By Sonji Young
FOCUS Director of Bridges Across Racial Polarization
 
Each morning as I watch the news or listen to the radio, I am astounded by the number of jobs being downsized by what I thought were indestructible industries - Microsoft, Caterpillar, Bank of America and unfortunately, many more. Frankly, I've lost count.  The American hope for prosperity and happiness is under attack, and the main culprit is the economy.

For me, the recent attention focused on this downturn is depressing, but not unfamiliar.  Born into a working-class family, I was introduced to the struggles of layoffs, rising food and insurance cost before I could properly spell my name.  That's why I can’t muster a lot of sympathy for the generations of pampered white-collar workers.

Many white collar workers have enjoyed the pursuit of happiness for years, while working-class families all over have struggled to put a decent meal on the table.  Told by the government and other social service agencies that they make too much to qualify for assistance, but too little to have access to quality healthcare, the working-class are ecstatic to finally have someone else in their shoes.

My intent is not that of malice, but rather equity.  After all, I've walked in both pairs of shoes. It is unfortunate that it has taken the downturn and loss of jobs for many beneficiaries of white-collar jobs to understand the disparity of joblessness, and most of all, hopelessness.