Could You Survive in Middle Class?

That question is asked in a book I just finished "What Every Church Member Should Know About Poverty" by Bill Ehlig and Ruby K. Payne Ph.D. (Bill doesn't seem to get a title; maybe I'll give him one -- so let's say Bill Ehlig, smart guy. Anyway--) It comes about a third of the way through the book, before going into further explanation of how difficult it is t0 get someone out of poverty; the poor, the middle class and the wealthy all look at money differently, they all have different experiences and all have different skill sets. Nothing earth-shattering there.

But then this list was given, as a kind of self-test for how well each of us might do if we were forced to live outside of our comfort zones. There's no scoring, or anything, you're just supposed to look at this list and see by checking off the items whether or not you think you could survive in this other subculture. Going down the list of middle-class skill-set items, I found many things that were familiar. Several were a little eye-opening as well (putting my kids in soccer or little league? is that a skill? I guess if you haven't done it before--) and it made me really think about how blessed I am to have the money I do, and to not have had some of the experiences the poor have gone through.

Then as I read through "Could You Survive In Poverty?" -- well, I was pretty much speechless. Clearly there's a violence in America that we don't (okay, I don't) realize, PEOPLE, children, women and men, have to experience every day. And they're our neighbors.

So without further discussion, I'll list them in this order: middle-class, wealthy, and poverty. Check these out:

Could you survive in the Middle Class?

--I know how to get my children into Little League, piano lessons, soccer, etc.
--I know how to properly set a table.
--I know which stores are most likely to carry the clothing brands my family wears.
--My children know the best name brands in clothing.
--I know how to order in a nice restaurant.
--I know how to use a credit card, checking account, and savings account -- and I understand an annuity. I understand term life insurance, disability insurance, and 20/80 medical insurance as well as house insurance, flood insurance, and replacement insurance.
--I talk to my children about going to college.
--I know how to get one of the best interest rates on my new-car loan.
--I understand the difference among the principal, interest, and escrow statements on my house payment.
--I know how to help my children with their homework and do not hesitate to call the school if I need additional information.
--I know how to decorate the house for the different holidays.
--I know how to get a library card.
--I know how to use most of the tools in the garage.
--I repair items in my house almost immediately when they break or know a repair service and call it.

Next: Could You Survive in Wealth society?
--I can read a menu in French, English and another language.
--I have several favorite restaurants in different countries of the world.
--During the holidays, I know how to hire a decorator to identify the appropriate themes and items with which to decorate the house.
--I know who my preferred financial advisor, legal service, designer, domestic-employment service, and hairdresser are.
--I have at least two residences that are staffed and maintained.
--I know how to ensure confidentiality and loyalty from my domestic staff.
--I have at least two or three "screens" that keep people whom I do not wish to see away from me.
--I fly in my own plane or the company plane.
--I know how to enroll my children in the preferred private schools.
--I know how to host the parties that "key" people attend.
--I am on the boards of at least two charities.
--I know the hidden rules of the Junior League.
--I support or buy the work of a particular artist.
--I know how to read a corporate financial statement and analyze my own financial statements.

And last: Could You Survive in Poverty?

--I know which churches and sections of town have the best rummage sales.
--I know which rummage sales have "bag sales" and when.
--I know which grocery stores' garbage bins can be accessed for thrown-away food.
--I know how to get someone out of jail.
--I know how to get a gun, even if I have a police record.
--I know how to keep my clothes from being stolen at the Laundromat.
--I know what problems to look for in a used car.
--I know how to live without a checking account.
--I know how to live without electricity and a phone.
--I know how to use a knife as scissors.
--I can entertain a group of friends with my personality and my stories.
--I know what to do when I don't have enough money to pay the bills.
--I know how to move in half a day.
--I know how to get and use food stamps or an electronic card for benefits.
--I know where the free medical clinics are.
--I am very good at trading and bartering.
--I can get by without a car.

Interested to see if anyone has comments...