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A Nation in Denial
What are people thinking?
Consider the following questions and answers concerning everyday scenarios in the United States, and ask yourself, “Are my answers the answers of a sane person?”
SCENARIO 1: You need a job. You like helping people and decide to train to be a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). You understand that it’s an entry-level job, but you can’t afford college tuition, and this is a position that doesn’t require a college degree. You complete your training and start your job search. The average pay for a CNA in your state is $18/hr ($37,440/yr). The average rent in your state for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,868/mo. ($22,416/yr). You don’t know how you will be able to afford expenses like food, transportation, and clothing.
QUESTION: This situation strikes you as:
A. Totally fair. After all, this is the punishment for not going into debt to get a college education. You get stuck in low-paying jobs.
B. Fair, because the job is entry level, and those jobs are meant to be filled by younger folks, not adults with any work experience. After all, it’s great that young people, whose brains are not even fully developed yet, be in charge of caring for the most fragile members of our society. Besides, older folks who don’t have an education should shut-up already about low pay, and go…
