I have quite alot of opinions about lots of the 'phrases' but It can be summed up pretty quick, err guess this wasn't so quick, sorry.
1. Stealing is not equated to poor, it is wrong PERIOD. getting stuff out of trash is a hobby for many, now if it was last nights dinner you are picking up, you're poor.
2. Name brand vs off brand, sorry no matter how rich I ever become or do not, I buy what works, not based on name or advertising. And if you wear your shoes every day the soles will bust up no matter how much you spent, that is a sign of a good thing, kids SHOULD go use those shoes, not sit locked up for hours twiddling their thumbs or getting calluses on theri fingers from computer games (jumpman gave me rather callused hands at one time
.) - course if you use duct tape to repair them cause you would rather have dinner than new shoes, then you might be poor.
3. Stupid, lazy ect. Mainly that is attitude and speech, no one said you had to talk rudly or poorly regardless of where you live. Speak english be respectful and work, sure people will be suprised, thats cause if you did you would be in the miniority of American regardless of income! Oh and yeah choices you make at 14 can and will be held against you in the court of life, so start raising your kids NOW, not waiting for the magic age of 18 for them to mature.
4. Getting out/getting better/staying, that is poor self esteam mostly, not to mention being focused on the mud not the stars. Though I would say a non abusive relationship just cause his bed is warmer than the car...borderline. (it was a lot more comfy than mine is today..)
5. on the ones you picked out:
Being poor is knowing exactly how much everything costs. -I would think that is a good thing reagrdless of income, if you don't know you might end up paying more than something is worth among other things, regardless of total loot availible.
Being poor is hoping the toothache goes away. - actually that is more likely a fear of the dentist
. but I do understand not going for cost (I didn't for eons, try mouthwash, kills germs that cause the infection), oh and MANY people wait for hours in the ER, thats what they are like, sorry, less you are going to die in those 6 hours, the Drs will be busy taking care of the heartattack patients who might.
Being poor is coming back to the car with your children in the back seat, clutching that box of Raisin Bran you just bought and trying to think of a way to make the kids understand that the box has to last. - ok if it is raisin bran yes, if it is chocolate cocopuffs or whatever, no sorry. If you are in the car without the cereal then you are poor.
Being poor is off-brand toys. - how about poor is no toys? come to think of it I feel pretty sorry for many of my kids friends that have more toys than they know what to do with, poor kids can't get a grip with all the clutter.
Being poor is relying on people who don't give a damn about you. - then why are they helping? And if you think of it, we rely on strangers quite frequently, I suppose the cops are there for back up but if every one but us decided to break the law, there arn't enough cops to keep themselves safe muchless all of us.
Being poor is hoping you'll be invited for dinner. - nah thats just a desire not to cook
, actually being poor is closer to hoping they invite you to spend the night. warmer and all that than the car or street.
Being poor is knowing you work as hard as anyone, anywhere. - so all hard working people are poor? you arn't rich unless you are lazy?
Sorry but most of the stuff sounds like a cranky spoiled person busy railing at the world for being hard, life ain't fair, it aint easy, and yeah lots of it sucks, now get over it quit worrying about brands and go feed your kids. If you can't do that, THEN you are poor, go get help if you can, mysympathies and prayers regardless.
But I expect many disagree with me, I am rather cynical in my old age
(of 26) And while this person may disagree, I am
rich, and have been most of my life
BTW if you scroll down far enough you find some REAL examples of being poor.
Being poor is one meal a day, if that. (among a few more, gee I wish I were rich examples)