Debunking Poverty Myths and Racial Stereotypes

[Judi Lynn]

Published on Saturday, February 25, 2012 by Center for American Progress
Debunking Poverty Myths and Racial Stereotypes
A Better Understanding of Social Benefit Programs
by Sophia Kerby

Race baiting has been a focus of debates in various media outlets about programs aiding those whose income is at the pit of that debate. Below are some of the most startling facts that debunk some of the poverty myths and racial stereotypes that surround social benefit programs.

1. President Barack Obama is not a “food stamp president.” According to recent figures, more food stamp recipients were actually added under President George W. Bush than under President Obama. Under President Bush the number of recipients rose by nearly 14.7 million.

2. Blacks are not the primary recipients of assistance through federal benefit programs. 35.7 percent of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, recipients and 43 percent of those on Medicaid—two of the largest public benefit programs—are white.

3. The main reasons why people living in poverty are not employed are illness and inability to find work. Approximately 56 percent of those who did not work in 2010 did not work due to illness, disability, retirement, or an inability to find work.

More:
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2012/02/25-6

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