The other America

1. Harrington believes’that government assistance is different for rich and poor
people. How does he believe the assistance is different? Discuss.
2. Harrington disputes the assertion that “poor people cause their own
problems.” Discuss.
3. Harrington maintains that the majority of poor people are not on welfare.
Discuss
4. Who are the poor people “left behind?” Why?
5. What are the reasons that Harrington believes cause the Other America to be
invisible?
5. What does Harrington mean by the phrase “Socialism for the rich, free
enterprise for the poor?”
7. What is required to fight a “war on poverty” and which level of government
must fight this war? Why?

8. Harrington provides a lengthy discussion of a number of groups of people
who compromise the Other America. Discuss two of these groups. Include
a broad description including: who are these people? why are they poor?
what are some of the significant problems for this group? Include any other
descriptive information that would help your reader understand the problems
experienced by this subsegment of the Other America.
9. Provide an analysis of your impression of the Other America today. Have
things improved or deteriorated? What remains to be done? Who should do
it? Think in broad societal terms when answering this question. In essence,
you should address the question, “After 50 years does the book The Other
America still reflect American Society. Be relatively brief.