This module takes its name from The Other America by Michael Harrington, a study of 1950s U. S. poverty. From the 1700s, many American white people of European heritage have lacked the land, education, skills, or opportunities for advancement.   White identity movements have  drawn on regionalism, clannishness, racism, xenophobia, fear, and class resentments.  With economic distress, movements have coalesced around feelings that the country is not working for them. Poor and working class whites gave impetus to Populism and insurgent “white identity” movements supporting Huey Long, George Wallace, and recently Donald Trump.Another important element is “race” -- a word and concept developed to justify the colonization and control (and  enslavement) of black Africans by white Europeans and Americans. They used fake “race” science to justify colonization, the slave trade and subordination of Blacks.A complete, objective history requires an understanding of Americans who join in such identity politics.

The “Own It!” Handbook for Adults & Teens is a step-by-step guide to a fourteen topic after-school program, such as a Boys & Girls Club, or an adult Community Building group. For adults, it seeks to bridge divides and  explore what Americans have in common. For teens, it is a transformative after-school, trauma-informed enrichment program. It nurtures academic skills, personal growth and leadership. For all, it uses history to connect our past to our future, as part of the Own Your History® (OYH) Collection. Our inheritances from family history and the American experience provide the starting point for our personal journeys.  Our individual stories are part of a complex American history. We each can choose consciously to write our life story and work for a greater future. Own It! is not “school” but enhances students’ engagement in being creative, making things happen, and  achieving goals. Its mission is to help them step up and enrich their lives, especially by understanding that they live in history.

In 1962, an American activist named Michael Harrington wrote a relatively short but influential study on the problem of poverty in the United States. 'The Other America' ultimately found its way into the hands of President John F. Kennedy, and the book had a profound impact on bringing poverty issues to public attention. It ultimately contributed to the launch of the government's "War on Poverty."

TeachableMoment marks the 50 year anniversary, and addresses the ongoing issue, with a series of readings and discussion questions for high school students. Readings one and two, below, give an overview of Michael Harrington's book and consider the state of poverty in the U.S. now. The next pair of readings in the series will examine the debate about who should count as poor in this country and proposals for combating poverty.