The white underclass is economically oppressed and given a certain social status. For example, the white underclass was ongoing economic oppression in the automotive industry. The automotive industry took a decline with the end of WWII. The combination of high oil prices and competition from foreign manufactures effected companies such as Chrysler and Ford. The beginning of WWII, the automotive industries received ten million dollars in war efforts. With the great depression, it brought blue collar working class to white underclass status. The unemployed white underclass used to work in the automotive industry and made decent money. The automotive industries were not located in the cities, but in rural towns like Duluth, Minnesota and Portland, Maine. There was no reason for blue collar class people of Lakeside to attend school. Their education level did not exceed the tenth grade. With no extended education, it made the white underclass underemployed. Parents told their sons to not waste their time with school and come to work in the automotive industry as young as 14 to 15 years old. The girls were told to go to college to find a husband (Lecture). Today, American car parts are being manufactured overseas. In Flint, Michigan the majority of people made parts and worked on the assembly line. It went from fifty people working on the assembly line to just having three people making sure the machines were working properly (Lecture). The economy once driven by industry is now lead by technology. The parts that were made in the white underclass’s town were now being outsourced due to cheaper labor. Chrysler dealership was notorious for their layoffs of over thousands of employees. The race riots of 1960’started due to lack of jobs and economic distress.
The white underclasses are individuals who are welfare dependent, labor, and school dropouts. The urban census track has found the white underclass of the poor and residents live below the property line. The Urban Institute found that the number of Americans living in ghetto neighborhoods. In these residents, most residents were non-Hispanic and the population increased in 1980’s from 836,000 to 1.6 million (Archambault, 1994).
White underclass portrays images of crime, drugs, gangs, mothers having kids out of wedlock and jobless men on the news. According to Mincy, white underclass will continue to increase in population and will have a huge burden on taxpayers and social services. Based on Urban Institute in Washington, D.C., the 1990 census showed that the population of white underclass neighborhoods numbers somewhere between 378,000 and 1.6 million (Archambault, 1994).
Topic 2, Demographics:
Lakeside, California is an example of troubled white underclass. In the beginning, Lakeside did not used to be filled with gangs compared to today. There used to be lakes and rivers where you could go fishing. The town used to be involved in farming, Ranching, agricultural, and cattle rising. The town was doing economically well. Now the town is center around strip malls and low service industries. The commercial strip malls are full of bars, small grocery stores, pawn shops and liquor stores. The blue collar workers have now become pink collar because the blue collar workers lost their jobs in the industrial factories. Pink collar workers are now working in the low service industries.
There are several houses that are abandoned and have peeled paint. In Lakeside there are areas called Pink Ghettos that illustrates poverty and low social economic status. There was no sign of electricity in these ghetto neighborhoods which shows that the people could not afford it. Usually people who come to this area have bad influences such as drugs and alcohol. This neighborhood is considered dangerous and the law enforcement did not approach this part of the town. The Native Americans Indians who were once oppressed because of their lands being confiscated now own large casinos and are doing financially better than the white underclass (In class video).
Topic 3, White power:
Young white underclass individuals had a difficultly finding their identity after the crash of the automotive industry and Industrial factories went out of business. The town once called the “Iron belt” was now called the “rust belt” (Lecture). In Lakeside, CA it turned into a culture of hate. (In class film) For instance, underclass whites took pride in their race and formed white supremacy groups. This formation of white supremacy groups led to racism and violence. In 1999, a Mexican landscaper man was killed. He was beaten and left in the ditch (In class film). Angry kids of Lakeside, CA were found guilty of dropping a concrete cylinder block on the Mexican landscaper’s head. The main motive of this crime was considered white supremacy hate act. The children were angry that the Mexican workers were taking away jobs from white underclass. The underclass white children displayed hate crime symbols including the swastika. Some children joined hate clubs such as Hells Angeles in order to gain protection.

1st Topic: Tourism (aka the “Aloha Industry” and “Tourist Training Kits”) versus- Preservation of Hawaiian Culture
Hawaii has become popular due to their famous tourism. From the moment the plane takes off, the tourist that arrive from all over the world fill up the hotels. Tourism is very important to the locals because it circulates the entire economy. There are many ways that tourism helps the economy of the state by providing new jobs and establishes new businesses. For example in the hotels there are jobs provided such as maid service, cooking and recreational activities (In class video). In the meantime, tourism is taught early to young adults in high schools. Young adults are prepared to take on jobs in the service industry. Sadly, it is one of the lowest paid industries. The average hotel worker that works full time is still considered in the state of poverty. The Hawaiian state acknowledged that the service industry offers low paying jobs, but still continues to distribute tourist appreciation kits and movies. The department of education distributed tourist appreciation kits to convince the locals that tourism is a great future for them to enter. The Hawaiian culture has marketed the “Aloha” very well. Aloha means generosity and love of the native people (Staton, 1998). Tourism industry uses young beautiful to portray their sexuality in order to attract tourist. With the growth of Hawaii, there are only 19 percent of native Hawaiians living on the islands. (Aloha, 2010). They are supposed to hold more than 50 percent of the land, but hold less than 1 percent (Aloha ,2010) . Many tourists come to Hawaii for vacation, but they are not aware that Hawaiians are experiencing political and economic hardship. Hawaiian’s are out-numbered by tourist in a ratio of six to one residence. The tourists come to see Hawaii for their true culture, especially the Hawaiian hula dancers. However, the Hawaiians view that the women and men are culturally prostituted. That woman are being degraded and victimized for the view in exchange for money. Hula dancers wear heavy makeup and dress in costumes. The men are also exposed to degradation of being displayed during performances. The hula has become provocative with a mix of Polynesian culture. The Hawaiians perspective, the hula dance portrays a different view. “The hula dance depicts the energy of the life force in the earth and among the people on the earth” (Staton, 1998). The hula is performed for tourist as a form of entertainment, but its original purposes is altered. The hula is for sacred offers, transmits knowledge of oral traditions, and provides social and cultural cohesion (Staton,1998). Now, the hula is more for the pure entertainment and to make money for the hotels. The local children grow up thinking the hula is for the entertainment business for hotels. “Tourism makes a point to advertise that everything in Hawaii ‘can be yours’-the place, the people, the culture, and even in identity as native is for sale” (Staton, 1998). Hawaiians are looking to change their image and try to get others to understand the impacts of tourism. Many people do not feel the same way about impacts of tourism, but the locals hope that with more education they will reform their image. Many of the Hawaiians are oppressed and do not understand their culture and degradation.
2nd Topic: Respect for Sacred Hawaiian Sites versus- Eminent Domain and Urbanization]
For many years, native Hawaiian has fought for their lands. Some went through the court system trying to prove that they own certain parts of their lands. The state has evicted many locals from their homes and left many people homeless. Many have even fought to protect the rainforest, but lost to the courts. The Hawaiian land went from being owned by the natives to being owned by the local government. However the Western influence gave grants to people under the traditional system as reparations. Westerners had free simple ownership and prospered in the sugarcane industry. Many non-Hawaiians had made lots of money through the sugarcane industry and were able to buy more land. With the annexation of Hawaii, United States gained more ownership of Hawaiian land (Kastner, 1985) In 1967, the state government has owned 39% of the total land area in the state, ant the federal government owed 10 percent. (Kasttner, 1985) In 1967 Hawaii legislature wanted to change the Land Reform Act. The legislature argued that such ownership was a threat to the health, safety and welfare of Hawaii’s citizens because of significant inflation of land values. The new Act authorized a redistribution of fees simple from the few land owners using the power of eminent domain. Once there was plenty of land, but now is covered with shopping malls and parking lots. There used to be large fish ponds, but now the land is polluted with tourist attractions like jet skiing and parasailing. Sadly, giant hotels have their own private beaches and close them off to hotel guest only. The native Hawaiians cannot enjoy the access to their own beaches that are closed off to hotel guest only. The land once being a main source of food production is now big source of money through the hotel industry. The big problem is that there is not enough land to go around for both non-natives and Hawaiians. In the 1920’s the Untied stated provided 200,000 acres for Homestead Act for native Hawaiians (Aloha, 2010). In 1959 the U.S. government provided 1.4 million acres of ceded land to the state for public use and to “better the conditions of native Hawaiians” (Aloha, 2010).
3rd Topic: Genealogy versus- Blood Quantum
Based on blood quantum Hawaiians must be of 50 percent of Hawaiian blood. The federal government started in the 1920’s. Like many Hawaiians they want to be able to leave their property to their children, but the federal blood line made it difficult to do so. If a Hawaiian marries outside their culture the federal government will not recognize the blood line if it’s under 50 percent. Families will lose their property to the state. The property, instead of going to their children, will go into the lottery system in the state. However not being 50 percent of Hawaiian blood still qualifies the Hawaiians to other benefits such as private school, and federal aid. The blood quantum determines various factors such as where Hawaiians live, go to school, and work. The Homestead Act provides native Hawaiians with several benefits. The eligibility requirements are strict. Hawaiians have to be at least 18 years of age and must be a native Hawaiian. Their blood must be at least 50 percent Hawaiian. To prove they are Hawaiian they have to prove their genealogy by showing documentation, such as a birth certificate. Birth certificates are the primary proof to determine if they are native Hawaiian. Some try to prove their Hawaiian race by self-identification. “The state uses different descriptions to describe local natives. One is the “n” in native is capitalized before Hawaiian” (Staton, 1998). The state uses “Native Hawaiian” for those with any Hawaiian blood and “native Hawaiian for those with 50 percent or more Hawaiian blood There is only about 20 percent of the population that has Hawaiian blood. The census showed that about 1 in every 25 Hawaiians had 100 percent blood quantum and 1 in 3 had at least 50 percent (Staton, 1998). The first definition of being Hawaiian started with the Homes Commission Act of 1920, which provided the rehabilitation of native Hawaiian people through the government sponsored Homesteading program (Staton, 1998). Even before the government defined Hawaiians, the Hawaiians declared their identity prior to 1778 when James Cook landed on the island (lecture). Many Hawaiians are upset the government has come up with such strict rules and feel that the government is purposely trying to end Native Hawaiian’s privileges. Congress is trying to end the full blooded Hawaiian race. Congress makes the argument that there are many Hawaiians that don’t qualify for the Homestead Act. Many Hawaiians should advocate changes within their governments, so they can have certain rights to benefits of the land.
Topic C: Lesbians, Gays, and Transgendered people.
In the article of Lesbians, Gays and Transgendered people, the objective was to find differences between the groups in their physical and mental issues. A sample was taken of 84 GLBT and matched them in the categories of age and sexual gender. There are many challenges that face Homeless sexual minorities compared to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender homeless adolescents with health care. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender face more problems of homeless than other sexual minorities. The number of homeless youths has grown over the past decades. They face many challenges of living in the streets. According to the National Network of Runaway and Youth Services about 6 percent of homeless adolescents are gay or lesbian (Cochran, et al). Heterosexual youth have less psychological problems then GLBT do. Many GLBT homeless are physically abused and use illegal substances. They are also victimized of robbery, rape and assault. GLBT are also involved in prostitution and use sex in exchange for money, shelter, or drugs. GLBT homeless youths would have more negative indicators of psychological and physical well-being than do heterosexual homeless adolescents (Cochran, et al).The data that was taken consisted of adolescents aged 13 to 21 years of age from the years of 1995 to 1998 in Seattle (Cochran, et al). Seattle Homeless Adolescent research and education project was set up for adolescents in the metropolitan area. Youths were able to participate in the program if they spoke English and had not lived with anyone for a week. The adolescents were told they could stop at any time during the program and will be given $25 for their time. Many of the participants were white. The majority of the youth identified themselves as bisexual and few identified with just being lesbian or gay. In the interviews the youths were asked questions about why they left home, and have they had any drug and alcohol abuse. Many participates were asked if they had been victimized at home or had been sexually abused. The results showed that GLBT were more likely to leave as a result of physical abuse at home. A lot of GLBT had left home due to sexual orientation arguments with their parents. The results showed that GLBT youths did experience higher levels of abuse than heterosexuals. As for Substance and mental health the sexual minority group suffered more in both categories. The sexual minority group had used more substances and had higher depressive symptoms. Homeless heterosexuals had less sexual victimization, lower addictive substance use and less sexual behavior then GLBT. GLBT used more drugs to cope with daily difficulties and discrimination. Adolescents who are homeless typically have no family support and peers to rely on. The study hopes to find ways to prevent future homelessness by providing therapeutic services to families. Community public health programs helped GLBT reduce their risk of HIV and substance abuse. The program will look to improve homelessness and to help GLBT improve their everyday challenges. The results showed that homeless youths who are of sexual minority are at high risk and should seek public help.
D. People with disabilities
Public policy for special health care needs for young adults is challenging. Private healthcare does not offer help to many uninsured young persons with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Young adults with chronic conditions and with disabilities have a hard time getting insured. A disability is a list of serious illnesses, but the illness must be advanced to be considered a work disability (Fishman, 2001). Many young adults ages nineteen to twenty-nine lack health insurance (Fishman, 2001). About 30 percent of young adults lack employers that pay for their health insurance. Very few college students apply for health insurance on campus. Young adults who have disabilities or chronic illnesses have a very hard time getting insured. Some children are covered by Health Insurance Program or Medicaid that help provide coverage for poor children’s families. Many adults have coverage through their employer. Once children turn twenty one they are no longer covered by their parents. There are many insurance gaps among young adults with chronic illnesses. Many of the state programs are in adequate and have failed to help people with their disabilities. According to Bureau of Census, there are approximately 2.3 million young adults with disabilities or chronic mental illness that have a high level of un-insurance (Fishman, 2001). Even working disabled adults lack health insurance even though they are working. Most of the adults working with a disability are low income. 30 percent are poor, and 62 percent make less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level (Fishman, 2001). Children with disabilities are covered through their parents and young adults are not covered. Medicaid has helped cover children with family households that are at poverty level. Some states offer Supplemental Security Income for children based on their parent’s income, but there are hardly any programs that help young adults. If adults make more than $700 a month they are not eligible for Supplemental Security Income (Fishman, 2001). There were three million people in 1995 that were receiving Social Security checks and were eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (Fishman, 2001). Adults have to wait for two years before their Medicare covers them. Only adults with disabilities, over age of 65 years can get Medicare right away. Young adults cannot qualify for Medicare, but some young adults can apply for Medicaid. Some young adults can get Medicaid even if they are working but have to make under a certain amount. Private insurance is difficult to obtain for those with chronic health conditions. Some new public policies for Medicaid in some states have new provisions passed for employed persons with disabilities to receive benefits. The Medicaid extension in some states offers benefits to people whose health has improved, but can still receive disability benefits. The federal government needs to reform the Medicaid and allow those who are working to still obtain the disability benefits.