The Discouraging Workplace: Barriers to Unemployment Among the PoorMany of our nation's poor remain in extreme poverty because they see no way out from a vicious cycle that has been their only known way of life for generations. In many ways the poor tend to isolate themselves from the rest of society for fear of the unknown. There is a strange comfort in familiar things, even if they are ugly. Unemployment remains high among the poor due to social stereotypes and the many negative psychological effects that society imposes on individuals trying to break the cycle of poverty. Young people growing up in poor environments with a lack of family support often take to the streets in search of love. , support and acceptance. Unfortunately, many of these young people who crave acceptance are welcomed into the arms of gangs and other criminals. Children, adolescents, and young adults who would normally look to their parents as role models begin to model themselves after gang leaders. Before long, these destitute youths become criminals themselves. Many end up with criminal arrest records that further limit their ability to secure gainful employment. Minority children living in high-poverty areas are more likely to be exposed to alcohol, tobacco, and drug distribution; they are also more likely to use drugs and exhibit antisocial behavior. Many employers believe that poor people have poor education, poor health, laziness, complacency, criminal behavior, and a lower work ethic. Many poor people grow up in dysfunctional families with lack of access to resources and support, and their backgrounds become fertile ground for precisely what many employers envision for the poor. Social conditioning and lack of support for the poor poor...... middle of paper ......8) After the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, Arab-Americans had to deal with very harsh discrimination against them. Some businesses didn't even want to be associated with the Arab race. There was a recent study that showed that white Americans are twice as likely to find jobs as Arab Americans (Widner and Chicoine 806). Low morale, low levels of confidence, low self-esteem and depression can all inhibit job seeking and sustainability among the poor. Likewise, being dependent on welfare and unemployed can also contribute to lower morale, low levels of confidence, low self-esteem and more severe forms of mental illness. Education, vocational training, special programs that provide role models and moral support for the less privileged are key factors in ensuring gainful employment and breaking the cycle of poverty.