one problem is lack of pride in people. it used to be considered honorable to be poor if you worked, but.... to be poor and sit on your *** was not acceptable. small town, small rural deep south Ga. county. everyone knew everyone and YOu or your family did not want to be considered " sorry"!
work and not have as much as others, .... be an honest, Christian person, (and no, you did not have to take any c*** off anyone, )..... in the eyes of most there , your money status made no real difference. yes, there was social status, but that's everywhere.
get up and work every day and you would be respected as a human being....