Born with a Wooden Spoon: Welcome to Poverty U.S.A.

The majority of Americans prefer to ignore the issue of poverty, which is not all that difficult to do considering that media coverage is rarely focused on the nation's poor. Born with a Wooden Spoon is a disturbing and provocative documentary, citing figures that suggest approximately 37 million Americans—or one out of every eight—are living below the poverty line. Many of the poor's woes can be traced to individual tragedies stemming from crime, substance abuse, illiteracy, and unemployment (the situation is even more dire today, thanks to the recent wave of new foreclosures driving many people out of their homes). In many cases, however, we're not talking about individuals hitting hard times, but rather systemic multigenerational poverty that is creating a new state of permanent economic deprivation, from which escape is increasingly unlikely. The interviewees include people who speak frankly and poignantly about their excruciating economic situations and the seeming hopelessness of their lives, as well as those who are trying to help the poor. Considering that an increasing number of economists are predicting a recession in the near future, this documentary carries an unmistakable sense of urgency—since this scenario will likely only get worse, not better. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)