30 November 2009

Reactions to a question on the u.s. census

Question 8 on "The American Community Survey":

Does this house, apartment, or mobile home have -

a. hot and cold running water?

b. a flush toilet?

c. a bathtub or shower?

d. a sink with a faucet?

e. a stove or range?

f. a refrigerator?

g. telephone service from which you can both make and receive calls? Include cell phones.

Reaction #1:
Wow. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that this question is on here. There must be some primitive American homes on the postal grid. But still, it's the 21st century. Why shouldn't everyone be able to answer yes to all of them like I did?

Reaction #2:
Not only am I lucky to have been born in America, I'm lucky to have been born into the lucky America that takes running water and food storage for granted.

Reaction #3:
This doesn't make me love America more. It makes me more ashamed of economic inequality. Spoiled brats get their Sweet Sixteens boasted on MTV, but the "have-nots" only get to watch, that is if they're lucky enough to experience the luxury of cable television... or "a sink with a faucet" for that matter.

19 November 2009

zimdog's quote of the fortnight

I'm sad because I'm happy,
I'm happy because I'm mad,
And I'm mad cuz it's so sappy...
to be happy when you're sad.

-- Oscar the Grouch, Sesame Street