Pajiba Review

http://www.pajiba.com/book_reviews/nickel-and-dimed-review.php

This is taken from a popular blogging website, one used for reviews on films, songs and books. however the issue with this is that anyone can put their opinion on critical view on a page. Which is where we find this blog, unfortunately the blogger is unnamed which means that the review is probably not academic or on a popular critic's standard. Although it does offer another person's view and opinion on the subject, detailing how they feel the novel expressed certain issues and also more thoroughly in this blog; the views on the public's reaction to the novel.

This blogger feels disgusted about the reaction the novel had on the middle class American's, as many of them felt the book to be eye-opening, where as this blogger feels many texts have revealed the lower class working situations before; like the film 'Crash'. This blogger may feel anger towards the reaction however, but he also criticises Barbara Ehrenreich as an author as well saying that she is not a novel writer and how most of the text is written as a narration of her personal experiences. This may seem to be unhelpful for the blogger, but the object of the text was to illustrate the experiences, therefore the blogger has misunderstood the purpose.

The blogger's personal opinion of Barbara is as follows:

"She always has the option of pulling out and returning to the home she owns in New York — and of getting emergency medical care, dipping into her savings renting a hotel to avoid being on the streets — and doesn’t have the same long term worries, such as having no benefits, no retirement funds, or inadequate medical/dental care. Even though she acknowledges this, it still feels incredibly insulting and patronizing. This might have more to do with the target readership than the book itself; seriously, do people not know these things? Have they really never heard what it’s like to live poor, or do they just need someone who is actually rich to tell them to believe it? Do people not believe the firsthand experience of someone who lives this reality day to day? I know I am asking a lot of rhetorical questions, but I am doing it because I am truly incredulous"

This blogger constantly demeans the novel, stated overall that one should only read it if you were interested in the facts of low-wage employment in the U.S. However i would disagree with this and say that it offers not only the facts of low-wage employment, but it also offers first-hand experience of discrimination, segregation and explores the journey that many people overcome everyday in their American lives.

Nickel and Dimed: A Critical Review

http://www.thinkyourwaytowealth.com/2008/07/26/book-review-nickel-and-dimed-by-barbara-ehrenreich/
This review from the website 'Think Your Way To Wealth', discusses Barbara Ehrenreich's novel Nickel and Dimed in great depth. It makes reference to each of the three cities where she carried out her experiment, as well as the critical responses that surround her work as a whole. In general, while the author of the article recognises the fact that the novel is good and well written, insomuch that it engages the audience in the portrayal of the struggles and problems that surround workers in the low wage system, the author also acknowledges some of the criticisms that could be seen in Ehrenreich's work.

One criticism in particular that the author argues is that Ehrenreich did not fully complete, nor achieve, her experiment to its full potential, due to the fact that it was carried out over the period of just three months. The writer states, "I am also not sure if her experiment was long enough to tell, or if she gave it her full effort." Although it is true that, perhaps, three months were not enough time to carry out an experiment to produce good reliable results, I think that it is unfair to suggest that she did not ‘give it her full effort’. Ehrenreich lived the life of someone stuck within the low wage system, working all day with hardly any time for a break, such as her waitressing job in Florida. A lot of the time she had to work two jobs, such as in Maine, just so that she could survive off of low pay. Her purpose was to see if she could get by living on less that the minimal pay within America - the only way for her to do this was to give it her all.

However, the author does praise Ehrenreich for her portrayal of life, and the realities that people face within the low wage system,"...many of the points she brings up are true. It is incredibly difficult, I would imagine, for someone who was born into poverty to break the cycle." Not only this, but the writer also go on to state that the fact that Ehrenreich herself did not expect some of the extremities of the low wage jobs, only further draws emphasis upon the true realities of the low wage system and the people located in it. The writer states,

She does point out many hardships and difficulties for those who, whether lacking education or other reasons, have to start out at the bottom earning minimum wage. It is difficult to get by, and even harder to get ahead. I would not expect it to be easy, but I am not sure if Ehrenreich expected it to be quite so hard.

It could be argued that because Ehrenreich herself was not fully aware of the things that happen within the low wage system, this further makes the novel come across as hard hitting, realistic and effective. Not just through the realities, but the acceptance and positivity of the people that she encounted along the way. For example, Ehrenreich's simple question, asked of the ladies at The Maids toward the end of her time in Maine; how do they feel about the people who have so much, yet they themselves barely get by? The responses of '... I'd like to have this stuff someday. It motivates me and I don't feel the slightest resentment because, you know, it's my goal to get to where they are' (p.118) to '...I'm a simple person, and I don't want what they have... but what I would like is to be able to take a day off now and then... and still be able to buy groceries the next day' (p.119) has an effect on us as readers, to some extent emotionally, as well as realistically, in the portrayal and admiration for the people of this sector, as well as the fact that it shocked Ehrenreich herself.

Overall, the author of this article offers a fair view of Ehrenreich's novel, offering the recognition of both the strengths and weaknesses of Ehrenreich's work, although not all of it I agree with. Nevertheless the author recognises Nickel and Dimed as well-written and worth reading, "If you have never worked in a low paying job before, it may open your eyes. It also points to the difficulties many have just paying for rent and food in this country, while making only minimum wage..."

Critique of Nickel and Dimed

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1374/is_5_61/ai_78966516/

This review of Nickel and Dimed is written by Joni Scott, the director of 'Pro Choice League' which offers 'Women their Fundamental Rights to Abortion and Privacy.' Therefore, he clearly has a liberal feminist viewpoint.

Scott recognises that although Barbara Ehrenreich attempted to fit the mould of the average low-paid worker, she unfortunately does not fit the criteria. Scott states, 'Many don't have the luxury of start-up money, car, white skin, good health, the ability to speak English, or three years of college to help her secure employment.' Therefore her experiment is not completely reliable, as Ehrenreich had the benefits that others employees fail to obtain. For instance, she is more likely to secure employment due to her skin colour, as she states 'I chose Maine for its whiteness.' (Page 51) However, Ehrenreich highlights such issues to the reader in order to emphasise that the reality is even more disturbing than her account is able to inform us.

On the other hand, Scott praises Ehrenreich as she obtains 'respect for those enduring the daily maelstrom of low-wage life.' For example, when her fellow worker Holly injures herself, Ehrenreich states '"I'm not working if you don't get help."' (Page 111) However, it could be argued that Ehrenreich was instead threatening to strike in order to express her own principles and anger towards the injustice being exercised towards her fellow employees. Either way, she clearly shows a concern for the welfare of these unfortunate individuals and this allows her to criticise and expose the errors of American businesses.

Ehrenreich's attitude towards her work is praised, as she 'even feeds residents in an Alzheimer ward without complaint.' She therefore is fully committed to performing her jobs well, even though she is only working temporarily. However, her temporary placements may explain her calm persona. She will never be able to fully experience the stress and discontentment of a low-wage worker unless she becomes one.

Scott realises the importance of the experiment, because Ehrenreich 'examines how corporations often strip employees of their dignity.' An example of this is the drug testing, as Ehrenreich states, 'you have to be willing to squat down and pee in front of a health worker.' (Page 14) These tests show that employees are treated as criminals, even though they are only trying to earn a living. Those in managerial positions can impose such practices because they have the authority. But their purposes are also understandable, as they will prevent the use of drugs which will benefit both the employer and the employee.

Mostly, Ehrenreich 'delivers a profoundly poignant description of people.' For instance she describes her co-worker George as 'a perfect straight arrow-crew-cut, hardworking, and hungry for eye contact.' Although individual characteristics of low-paid workers may seem irrelevant, they offer deeper insight. Most of the people Ehrenreich works with are willing to work hard, therefore the reader begins to question why they are not being paid enough money for their work. Furthermore, their desire to work hard shows that they have not given up hope. They are attempting to achieve, perhaps even attempting to achieve the American dream, despite the difficult circumstances they are in.

Scott concludes by stating 'I believe this book should be required reading for corporate executives and politicians.' Overall the book is highly useful in exposing the issues confronting low-wage workers in America. Although Ehrenreich fails to fully commit to her role economically, she fully commits to her work mentally and physically, therefore her account is reliable and worthwhile in promoting action against inequality.

Bay Mills Indian Community

The Bay Mills Indian Community is located in Michigan (shown as number 11 on the map) and was formed in 1936. The group was established and their constitution was passed in the year of 1936. They treat themselves almost as a separate nature, with their own constitution, government and voting system. The tribe is made up of just over 1500 members, with around 1000 who are able to vote (18 years of age or more).

Although they like to see themselves as completely separate, they do state that they have inter-governmental relationships between Chippewa County, especially with the childcare and police department; this shows how although they like to keep themselves to themselves in terms of the rest of the country, they do recognise that many legal matters and the law still apply to them.

The tribe seem to very organised in terms of them having many events planned and also have their own newspaper especially for the residents- which proves the sense of community and spirit within the group. The community does also have many departments which deal with certain aspects of their society, such as gaming, accounting and housing. They have three council meetings planned for 2012, in April, July and October- this also shows how they like to keep the people happy as they can raise issues and talk together at quite regular intervals. I am especially impressed with the fact that they have their own health centre, because it shows how much they rely on their own people to look after each other; something which I personally believe is often lost in many modern day, capitalist cultures not only in America but across the whole world.

When researching Bay Mills Indian Community, I also came across the Bay Mills Resort and Casino which is owned and run by native Americans; the money earned from this resort is used to buy more land so the community can spread further out and become more influential and powerful. This is quite a contrasting concept, as the people of this culture who appear to like the simpler, traditional way of life take advantage of the modern day culture of spending lots of money and having materialistic values, by transferring the wealth they attain from modern day Americans from the cities and re-investing it into their own community.

The group seem to very proud of their history and roots, considering how well organised the website and newspaper are; it proves their commitment and how they want to keep their society working. The flag/badge of the group is also quite traditional with the feathers and block colours, there is also writing at the bottom at the badge which I would assume to be native Indian, which keeps the roots and history of the group prominent with their motto being written in their own language rather than in the national language of America, English.

I believe there is a lot to be learned from tribes such as the Bay Mills Indian Community, because they prove that life can be enjoyed without lots of money and the luxuries that many people have in America nowadays; and that looking after your own people and being proud of your history rather than submitting to assimilation amongst the ever-increasing American culture can often be a positive thing; especially when you look at how organised they are in their own community. I also believe that the negative press and reputation Indians have within American society and also the unfair segregation they face is somewhat unfair, as this website shows that they are simply getting on with their lives- however, this could be a biased point of view because it is written from their perspective, and in fact although they seem to be organised with their own healthcare centres etc. the standards of health and the medical expertise is unlikely to be up to the standards of many developed areas in America.

Seminole Tribe

http://www.semtribe.com/

The Seminole Tribe are the descendents of the Creek people or members of the Muskogean language family, who have lived in South East America since records were conceived. The Seminole speak seven different languages which contribute to the diversity of the tribe-Muscogee, Hitchiti, Koasati, Alabama, Natchez, Yuchi and Shawnee. Today the Seminole live in Florida, still living on the fringes of society which has been the case for nearly 400 years although today not as thorough. The tribe were placed in two out of 18 reservations set up in Florida in 1913, this split the tribe into two, one group known as the Miccosukee Tribe of Seminole Indians of Florida, lived in a safe haven for their people who held tradtional views. Where as the second group took to the offer of the reservation that began a new way to sustain the Seminole culture, however they were more ready for assimilation to other customs and cultures learning new religions like Christianity, which is why on the tribe emblem it has the saying 'in god we trust'.

A Brief Timeline of Seminole's History:

Today the Seminole casinos support a growing infrastructure for the Seminole community’s health and welfare, public safety, education and other services. The economic stability provided by gaming, combined with the cattle, citrus, and other business enterprises, has made the Seminole Tribe of Florida one of the most successful native business peoples in the United States today. They employ more than 7,000 employees in their casinos, hotels and other enterprises and purchase more than $130.3 million in good and services yearly. One other note that makes the Seminole tribe different to any other Native Indian's, is that they are the only tribe in America who have never signed a peace treaty.

The Cherokee Nation

The Cherokee Nation states on its website that it is a federally recognised government with inherent sovereign status which has been recognised by treaty and law. By stating this, The Cherokee Nation immediately reinforces its importance to the Cherokee people. Furthermore, they also make note of the significance they have to the United States.

With more than 300,000 citizens, over 8,000 employees and a variety of tribal enterprises ranging from aerospace and defense contracts to entertainment venues, Cherokee Nation’s economic impact in Oklahoma and surrounding areas is more than $1.5 billion annually. We are one of the largest employers in northeastern Oklahoma. We are the largest tribal nation in the United States.

Especially in this time of recession, it is clear to see that The Cherokee Nation is valuable to the citizens of Oklahoma, but also that they are significant to the contribution of Native Americans in the United States as a whole. By stating that they are the largest tribe reinforces the fact that they are keeping their culture alive in today's modern world.

On the website, The Cherokee Nation offers many services not only to its citizens but to other Native Americans throughout its tribal jurisdiction also. The website offers help in areas such as housing, community, education, career services and many more. They also state that these services are often there to help citizens to help themselves, reinforcing their values of education in order to further enrich people's lives. Interestingly, they state that:

The Cherokee Nation dedicates resources through federal funding and tribal revenue to provide these and other services to the citizens who need them most.

This federal funding could be seen as reparations for the way the Cherokees were treated, as The Cherokee Nation has a full history on their website, including first hand accounts of the Trail of Tears, showing that they will never forget.

There is also an issues section of the website which, interestingly, has fraudulent groups as one of their main concerns. Many fake Indian groups have tried to pass themselves off as real in order to make money as they apply for and receive aid from the historic treaty-based obligations that was intended for Indians. Another main concern is the distortion of the true Indian history in order to make the fake group seem credible. This thus helps to reinforce the fact that the Cherokee Nation if an affluent organisation so much so that fraudsters are trying their hardest to reap the benefits intended for them.

By studying The Cherokee Nation's website it's clear to see that this is a strongly established group that has strength in numbers but also in passion for their culture. Their main concerns are that people will forget their rich history, and that's why the website is set up to educate with such detailed accounts of their history. Furthermore, their sense of community is strong throughout the website, offering support to others and events such as Remember the Removal which reiterates the tragedy of the Trail of Tears and what the Cherokee members can do to remember those Native Americans that were slaughtered.

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe

http://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/

The Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribes are located across north Idaho, eastern Washington and western Montana, and have described themselves as 'the sum of uncounted centuries of untold generations.' In the tribe's language they are called 'Schitus'umsh', which means "Those who were found here" or "The discovered People". One of the most appealing aspects about the website is the amount of pictures that can be found when exploring, from images of the landscape to, presumably, past members of the tribe -perhaps important figures that existed within the tribe. In addition to this, the website also provides national Native news on Indian affairs as well as tribal community news. The website has a specific page concerning the tribal council, whereby they state that the chairman or council member deals directly with the President of the United States, leaders of congress or members of the President's cabinet to address and resolve tribal issues. From browsing the website, it is evident that the Coeur d'Alene tribe are particularly concerned over the environment, and how the struggle of ownership of land has caused 'terrible environmental damage'. As a result of this, the tribe founded the 'Coeur d' Alene Basin Restoration Project' to restore their land, although it is not stated whether they have successfully restored their land and lakes.

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe also employs about 1000 people in 16 departments of government or in tribal enterprises, which include the Cour d'Alene Casino and Hotel which can be found in North Idaho. The website states that the tribal gaming 'employs about 500 and generates about $20 million in profits annually, funding programs and creating economic development and diversity'. In addition to this, the tribe also has its own tribal school, which opened in 1997. The fact that they have their own school shows the importance of educating their children in terms of their own culture and the importance of their legacy and history.

In terms of sovereignty, the tribe has sovereign authority on a reservation that covers 345,000 acres of mountains, lakes, timber and farmland, spanning the western edge of the northern Rocky Mountains. The tribe argues that the sovereignty of any Indian tribe exists because they have inherited it. Despite the fact that many other tribes relocated from their original homelands in the United States, due to the numerous disputes over land ownership and wars, the Coeur d' Alene tribe have always stayed true to their origins. They argue that they are therefore the 'truly original Idaho', maintaining jurisdictional and sovereign authority over their land.

"Tribes were here many thousands of years before there was a United States or an Idaho. Tribes were here and took part in the development and protection of the United States and Idaho. Tribes will be here even if the day comes when there is neither a United States nor an Idaho. "

From exploring the Coeur d'Alene Tribe website, it is clear to see the importance that they hold for their origins and for their community. The existence of their homeland, the restoration of the landscape and maintaining their sovereignty are important aspects which are held strong within the tribe, as well as their legacy of leadership. As stated on the homepage of their website,

"The Coeur d'Alenes are who they always were and who they will always be."