White Poverty

1. White Poverty Obscures Systemic Inequality

Until we face the reality of white poverty in America, we cannot comprehend what is truly exceptional about the inequality that persists in the richest nation in the history of the world.

Hidden in plain sight. The narrative that poverty is primarily a Black issue obscures the widespread economic hardship experienced by white Americans. This misconception prevents a unified movement to address the root causes of inequality, as it isolates potential allies and reinforces divisive myths. The sheer number of impoverished white individuals—far exceeding that of Black individuals—reveals a systemic failure impacting a broad spectrum of society.

Redefining poverty. The official poverty measure (OPM) is outdated and fails to capture the true extent of economic hardship. It doesn't account for the skyrocketing costs of housing, healthcare, education, and transportation, leaving millions who struggle to make ends meet uncounted and unseen. A more accurate measure, considering those who couldn't handle a $400 emergency, reveals that nearly half of Americans are poor or low-income.

Challenging the narrative. By acknowledging white poverty, we challenge the myths that blame individuals for their circumstances and expose the systemic issues driving inequality. This recognition can unite diverse groups in a common cause, fostering a movement for genuine change that benefits all. It's not about diminishing the urgency of addressing Black people's pain, but rather intensifying it by recognizing shared struggles.

2. Moral Fusion: The Path to Collective Liberation

At a moment when so much public attention is focused on division, the shared experience of poverty has the potential to unite a movement for genuine change, which is what this book is about.

Transcending division. Moral fusion involves uniting people across racial, political, and socioeconomic divides based on shared moral values and common struggles. It recognizes that issues impacting poor people are not matters of left versus right, but right versus wrong, and that these issues are interconnected. This approach challenges the divisive tactics used to maintain the status quo.

Building coalitions. The Moral Mondays movement in North Carolina exemplified moral fusion, bringing together diverse groups to protest policies that harmed poor and vulnerable people. This movement demonstrated the power of a multiethnic coalition united by a shared commitment to justice and the common good. It showed that people of different backgrounds can find common ground in their shared experiences of hardship.

Climbing to higher ground. Moral fusion offers a path to higher ground, above the "snake line" of division and hate. By embracing love, justice, and mercy, we can create a society where everyone does better when all of us do better. This requires recognizing our shared humanity and working together to address the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and inequality.

3. Race as a Social Construct Divides the Working Class

Race in America gave us a constellation of myths that are designed to divide us.

Invented for control. The concept of "race" was invented in colonial America to justify slavery and maintain a hierarchical social order. It served to divide the working class, preventing Black and white laborers from uniting against the wealthy elite. This division continues to this day, hindering efforts to address economic inequality.

The myth of shared interests. Poor white people have been led to believe that they share common interests with wealthy white elites simply because of their skin color. This myth obscures the reality that their economic interests often align more closely with those of Black and brown people facing similar struggles. It prevents them from joining political coalitions that could improve their lives.

Reconstructing identity. Overcoming racial division requires rejecting the false identity of "whiteness" and embracing a shared identity as working-class people fighting for economic justice. This involves recognizing the common struggles and shared interests that unite people across racial lines. It means building solidarity based on shared experiences rather than manufactured divisions.

4. The Myth of Black-Only Struggle Perpetuates Inaction

In order to build an effective movement to abolish poverty, we need to puncture the myth once and for all that says protest, activism, and any agitation for change are only for Black people.

Isolating Black struggles. The myth that only Black people want change isolates their struggle for justice from the broader resistance to inequality. It allows the systems that create poverty to remain unchallenged, as it frames the issue as a minority concern rather than a universal one. This myth must be actively dismantled to build a truly effective movement.

Beyond integration. Focusing solely on integrating Black people into existing institutions overlooks the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty for all. While desegregation was a crucial step, it did not address the underlying economic inequalities that continue to disproportionately impact Black communities. A broader approach is needed to address the root causes of poverty.

Moral fusion in action. The Moral Mondays movement demonstrated the power of a diverse coalition demanding justice for all. By uniting people of different races, ages, and backgrounds, it challenged the myth that protest is solely a Black endeavor. This approach is essential for building a movement that can truly transform society.

5. Poverty's Wounds Expose Systemic Violence

When we cannot see the desperation of any human who is hurting, we do violence to them.

Beyond statistics. Poverty is not merely an economic condition; it is a form of violence that inflicts deep wounds on individuals and communities. These wounds manifest in physical and mental health problems, limited opportunities, and a sense of hopelessness. Recognizing the human cost of poverty is essential for motivating action.

The wounds speak. By listening to the stories of those experiencing poverty, we can gain a deeper understanding of the systemic issues that perpetuate it. These stories reveal the connections between low wages, lack of access to healthcare, voter suppression, and other forms of injustice. They expose the violence inflicted by policies that prioritize corporate profits over human well-being.

A moral imperative. Addressing poverty is not just an economic issue; it is a moral imperative. We have a responsibility to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This requires challenging the systems that perpetuate poverty and building a more just and equitable world.

6. Poor People as the New Swing Voters

We need movements to address the injustices that impact us, and they must include people who’ve never marched.

Untapped potential. Poor people represent a vast, untapped electorate with the power to reshape American politics. They are often overlooked and ignored by political campaigns, but their shared experiences of hardship give them a unique perspective on the issues facing the nation. Engaging this electorate is crucial for building a truly representative democracy.

Beyond partisan politics. Poor people are not inherently aligned with any particular political party. They are motivated by their desire for a better life and are willing to support candidates who address their needs. This makes them a powerful force for change, as they can swing elections and hold politicians accountable.

A moral agenda. To mobilize poor voters, it is essential to offer a moral agenda that speaks to their values and aspirations. This agenda must include policies that address economic inequality, expand access to healthcare and education, and protect voting rights. It must also be grounded in a vision of a society where everyone can thrive.

7. Lifting from the Bottom Benefits Everyone

Public policy does not have to be a zero-sum game, where white people lose if Black people win, as so many of the divisive myths we’ve inherited suggest.

Challenging zero-sum thinking. The myth that progress for one group comes at the expense of another is a dangerous lie that perpetuates division and inequality. In reality, policies that lift from the bottom benefit everyone. When poor people have more money to spend, they stimulate the economy and create jobs.

Investing in the common good. Policies like a higher minimum wage, universal healthcare, and affordable housing are not just handouts to the poor; they are investments in the common good. They create a more stable and prosperous society for all. They also reduce the burden on social services and improve public health outcomes.

Breaking the cycle of poverty. By addressing the root causes of poverty, we can break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and create a more equitable society for future generations. This requires a long-term commitment to investing in education, job training, and other programs that empower people to achieve economic security.

8. Rediscovering Shared Humanity Through Moral Action

When we face white poverty and allow its truth to expose the myths of race and class that have become so commonplace in our culture, we can build a movement that refuses to live below the snake line.

Beyond policy. Addressing poverty requires more than just policy changes; it requires a fundamental shift in our values and attitudes. We must rediscover our shared humanity and recognize the inherent dignity of all people. This involves challenging the myths that dehumanize the poor and fostering empathy and compassion.

Moral leadership. Moral leaders play a crucial role in challenging the status quo and inspiring action. They speak truth to power, expose injustice, and offer a vision of a better world. They also empower everyday people to become agents of change in their own communities.

A call to action. The fight against poverty is a fight for the soul of America. It requires a commitment from all of us to challenge injustice, build solidarity, and create a society where everyone can thrive. By rediscovering the ties that bind us, we can build a movement that transforms our nation and creates a more just and equitable world.

Last updated: April 7, 2025