If not for “poverty porn” Father Jeff wouldn’t have a business. Too many people and organizations exploit the poor for their benefit.
I had a difficult time following your convoluted tit-for-tat with father Jeff, as it was hard for me to distinguish what was sarcasm. However, I will say this: many people have no idea what is going on in the city. I am referring to everyone – those living in the city, as well as people who live outside of the city. I was stunned by many of the comments you made in a previous blog post, responding to the news story that spurred this “poverty porn” label. In so many words, you explained that the people and things documented in that story were not representative of the city. You sincerely felt that the drugs, the prostitutes, the suffering, and the violence, were all just “extremes” that were being highlighted to make a sensational story. You have resided and worked in the city for barely 7 months. Yet, your comments would lead any reader to believe that you are an expert on the city of Camden. At the very least, your comments assert that you know what you’re talking about. If you truly did have an understanding of the city, then you would know that the “extremes” are the rule, not the exception. But, because the reporters didn’t take a picture of a community garden or some other superficial sign of “progress”, you immediately labeled the article as “poverty porn”.
If you have a bias or slant that you wish to promote – good or bad – then you will use the facts to support your beliefs. Obviously there are people who want to show nothing but bad things, and there are those who want to promote the idea that Camden is “almost there”. A reporter, a filmmaker, or a documentarian has an obligation to report on the facts. I believe that cheeky terms such as “poverty porn” only distract from the real issues. By vilifying a person, group, or action with a label such as “poverty porn”, you are sending a message that “this is off-limits”. It’s a form of bullying and intimidation in the world of journalism and academia. This is very similar to the discussions of race, and our ability as a community to have those discussions. However, people will often use the word “racism” or “racist” to shut down a conversation or scare people away from such conversations in the first place. This “poverty porn” label is cut from the same cloth. Just like racism, the exploitation of poverty does exist in the world. You want to see poverty porn? Wait for the “feed the children” commercials to come on TV, where they show pictures of kids drinking water from a ditch. THAT is poverty porn.
Powerful words become so overused that most people forget the real meaning or intention.
We often hear about the far right wing of the conservative party, and we laugh at the ridiculous notions that are presented from their side. However, as with most things in life, there is an opposite and equally deluded faction that exists. The strong leftist mindset that exists in academia and the urban culture of America is just as deluded and the Tea Party crazies. According to the leftist mantra – which is often heard throughout Camden – everyone in Camden is a victim, and the people who live outside of the city are to blame for all of the city’s ills.
The article that started this all was not “poverty porn”. It was a real inside look at the unbelievable decay and suffering that exists on almost every block in the city. The suffering, the pain, the corruption, and the decay are so extreme, it’s unimaginable. And for that reason, we need to show America that we have a third world country within our borders. Until people grasp the extreme reality, serious change won’t be realized. I’m tired of the empty promises, lack of accountability, and faux progress
If not for “poverty porn” Father Jeff wouldn’t have a business. Too many people and organizations exploit the poor for their benefit.
I had a difficult time following your convoluted tit-for-tat with father Jeff, as it was hard for me to distinguish what was sarcasm. However, I will say this: many people have no idea what is going on in the city. I am referring to everyone – those living in the city, as well as people who live outside of the city. I was stunned by many of the comments you made in a previous blog post, responding to the news story that spurred this “poverty porn” label. In so many words, you explained that the people and things documented in that story were not representative of the city. You sincerely felt that the drugs, the prostitutes, the suffering, and the violence, were all just “extremes” that were being highlighted to make a sensational story. You have resided and worked in the city for barely 7 months. Yet, your comments would lead any reader to believe that you are an expert on the city of Camden. At the very least, your comments assert that you know what you’re talking about. If you truly did have an understanding of the city, then you would know that the “extremes” are the rule, not the exception. But, because the reporters didn’t take a picture of a community garden or some other superficial sign of “progress”, you immediately labeled the article as “poverty porn”.
If you have a bias or slant that you wish to promote – good or bad – then you will use the facts to support your beliefs. Obviously there are people who want to show nothing but bad things, and there are those who want to promote the idea that Camden is “almost there”. A reporter, a filmmaker, or a documentarian has an obligation to report on the facts. I believe that cheeky terms such as “poverty porn” only distract from the real issues. By vilifying a person, group, or action with a label such as “poverty porn”, you are sending a message that “this is off-limits”. It’s a form of bullying and intimidation in the world of journalism and academia. This is very similar to the discussions of race, and our ability as a community to have those discussions. However, people will often use the word “racism” or “racist” to shut down a conversation or scare people away from such conversations in the first place. This “poverty porn” label is cut from the same cloth. Just like racism, the exploitation of poverty does exist in the world. You want to see poverty porn? Wait for the “feed the children” commercials to come on TV, where they show pictures of kids drinking water from a ditch. THAT is poverty porn.
Powerful words become so overused that most people forget the real meaning or intention.
We often hear about the far right wing of the conservative party, and we laugh at the ridiculous notions that are presented from their side. However, as with most things in life, there is an opposite and equally deluded faction that exists. The strong leftist mindset that exists in academia and the urban culture of America is just as deluded and the Tea Party crazies. According to the leftist mantra – which is often heard throughout Camden – everyone in Camden is a victim, and the people who live outside of the city are to blame for all of the city’s ills.
The article that started this all was not “poverty porn”. It was a real inside look at the unbelievable decay and suffering that exists on almost every block in the city. The suffering, the pain, the corruption, and the decay are so extreme, it’s unimaginable. And for that reason, we need to show America that we have a third world country within our borders. Until people grasp the extreme reality, serious change won’t be realized. I’m tired of the empty promises, lack of accountability, and faux progress