Part 7/10:
As the stark realities of poverty become ingrained in societal norms, the sense of community that traditionally binds Americans has frayed. Distrust and paranoia are on the rise, with individuals struggling to connect with their neighbors and friends, let alone foster supportive networks. Many find themselves too consumed with the grind of work to engage in community-building activities, leaving a void in social support.
The unsettling notion that citizens hold their own survival as a primary concern rather than a collective responsibility has been echoed widely. The idea that community support can uphold American resilience has dimmed, replaced by the harsh reality that many have to contend with their isolation and hardship.