RollingJ Â Â 2,042 #109 Posted May 29, 2019 15 minutes ago, Cyclone said: Public libraries have been closed due to austerity, and they often have just a few computers. Which seem to get little use - my local community library has 8 machines, and whenever I've been in there, maybe 2 or 3 are in use, but usually only one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Cyclone   10 #110 Posted May 29, 2019 Perhaps because having a computer and internet access really is something that you need at home today. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Halibut   12 #111 Posted May 29, 2019 I find it incomprehensible that there are people around who appear to be trying to claim that poverty doesn't exist in this country today. I can only imagine they live very insular lives. When I worked at an inner city school in Leeds ( for about seven years, finishing in October last year) I know for a fact there were children without adequate bedding/beds, whose clothes were all second hand,  regularly came to school without breakfast because there was no food in the house and were sleeping three or four to a room. We regularly gave out free food and clothing to help them cope. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Cyclone   10 #112 Posted May 29, 2019 People convince themselves that it's the fault of the parents (in that case) though. It's a persistent myth or thought pattern, the feckless poor and the deserving better off (or rich). It's a pleasant lie isn't it, to tell ourselves that we have plenty because we deserve it, worked hard for it, etc, and that anyone who doesn't have plenty must be a lazy good for nothing who puts in no effort and is poor due to their own decisions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
RollingJ Â Â 2,042 #113 Posted May 29, 2019 (edited) 36 minutes ago, Cyclone said: Perhaps because having a computer and internet access really is something that you need at home today. This is going to turn into a circular argument - except it won't. If you don't have internet access at home, why would you not use a free service at a library? Â And before you say the library isn't open 24/7 - why would it need to be? - no-one needs to be on a computer/laptop/tablet/w.h.y 24/7. Edited May 29, 2019 by RollingJ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Cyclone   10 #114 Posted May 29, 2019 I assume they would, but it's hugely inconvenient isn't it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
RollingJ   2,042 #115 Posted May 29, 2019 Inconvenient, yes, but not insurmountable and not life-threatening.  In my (much) younger days, when I had exhausted the type of book I wanted to read at my local library, I travelled to the Central Library - inconvenient, because it meant going on a Saturday as I was at school/working Monday-Friday, but I did it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Cyclone   10 #116 Posted May 29, 2019 It's not my definition of poverty, but you might as well claim that they can use the library toilet and so not having one at home isn't a sign of poverty. Not having the book you want to read is quite different to not having access to the internet I'd say. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
spilldig   190 #117 Posted May 29, 2019 14 hours ago, WiseOwl182 said: Don't forget how poverty is being defined here. Being fed, clothed and housed as a social safety net isn't enough, we also need to include:  Sky TV (including Sports) Mobile Broadband Cigarettes Alcohol Branded clothing  Add those necessities in and it's a bit more of a struggle. You forgot scratchcards and the lottery. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
RollingJ Â Â 2,042 #118 Posted May 29, 2019 51 minutes ago, Cyclone said: It's not my definition of poverty, but you might as well claim that they can use the library toilet and so not having one at home isn't a sign of poverty. Not having the book you want to read is quite different to not having access to the internet I'd say. As most of those books were reference/information related (I was looking to better inform myself on various subjects), I see little difference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Cyclone   10 #119 Posted May 29, 2019 (edited) Given that most bills are now paid online, government information and claims are made online, job searching and application is online, but none of this requires a book to do, I think there's a very clear difference.  It can be better explained here perhaps  http://www.poverty.ac.uk/editorial/low-income-and-digital-exclusion Edited May 29, 2019 by Cyclone Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
RollingJ Â Â 2,042 #120 Posted May 29, 2019 I was talking about my situation some 40+ years ago, not the situation now, but to try and stop you moving the goalposts at each point, I will agree with you on the situation today. Â Â Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...