Responding to an Article that Dragged Poor Single Mothers

Source: The New York Times

I recently came across an article written by another awesome female, woman of color author on Medium. I enjoy this author’s writing and was not too terribly offended by the particular article she wrote, which dragged poor single moms. Its angle claimed that poor single moms expected pity but didn’t deserve it.

I wrote a response, and it has been getting a shred of attention. So, I decided to repost it here as an article.

Enjoy.

I can definitely relate to being a broke single mama. I was definitely ashamed and too proud to admit I needed to get on SNAP and Medicaid for the two years we had it. But I am grateful for those services and federal programs because it allowed me to save money, put more money toward enrichment and sports for my son, and get enough money for night classes. I eventually got into school full time and I now work to help others in our communities access those same vital services and legal services/mental health services that were so life changing for us.

I can say one thing, just from my own personal experience. I despised pity and I gravitated toward and prayed for actionable, responsive members of the community who saw me and my baby as full humans who had endured a great deal of trauma, and needed compassionate suport and services to get to a…