[Ammi]

Originally Posted by Kizzy

It has always existed, as you say there was always those who believed you make your own luck, yet due to work from reformists and philanthropists the message got to those who did feel that a progressive community would benefit from the promotion of an altogether more equal civilised society.
At first the support came from the church and friendly societies.
There wasn't any state help and therefore more were willing to see them get a leg up, today that process appears to be moving in reverse as sanctions make those who can't manage worse off and the slums areas are reappearing.
Therefore comparisons can be drawn, it's becoming more accepted that sections of society be left to 'sink or swim', and again it's the role of the churches, hostels and benevolent trusts set up to provide aid.
With working people conditioned not to concern themselves as these shirkers are not tax payers., it's made even worse as there's no excuse now that you aren't aware of it because in the modern day the word is the touch of a button away.

Was this me?... It could've been. This is a perfect example of the individualism argument, its not seen as a positive that this woman whoever she was made an enjoyable Christmas for her children on welfare...
It's not taken into consideration the child support received from the absent parent, any loans taken, toy/food savings clubs, help from family. But yes the general consensus is now how can she do that? It almost seems they would be more satisfied if the kids had nothing and she was begging for scraps doesn't it?..
The removal of coverage to protests, media bias, demonisation of sub groups, removal of charity funding, reforms it all adds to the burden, and yes there will always be nice people who will try to help its not advocated, in fact it's the welfare reforms that are blamed for many of the issues in the UK today. From the leafy burbs to major towns and cities the neo liberal laissez faire attitude is generally accepted as it was in the 40s, a direct correlation, that can be denied and ignored but it doesn't make it any less true.

..I don't know what you mean by was it you/who made the thread, I have no idea, it was quite a while ago ..but the point of my mentioning it as an example is that judgements are made from people whatever their personal situation and most of those negative judgements even from people who would relate more closely to her...I think that feeling it's an 'I'm alright Jack' thing is equally taking a section of society and labelling them in a negative way, much like with 'scroungers' being referred to as a label from some....for many people it's less of an I'm alright Jack and more ...there but for the grace of good go I and many, may people do what they can and are able to...there still obviously is also charity and help organisations as well as there always was...and those are still going because people do care and there is empathy and they do want to give their time to actively do something....

..I personally don't believe that anyone on benefits should only have those to be on breadline and not be able to have some luxuries as well, whether it be for themselves or their children...because without those the stress factors become higher, which just creates more health issues and less likelihood of being able to work etc..