Placement in Curriculum/Subject Areas - History, Civics, Social Studies, and Economics.

Organization of Classes - None

Materials Needed -

Radio Activity - After hearing the radio program, what impact did the War on Poverty have in southeastern Ohio?

Michael Harrington wrote a book, "The Other America," that was published in 1963 about poverty in the United States. It is believed that President Lyndon Johnson was influenced by Harrington's stories and call for action to help the nation's poor. Harrington wrote: "There are mighty historical and economic forces that keep the poor down; and there are human beings who help out in this grim business, many of them unwittingly. There are sociological and political reasons why poverty is not seen; and there are misconceptions and prejudices that literally blind the eyes. The latter must be understood if anyone is to make the necessary act of intellect and will so that the poor can be noticed." (p. 21). What does Harrington mean in this paragraph? Do you agree or disagree? What "forces" were in effect in southeastern Ohio? What "misconceptions and prejudices" existed about poor persons in the area?

Interview Activity - Interview people in your community who have helped the poor in some way. 

Additional Activities - If you were members of congress, what legislation would you draft to assist the poor? Begin with a debate of whether the government should play a role in helping its citizens in financial hardship.