially after recent global events that have laid bare the vulnerabilities of many. As we move forward, I hope we see a shift not just in public discourse but also in policy approaches that address the root causes of poverty rather than merely the symptoms. This could lead to more sustainable and just solutions.
TNE: You’ve certainly given us a lot to think about. What do you hope readers take away from your book?
MEJ: I hope readers walk away with a deeper understanding of poverty — that it’s not a choice but frequently enough a complex interplay of historical, social, and economic factors. I want them to feel empowered to question narratives that blame the poor for their situation and to advocate for change that addresses the real issues at hand.
TNE: Thank you, Maximo.Your insights are incredibly valuable, and I believe they will resonate with many readers. We appreciate you taking the time to discuss your crucial work.
MEJ: Thank you for the prospect to share my thoughts. I’m excited to see how this conversation evolves!