The purpose of the "Poor Kids"" video is to explain what poverty means to children and to the country's future. The video was mainly through the eyes of seven children: Kaylie, Tyler, Jasmine, Jaylen, Jonny, Brittany, and Roger. The audience was able to see and feel what these children were going through, and how much each and every one of them is acknowledgeable about paying bills and rent, gas prices, food expenses, and the importance of professions. For example, nine-year-old Brittany Smith clearly understood that she had to shower in cold water because, "the hot water shut off because [her family] didn't pay the bill in time. It was over due " (Neumann). This shows that Brittany comprehends the significance of paying bills on time. In addition, Tyler is attentive that his family is in poverty because he mows lawns for ten dollars, but gives his money to his mother. This twelve-year-old boy works hard to save up money for food and gas. Both of these children are clearly affected by living in poverty.
The video is attempting to convey that, today many children in America live in poverty, and there needs to be a solution for this problem. The video is presented in the perspective of seven children. The audience is able to see and feel what these children are going through because it's coming for their point of view. For example, ten-year-old Kaylie explains that she feels weak and sad when she's hungry, and she can't do anything about it. In order to get food off her mind, Kaylin "thinks of something else to stop [her] hunger " (Neumann). Parents, especially mothers, watching this video will feel heart broken because they could not imagine their kids going through this type of pain and hunger. This surely brings attention to parents, and they will want to take action in creating things such as organizations or clubs to help child poverty in America. .
What does it mean to grow up poor in America? After watching the "Poor Kids"" video I have gained knowledge about the true meaning of growing up poor in America.