Netizen named JC Escañan @johnfeeler is getting slammed online for saying poverty is a choice, as everyone has the power to change his current situation, and blaming the government because you remain poor won’t help.
JC posted on Twitter: “Kung ako ba mahirap, gugustuhin ko bang mamuhay ng mahirap lang? Na mamatay na mahirap lang? Kung ako sasagot, HINDI. Poverty is a choice. You have the will to change the situation. Don’t blame the government you being poor.”
Another netizen named Sammy took the opposite view. As for Sammy, people are struggling just to make ends meet and while some get lucky enough to reverse their financial situation, most are stuck no matter how hard they try to fight poverty.
https://twitter.com/_samyoungggg/status/1247399193372545024
Netizens also shared the same sentiments with Sammy that poverty is not a choice. They also said there is a difference between being poor and being a freeloader.
poverty isnt a choice. if you think THAT poverty is a choice, then maybe youre so clouded with neoliberal myths and ideals OR!!! you're just deluded by ur privilege. pic.twitter.com/OEuNxJ5Uny
— ann (@lvnarmoons) April 7, 2020
Poverty is a choice. For some, maybe?
Poverty is not a fucking choice. Not everyone has the same connection, privileged and opportunity as you. Hardwork alone is not enough to survive in this fucking world.
On the other hand, being a freeloader – THAT'S A FUCKING CHOICE.
— Mr. Robot (@omgitsfelixx) April 7, 2020
Does "Poverty is a choice?"
Sino ba naman ang pipiliin at gugustuhin maging mahirap? Instead of pulling people down deep, why don't we lend a hand to help one another na umangat at makaahon. We don't know how privileged we are.
— Janela (@_itsmeiam) April 7, 2020
PEAK PRIVILEGE IS WHEN YOU SAY POVERTY IS A CHOICE
— pam (@cypherecca) April 7, 2020
The enhanced community quarantine also showed that not everyone has the choice to stay home since a lot of people need to go out to earn a living every day.
Poverty is a choice?! WTF?? Not all poor people are poor because they are lazy or stupid. They are less privileged because they ddnt have the same oppurtunity or network that you had to make you succeed you. Check ur privilage mister u mtherfckr
— ēr!çk (@ayonnmann) April 7, 2020
https://twitter.com/Nagini1326/status/1247394511807901696
https://twitter.com/RobRob123457/status/1247447036321914882
What is happening………… Who would ever say that poverty is a choice……… Does anyone have the recap pic.twitter.com/luZmp8rDJi
— Justine LT Chua (@justineltchua) April 7, 2020
https://twitter.com/mystlineee/status/1247445444851929088?fbclid=IwAR2PqV1QBtgb6JUTBH8puaKYVit-QCGG_7tSONi_JWxNSOHT02XS49LUCjg
POVERTY IS A CHOICE is the stupidest thing I’ve seen on twitter today! I dare you say it straight to our farmer’s faces who works tirelessly everyday just for you to have something to eat especially during this pandemic. 😡
— 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐳𝐲 (@krizzy_kalerqui) April 7, 2020
https://twitter.com/riyanportuguez/status/1247432417951924224?fbclid=IwAR1GfNPqgYDOOloMs1JDJz6MJJ6WLnGKjTlDenTnBsXnI52joJHqcdI5Sc4
https://twitter.com/heyitsmeraya/status/1247389868285550593?fbclid=IwAR0f68vFfcpLfDXg3-acUCmVI_tHldi4eP9re-7s6Ax0mA3SAjnr7uCDs08
It can be recalled that even Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda firmly believes that poverty is not a choice, during the question and answer segment in Miss Q and A aired last September 12, 2019.
Here’s the statement of Vice Ganda:
“Ganyan din ako dati. Sinasabi ko na kung mahirap ka tapos lalo kang humirap or namatay kang mahirap, kasalanan mo. Pero ako ngayon, sa dami ng napapanuod at nababasa ko, nasasabi ko na hindi na rin laging kasalanan nung tao. Kasi maraming pagkakataon na kaya ka lalong humihirap kasi you are being deprived of opportunities.”