Category: Social Issues

Politics and Economics, Social Issues

Parasites on the Working Poor: The Payday Loan Business

In the last few years a sure sign of declining economic capabilities among the working poor has been the proliferation of “payday” loan businesses. Here in Wisconsin, the state in which I live, these businesses have sprouted like weeds in every small town across the state. The growth of the payday loan business is viewed by many to be a national problem and it is coming … Continue reading Parasites on the Working Poor: The Payday Loan Business

Charles Cottle2 Comments
Social Issues

Why I Do Not Like Tipping

  I do not like tipping waitresses, waiters, hotel bell boys, car wash attendants, or any other employees who depend upon tips for their wages. I am not a tightwad, indeed much to the contrary. I tip generously to all those mentioned above. I do not like tipping because it is a form of exploitation. It allows the employer to exploit the worker, to place … Continue reading Why I Do Not Like Tipping

Charles Cottle3 Comments
21st Century Life, Politics and Economics, Social Issues

Our Insanity About Guns

The Republican dominated Congress of the United States has now condemned the United States to a kind of living hell. The U.S. Senate voted last week to reject the expansion of background checks for guns purchased online  and purchases at gun shows. That means the only solutions the Congress, the National Rifle Association, and the motley assortment of Republican presidential candidates can offer to remedy … Continue reading Our Insanity About Guns

Charles Cottle1 Comment
Map showing roads and businesses in a small part of Janesville, Wisconsin.
21st Century Life, Social Issues

National Bicycle Month vs. Reality

I just read that this is “National Bicycle Month” and that this week is “Bicycle to Work Week.” I have no idea who makes these pronouncements, but I am sure they represent a kind of wishful thinking rather than an accurate reference to everyday reality. Last week an article in the Washington Post reported new figures from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that a mere … Continue reading National Bicycle Month vs. Reality

Charles Cottle12 Comments
Cartoon: Parents explaining to son that they cannot afford to send him to a school like the ones attended by those who wrecked the economy.
Social Issues

Education and the Reproduction of Social Privilege

We often say that education for all is a key ingredient in the achievement of equal opportunity. No matter one’s socio-economic background, education is the great equalizer that creates equal opportunity in a world that is often unequal. Political leaders everywhere who profess a concern for the poor and the oppressed have frequently stressed its importance. In 2003 Nelson Mandela remarked that “Education is the … Continue reading Education and the Reproduction of Social Privilege

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21st Century Life, Social Issues

“Where are all the people?” — On The Use of Public Space

Several years ago I was driving in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin with a young friend who was newly arrived from China. It was her first time to the United States and she had been in the country for about a week. As we drove past a city park, which was empty, she turned to me and asked, “Professor Cottle, where are all the people? I don’t … Continue reading “Where are all the people?” — On The Use of Public Space

Charles Cottle13 Comments
U.S. map showing state by state binge drinking rates
Social Issues, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Ranks No. 1 in Binge Drinking

Wisconsin takes first place in the nation for binge drinking according to a study reported in January, 2012 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nationwide, one in six American adults (according to the CDC) is a binge drinker. In Wisconsin, however, the statistic is one in four adults. Binge drinking in the study is defined as five or more drinks in a … Continue reading Wisconsin Ranks No. 1 in Binge Drinking

Charles Cottle2 Comments
Graph showing deportations increased under Obama over Bush
Politics and Economics, Social Issues

Where Are the Facts on Illegal Immigration?

During the December 10th Republican debate, Governor Rick Perry, when asked about what distinguished his stance on illegal immigration, made the following remarks: [Under my administration . . .] You will not see a catch and release program like this administration has today th– where people who are caught who are illegally in this country, and because they haven’t been (RUSTLING) caught in a violent … Continue reading Where Are the Facts on Illegal Immigration?

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21st Century Life, Social Issues

Living in the Age of “Feel-Good” Citizenship or “It’s not easy being green.”

Have you noticed that in order to avoid using plastic bags we are now encouraged to bag our groceries in little green cloth bags? Have you also noticed that almost everything sold in the grocery store is packaged in plastic? Even the organic produce is put up in plastic bags. In effect, for every little green cloth bag we fill up at the grocery store, … Continue reading Living in the Age of “Feel-Good” Citizenship or “It’s not easy being green.”

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