The Logic of Stupid Poor People Summary

Name
Tutor
Course
Date
The Logic of Stupid Poor People
In her essay, Cottom makes significant points in elaboration of the logic that poor people possess when it comes to materialism. The first and arguably most important point is that when one is poor, self-presentation and image play a key role in providing access to better opportunities in life (Cottom). She posits that investing in building a respectable image is paid "in hard to measure dividends" but that her life is living proof that such dividends are indeed paid (Cottom). In this sense, Cottom reiterates the significance of image and presentation in accessing opportunities, particularly as a minority.
On the other hand, Cottom also argues that poor people buy expensive things they cannot afford not because they need them, but so that they can feel like they belong to a class and social status outside their own (...