It doesn't get any more elitist and out-of-touch than this, folks...
In a wealthy Chicago suburb, residents are organizing a "poverty simulation event" where the affluent locals can pretend to experience poverty, in an attempt to enhance their "understanding and awareness of living in poverty." What makes it even worse is that they have chosen to host this mock poverty event at a country club located in Highland Park.
From The Daily Wire:
The heavily Democratic city — which gave Joe Biden over 80% of its vote in 2020 — stated on Facebook it would join the Alliance for Human Services, Family Focus, Moraine Township, and the Highland Park Community Foundation to host the simulation on September 9 for two and a half hours at the Highland Park Country Club.
“Participants in this immersive experience will begin to experience what a ‘month’ in poverty feels like,” the city stated. “Participants are put into situations in which they do not have enough resources and are forced to make difficult choices that can negatively impact them and their families. The outcome is increased awareness of the need for resources to support those living in poverty to create a more resilient health, human, and education sector in our local area. Participation is free, but registration is required.”
The city was harshly criticized by some for the idea. “Wow. The privilege here is just beyond words. What a slap in the face to all of those who are struggling, especially in today’s economy,” one commenter stated.
“I have to echo the tone-deafness of this. Held at a country club of all places,” another commenter added, according to NBC Chicago. “You’re literally holding an event to make rich people feel good about themselves and further stigmatize the experiences of people in poverty. It’s not even a fundraiser? A food drive? Something that would give anything back to the people whose experiences you’re pretending to care about?”
Not surprisingly, given the backlash, the city cancelled the event. However, what's truly shocking is the mere fact that it was originally scheduled to take place.
I mean, if you ever needed undeniable evidence of the utter cluelessness of our country's elite, this is it.
