'The Welfare Queen': A Social Analysis

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Having never explored the idea of social injustices or the American Dream so meticulously, Friday and Monday’s class certainly offered this analysis. Before this presentation, I am not ashamed to admit that I believed in many of the stereotypes that snuck their way into society. I was not aware that the shows that I so closely cherished were being censored. I was not aware of the true stigma of welfare. I was not aware of the true reasons behind the recession. Among all things, I refused to believe that the government would implement practices such as one not sharing one’s income in order to maintain the differences between the economic classes. Lastly, I was not evident to me that people, netherless, humans would have enough strenght to watch others struggle even with the power or position to change their pain. Temple’s presentation was very enlightening. …show more content…
An example of Miley Cyrus was used to explain this method; while Miley Cyrus was once a in a committed relationship, she was perceived as the improper woman. Taylor Swift, having dated many men and never remaining committed, was viewed as the model woman. Imagery, or how something is perceived to be, was used to control people’s ideas of what was really true. Similar to this, the social stigma of “The Welfare Queen” was created. The idea that people who are “seemingly” supported by the government have alternate purposes for the help given. The idea that those people take advantages of a system that is designed to help them. The truth, however, is much different. Those that are receiving help from the government are companies like Walmart. Millions of dollars, yearly, are given out to these businesses while very little is offered to those who would actually benefit. So most of the money is given companies and the poor are left to support themselves. The image of the “Welfare Queen” created prevents the truth from