These two articles came to my attention from the Gleaner’s website. The first was from a lady who talked about her struggles with life in America after migrating at an early age. The second is the other point of view; of someone who migrated at a later age and is doing fairly well judging by the letter to the Editor. I believe I fall into the latter category but I can easily appreciate the position of the former as it is not hard to see how one can fall into her predicament.
Here is my take: both are right in their assessment of how life can be in America but no two circumstances are exactly alike. Here is the major difference between the two stories in my opinion: one came at nine and one came at 34. I believe that America does not do a good job of preparing the youths for adulthood. Case in point: managing debt and the impact a credit score can have on your future. The credit score is a rating that a few respected rating agencies give to individuals based on their bill payment and debt history. For those who pay bills on time and demonstrate responsibility in managing their debt, their scores are higher. This rating affects the ability to qualify for a mortgage or car loan. The worst scores get the highest interest rates so it behooves everyone to try and have the highest scores possible.
Most Americans have debt whether it is credit card, car loans or a mortgage. In fact we are encouraged to in some cases. With credit cards available almost effortlessly it is no surprise that the average American is swimming in credit card debt. And with almost every major purchase (and minor purchase for that matter) being able to be financed it is almost encouraged for debt to be incurred. With the lack of education about managing debt it is easy for things to spiral out of control. And with the lady in the first letter migrating so young I think she fell victim to this circular system.
The lady in the second letter came at a later age and thus was able to exhibit greater responsibility. But her story shows one thing: every one has an opportunity for some measure of success in the US. It is a quicksand effect though; debt in America can grab you and suck you in quite easily.
So while both ladies’ stories are representative of what we face as migrants and what can be accomplished I would urge anyone migrating to seek to educate themselves about American life. (Note that this is not easy, the lady in the first letter spoke about 7 in 10 being in her situation with bad credit and debt. Those stats I do not believe apply to only Jamaicans in the US. I think that is more representative of Americans on a whole. That’s right. This situation also affects Americans born and raised here; black, white, Hispanic and any other other ethnic group though some are more at risk than others).
In closing, I wish the young lady in NY all the best and hope she pulls out of the rut. And in the same breath I would applaud the lady in Florida for overcoming the odds. And while America remains the land of opportunity, there is opportunity for the good life as well as opportunity for a continuous struggle.
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2 comments:
I hope she pulls through this rut as well. It was interesting to see those two letters in the Gleaner.
Every story has three sides they say...
Hi
I maybe late in providing comments, however, your point about "debit" and the ease in North America in getting credit is absolutely correct.
I live in Canada, and although it is somewhat more stringent, it is still too easy.
The North American society is built around materialistic things, hence we are encouraged to buy a new car every 3 yrs, move to a larger house every 10 yrs (we have too much stuff that we don't use).
Some of us did not buy into this endless credit/debit cycle in trying to live up to the "Jones's", enough is enough.
The NA dream has huge pitfalls, and when you fall, there is nobody to bail you out.
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