1. “Return of the Welfare Queen”

Background: African-Americans became the face of welfare which began after President Ronald Reagan created a story of a woman who drove a pink Cadillac to collect her welfare check during a presidential campaign speech in 1976. This article described how using stereotypes of African – Americans to describe the woman in the Cadillac implied the description of the type of people that abuse the welfare system.

Intended Use:  Show how politicians exploit the lower class by using stereotypes and how Ronald Reagan used his status to change the perception of the citizens on welfare. Will help explain the point of politicians exploiting the lower class as well as a politician exploiting his race and class status to appeal to the upper class.

2. “Hilary Clinton’s Emotional Moment”

Background: During the 2008 presidential election, Hilary Clinton became teary eyed after being asked a question from an audience member. At a town hall meeting with a majority female audience, the presidential candidate, Hilary Clinton was asked “How did you get out the door every day?” The simple question sparked a discussion and debate about the challenges of being a working mother and whether Hillary Clinton used the fact that she was a woman to appeal to the female population. This was one of the incidence which changed the perception of Clinton towards voters.

Intended Use: Hillary Clinton used her gender as a way to become relatable towards voters.  By Hilary Clinton showing her sensitive side and  being  open  toward  her  audience, she gained attention for her charm while running for President.

3. “The Complicated Politics of Self-Exploitation”

Background: Shows the display of how everyone exploits themselves for some type of gain. The author uses the example of a website named, SeekingArrangment.com that match older men with younger women, known as ‘sugar babies’.  This source shows how everyone uses self-exploitation to their advantage.

Intended Use: The extreme example of self-exploitation will allow the paper to explain the meaning of self-exploitation. Using this source as an example the self-exploitation of humans.

4. “Is Poverty a Kind of Robbery”

Background: Interviews from lower class citizens about how they feel towards the government and federal aid. Echos the concerns of the poor populations feelings towards politicians and the lack of concern policy makers have for the  lower class citizens.

Intended Use: Highlight the lack of concern politicians demonstrate for the poverty stricken population. I will use this article to help aid me in arguing the casual claim that the poverty stricken do not feel secure.

5. “Do Social-Polices Reduce Poverty?”

Background:  This Study that asses the utility of social-welfare policies in reducing poverty. When a welfare program is introduced to reduce poverty, law makers and voters initially support the idea but later abandon the program due to the lack of interest or preference not to invest in poverty programs.

Intended Use: Demonstrate the selfishness of policy makers and voters.  This article will aid the argument that the poor feel alone and that they do not have any help.

6. “The War On Poverty And The Decimation Of The Family”

Background: Addresses the history of the poverty in America.  The article explained how some incentives that were put in place to help the poor have almost made things worst.

Intended Use: Speaks on the disenfranchisement of the lower class. I will use this article as an example to refute the politician’s examples of how they have assisted the poor.

7. “Poor” Households Getting $168 in Welfare Per Day from Taxpayers”

Background: Argues that American citizens money is not being used to assist the lower class but rather provide for them. The article continues to explain that the lower class is receiving more money than necessary. The author believe that they lower class is being coddled by government aid.

Intended Use: Help me explain the argument of  politicians and the upper class that the poor do not need any additional assistance than what is being provided. I will use this article to help aid me in explaining the reason why the lower class feels invisible and unheard.

8. How Do the 47% Vote?

Background: The reasoning behind Mitt Romney’s infamous comments about 47% of the population. This article also displays the statistics of who represents the 47%.

Intended Use: Display the true sentiment that some politicians have towards lower class citizens. It applies because I will be able to argue that some politicians do not want to help the lower class progress. This will support the claim that the lower class is not being supported or advocated for by some politicians.

9. “Who Counts as Poor in America?”

Background: This article provides a descriptive definition of poverty and the increasing poverty line.  The article continues to explain how government aid barely helps the lower class.

Intended Use: I will use this article to help explain poverty by using the statistics and examples. I will also use this article when introducing the needs of the lower class.

10. “Who’s poor in America? 50 years into the ‘War on Poverty,’ a data portrait”

Background: Recap of what has happened since President Lyndon Johnson state of the Union address about the war on poverty 50 years ago. This article is informational with mostly statistics to explain the fluctuation of the poverty level.

Intended Use: Explain the timeline of poverty in America, strengthen the argument that the poor are exploited. Explain the changes that have happened in America which cause the fluctuation of the poverty line. Shows different demographics that are supported by federal aid.