| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Patsy |
Posted - Jul 21 2007 : 09:00:04 AM
In the last two days, I have heard two people refer to "trailer trash". One was in a restaurant and the other was on television.
Now I live in a trailer. It is old but it is dry, tastefully decorated and clean. My lawn is mowed and bushes trimmed. I feed the birds, have vegetables growing in containers and I fly the flag. Am I trailer trash? I suppose so.
I can't afford designer clothes and some are old from thrift shops but they are mended and clean. I wear my walmart shoes until they are worn out and my car is ten years old.
Why is it that when a rude comment is made about black people, gays, latinos, etc. that a big roar is heard? And I agree that a roar should go up. But when someone says something rude about not so financially well off folks, nothing is said and it is even laughed about.
I found myself disabled after being in the workforce for 36 years. I can afford what I can afford and if I can't afford it, I don't buy it.
Thanks for letting me vent. It just hurt my feelings.
May God bless those who love the soil,
Patsy
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| renren |
Posted - Jul 29 2007 : 11:24:18 AM
I live in a double wide I call home. A house and a trailer still have 4 walls, roof, and floor. the nice thing about mine is its paid for and no house payments. Have a great day and nice topic to post. Allison
To be like other farm girls and become there friends.
www.purpleglasslover.blogspot.com |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Jul 27 2007 : 8:21:03 PM
We lived in a trailer for almost 8 months while waiting for on-base housing after moving to a new base. My trailer had more room and more storage than any apartment we could find, and the price was much more reasonable. The trailer park it was in had about 50 trailers; dh & I took a walk every evening after supper and the people there were friendly (but not nosy or intrusive), their yards were very well kept up, etc. I would not want to live in a trailer here, but that's because of the bad weather issue (severe storms in Spring and early Summer), but that's the only reason.
I've learned 2 things lately about people who look down their noses at other people:
1. They feel a need to tear down other people in order to feel better about themselves. You know them, the "Well, I would never . . . (live in a trailer, let my kids dress like that, etc.)"
2. They don't have the sense to see that just as they think they are so much "better" than someone else, there are tons of people looking down on them, talking about them behind their back and being critical
So I'm working very hard on worrying only about what God thinks about my actions & my way of life. It's easier said than done sometimes, but that's my aim.
I'll get off my soapbox now  . Honestly, don't let what people say about your home bother you. From what I've read, you live in an honorable way and don't need to give those types of people the time of day. You know what's important!
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
Please visit me at www.marykay.com/pmiinch |
| Carol Sue |
Posted - Jul 27 2007 : 6:25:07 PM
I think my greatest fear is that they would shut down this older park that we live in, where in the world would we go. We own our older mobile and have done things bit by bit, dd and her hubby lives here. WE have had to deal with water issues cause ours is a well that they are on that you cannot drink the water, Taste like swamp water but they keep getting it tested and we see the reports but when the owners come up and you offer them a cup of water they won't drink it. They had the opportunity more than once to hook up to city water, instead they spend 10's of thousands on a well that is having problems. WE have gone 24 without wateer more than once here. Frustrating but this is my home.
So I just keep praying and make it my home, yard and all.
Carol Sue
Enjoying life. |
| Kathie |
Posted - Jul 27 2007 : 06:32:01 AM
This is pretty awful..
It's notjust the fact that people living in a Mobile Home get looked at or thought of differntly in our society..
They are treated differently too.. & not just by their neighbors.. or the guy down the road.. or the lady at the store.. The Government Officials.. the people that are supposed to be there protecting us to see that were are treated fairly.. & that are Children are living in a healthy invironment.. & are safe.. & have the same opportunities to drink clean water & take a bath at nite after they've played in their yard during the day..
Every one needs to watch the video that Jonni sent..
If this were happening in an Affluent Residential Community.. or an Appartment Community.. or even in a regualr neighbor hood with single dwellings.. just block or frame houses.. OF Govenment Housing!!
THIS Situation would not have gone on past the week.. & these people have been dealing with this water issue since LAST October?? Why? Because they live in a Mobile Home Park? Because it's privately owned? Because it's a well? The owned or the park has already dished out over $12 thousand dollrs the reporter said.. Not sure what other details are missing.. But why are these people still having to boil their water?
WHAT LITTLE WATER DOES DRIBBLE FROM THEIR FAUCETS!!!
Whatch the video..
If these people weren't living in mobile Homes.. this wouldn't be happening to them i'd bet..
So many things wrong with this..
I mean I can write a letter.. & call ,
& ask what the hell is going on..
I am SOOOOooo ok with this..
Won't they be so uneasy knowing that people in Florida have seen what's happening there?? But those of you that live closer really need to get a bit involved too.. Make some phone calls & write some letters..
These people need help..
Things need to change in how people are treated just because of where they live..
In a World Where you Can Be Anything, Be Yourself.. |
| Amie C. |
Posted - Jul 27 2007 : 06:08:47 AM
Interesting topic. I don't really have strong associations with the phrase "trailer trash", maybe because there are not a lot of trailer parks around here where I grew up. Zoning laws in my county prohibit them. But I get a lot of the same attitude from people because I live in the city, not the suburbs (where all the middle class people live). I hear plenty about "ghetto trash". My first impressions of trailers (visiting friends) is that they seemed kind of unnatural and flimsy, even though the decor and housekeeping are no different than they would be in a house. But now that I'm trying to swing a way to live in the country and I don't have a lot of income, a trailer or "manufactured home" is seeming like a good way to start out. Even the "not quite a real house" aspect has it's appeal. The manufactured home seems a little less rooted in past problems (think moldy damp old basements and 100 year old wiring) and a little more independent (like a tree house or a tent). Interesting how the associations can change... |
| Tracey |
Posted - Jul 24 2007 : 10:19:23 AM
I've always thought that term applied to a certain type of person, more than a person who lives in a trailer. The type of person where the father is drinking, beating his wife; the wife is always pregnant and screaming at the kids; the kids are wild, out of control and shoplifting cigarettes at the corner store... And yes, often times these folks are low income and end up in single wide, low end trailer parks. I guess in my mind it's synonymous with white trash, except that obviously trailer trash would include other races... (sorry, just my poor attempt at humor.)
Anyway, I wouldn't take it too personally. Easier said that done, of course, but something we all need to learn to do.
Please Vote For Me!
http://www.blogforayear.com/profiles/desperate-horsewife
http://carpentercreek.wordpress.com |
| Michelle Marie |
Posted - Jul 24 2007 : 09:20:17 AM
Thats horrible! I am glad I have my own land. We used to live in a trailer park when we first got married. My parents managed it, it was a nice place though. It even had a pool and there were rules strictly enforced. Thats really sad that those families are in that situation. You know, people that are trying to do the best they can for their families shouldn't be mistreated because they are living within their means. I will never understand it. I know as a mother that just not being able to give your kids a bath would be an awful feeling. Its really sad, I felt sorry for that man too. |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Jul 24 2007 : 08:55:38 AM
Last night, on our local news, there was a sad story regarding a tri-state mobile home park, in Harrison, Ohio. It's a fairly rural area, and absolutely gorgeous, by the Whitewater river. Apparently, this mobile home park has been on a boiled water warning since OCTOBER. I'm including the video, because the man speaking, "Charles" talks about EXACTLY what we're talking about in this thread. Please watch it--aside from Patsy's comments regarding how folks make her feel, I found his comment very poignant.
http://www.local12.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=18979
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian. |
| paradiseplantation |
Posted - Jul 24 2007 : 08:42:01 AM
I guarantee the people that say things like this have never hurt for money. We have, and I know what it feels like. Patsy, You just hold your head up. It's women like you who have my undying admiration. My neighbor across the street lost her job, and consequently, most of her material possessions, including her 'trailer' home. She just smiled, cleaned out the goat dairy, and turned it into living space. No running water, no facilities, no electricity. And I've never seen anyone who was more appreciative or smiled bigger when it came to her home. (Actually, it really does look cute in there, and I'm betting it's not much more that 300 square feet!) Don't you worry about what others think. You've got us and you've got God on your side -- so you've already got more than they do! |
| Michelle Marie |
Posted - Jul 23 2007 : 5:04:43 PM
Hi,
I must comment on this one. I live in a mobile home....... I call it a manufactured home because it is not technically mobile ( no wheels), and that is what it said on my loan. Anyway, it is about 2560 square feet-- 32x80-- if I did my math right. I keep my home nice and we paid a pretty penny for it to boot. We are by no means poor and right now this works well for us. I have had dumb dumbs walk in here and say " I can't hardly tell this is a trailer house", it ticks me off and sounds snotty to boot. We could live in a "house" if we wanted but this is what we want and where we are happy. But there are dummies out there who make idiotic comments and my best advice is to ignore them. I know a family who just built a home and she can't afford to go to wal-mart and buy a t-shirt. Now that is sad. I think where you live is nobody's business. I am at the point now where I just dare someone to make a stupid comment to me about my home because I will shoot one right back. There was one time I could have said something and didn't:The same person who can't afford a shirt at wal-mart told me one time " all trailers are crap". You see..... she is trashy and has no upbringing. I just tell myself that and go on with it. I am proud for people to come over here. My home is big,safe, and to boot it is full of love. I think thats all that matters. --------------- I am now stepping off my soap box ;0)
And yes................ Susan has taught me a thing or two about allowing people to hurt my feelings. My kids, husband, and parents can though very easily. I am very sensitive unfortunately.
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| Bridge |
Posted - Jul 23 2007 : 3:51:30 PM
I live in a trailer, we can start our own little group of MJF Trailer gals!! Just kidding!!
I know the words hurt however they are just saying it to make themselves fell all high & mighty!!
I love my house and it helped me pay off all my debt, and now I can enjoy life!!
I just hold my head high and feel sorry that they have to badmouth to feel good!!
I keep my place that same as you all spoke of, nicely landscaped and clean. Nicer than many of houses on our streets.
Sometimes I have to chuckle, I have overheard folks say this that I know. Yes they live in a house. A house with a toilet in the front yard and trash bags piled the entire hight of the back porch, and a ratty sofa on the front porch. Now let's see...Who should be calling who trashy..... Actually as my mama would say: they are just ~~Nasty~~ and cleanliness is next to Godliness.
~~Bridge's Blog~~
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| horse |
Posted - Jul 23 2007 : 12:34:05 PM
I was raised in a trailer and got made fun of when I was growing up. I didn't have many friends to come over because we lived in a trailer. I'm from Mississippi, you wouldn't believe how people judge us here in Mississippi, they think we are all inbreeds, no teeth, and marry our cousins. Plus, they think we still hate black people. I was taught never to judge a book by its cover. but that doesn't make the hurt go away when people says or does rude things to you.
Laura
www.2lmzfarms.blogspot.com
www.homesteadblogger.com/twolmzfarms |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Jul 23 2007 : 09:48:47 AM
It's funny this has come up--yesterday, dh and I were out on a drive, seeing how our county has changed (built up). I took him to Richwood, where we lived after I was born. We lived in a little trailer park for a few months there, and then moved our trailer to West Virginia for a year or so before moving back and buying a house. My mom always loved our trailer--I remember it had two ovens, one on top of another, and a range top, and a curved window around the breakfast nook. I really don't remember, in the 70's, such a anti-sentiment about trailers, but I do remember my father and mother very meticulously caring for our little property, and that he called the folks who didn't, across the way, "hill-jacks". I also remember not telling anyone in middle school that I had lived in a trailer park, because they were, at the time, making awful fun of a boy who lived in a trailer near the river. Must be why I blocked out 7th and 8th grade...Unfortunately, upon driving through yesterday, my memories of that little trailer park are much diminished--by poverty--in short, the poor park is very run down, and there were a lot of eyesores--but I believe that even the best neighborhoods can have the worst folks.
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian. |
| Carol Sue |
Posted - Jul 23 2007 : 09:24:43 AM
Oh Susan, I love it. "You can fix ignorant, stupid is fairly permanent." LOL
Good one and the same for your advice.
Enjoying the moments. |
| NotQuiteJuneCleaver |
Posted - Jul 23 2007 : 07:09:09 AM
One more thing...trashy comes in all financial brackets. Some of the trashiest people I have ever known had much more money than sense.
http://www.notquitejunecleaver.com
There is immeasurable value in what I do. I won't ever believe otherwise. |
| NotQuiteJuneCleaver |
Posted - Jul 23 2007 : 07:06:36 AM
Gosh...I hate to hear of anyone getting their feelings hurt like this. It really irks me. People, old and young alike, can be cruel. I too have lived in a trailer. Some days I miss it!!! I didnt have all the junk I have now...didnt have room! Anyway, can I just say something...one tiny thing. Do not give these thoughtless people permission to hurt your feelings. Ask MichelleMarie, this is my mantra! There are only 7 people on the face of the earth that can hurt my feelings, my husband and my six kids. Not even my own parents had permission to hurt my feelings. I know it is easier said than done. But people really do not hurt my feelings. I know it very well may be that I am full of myself!!! HAHA...but nonetheless...dont waste your energy and time worrying about what stupid people say. At the end of they day, you are happy and they are still stupid. You can fix ignorant, stupid is fairly permanent.
http://www.notquitejunecleaver.com
There is immeasurable value in what I do. I won't ever believe otherwise. |
| Miss Bee Haven |
Posted - Jul 23 2007 : 06:45:38 AM
There's a lot of that attitude in my neck of the woods, too, Patsy. My dh and I have a trailer of the same vintage as Carol Sue's on our property. Our original idea was to use it until the farmhouse is finished. And the biggest question I get from people is: "So your going to get rid of the trailer when the house is done, right?" Well, I love my trailer! So the answer is a resounding "NO, I'm NOT getting rid of it!" I have a friend who is appalled when I suggest that I will be living there full time starting this fall. She says "You can't be serious. "
If any of you farmgirls saw my trailer, you'd immediately know why it's staying where it is! LOL --I've planted and landscaped ALL AROUND it! We paid $2500.00 for a comfortable place to live. I'm grateful for it every day.
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?" - 'Brother Dave' Gardner |
| goneriding |
Posted - Jul 22 2007 : 8:01:30 PM
Don't let it get you down. I live in a 5th wheel in an RV park and love it. The managers keep it uber quiet and the lawn mowed. I have two big trees in my yard. When I get home I'm going to plant some cactus (cuz of the watering requirements and I'm only home about twice a month) in a planter. I've had in the past big homes and it was a full time job keeping up with all the maintainance and now I just want to live as simply as I can (and cheap, er, inexpensive!).
Winona :-)
Don't sweat the small stuff...
http://goneridingagain.bravehost.com
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| Sweet Harvest Homestead |
Posted - Jul 22 2007 : 6:28:14 PM
Kim,
I moved to Pigeon Forge when I was ten and I lived in a trailer!!!!
Ha! ha!
When I worked in town, people would come up to me and ask all kinds of crazy questions like, does your Daddy have a moonshine still? Do you have an outhouse? etc...... You are right. Even though it is all in fun, the image that say Hillbilly Village portrays leads folks to think that all southerners are like that.
About the trailer trash thing.... It is hurtful. Kids in school made fun of me because I lived in a trailer and I bought my clothes at K-mart. My brother and I were excited to live in a house on wheels. We couldn't understand why everyone did not think it was as neat as we did. Even now when I think about it, it hurts deep but then I just come back to reality and realize what a good life I had with my family and what a good life I have now and just forget about what they said.
Lindy
www.sweetharvesthomestead.typepad.com |
| ArmyWifey |
Posted - Jul 22 2007 : 07:09:58 AM
I've lived in trailers before too and they were fine. My sister still technically does. Unfortunatly those few who do live trashy give everyone else a bad name! And there are a few out there aren't there? ;)
Still rudeness is wrong. We were looking at buying a "manufactured home" and it's just crzy what you have to do to get one financed! If it's on a steel frame then they figure you can still move it, if it's a "modular home" on a wood frame it's ok.??????? So many of todays are beautiful and big (sister's is 2300 sq ft)! Obviously the people who you overheard are ignorant.
Blessings,
Holly
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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| Beemoosie |
Posted - Jul 22 2007 : 05:12:50 AM
Patsy, I totally understand! I lived in a trailer in a park for 10 years. It didn't matter to people that at 22 I was widowed with two little ones, that I lived with my wonderful parents for about 6 months but wanted to be on our own. Looking at apartments I was overwhelmed by rent, and the fact that since I had a boy and a girl I would eventually need three bedrooms. And going to the laundry mat with two little ones...oh, I was in way over my head. I could however, afford a mobile home, even with the ridculous lot rent (they are NOT cheap living). Like you, I kept the lawn mowed and clean, flowers planted, bird feeders and even kept an eye on my elderly neighbors. The saddest thing is is that I first got a dose of the trailer trash attitude from the trailer park owners. And I'll always remember President Bill Clinton trying to get out of his trouble by calling one of his alleged girlfriends "trailer trash"!
People today in general terms seem to measure everyone up by where they live and what they have. We know better, and so does God!
XO
B
My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46,47
www.beequilting.blogspot.com
http://beemoosie-picture-diary.blogspot.com/ |
| mkmomus |
Posted - Jul 21 2007 : 5:20:32 PM
I agree with everyone here. It seems most people today only care about things. I am very lucky that I work with 2 wonderful woman who are not like that at all. I am looking for a piece of land and hoping I can get a modular home in the next few years. Those big fancy houses may look like something from the outside, but you never know what goes on inside. I was never as happy as when we on our little house (and it was small with 4 kids). We moved into a big house in a nice neighborhood and everything feel apart (we are getting divorced). Now I am not saying it's because of the house, but there is a sort of attitude that went with it. We moved into this neighborhood for the school, and that part did work out well for 2 of the 4, but I really never fit in here. Now I am kind of stuck.
Kim, I moved to NC from NY and although I'll always love my home state, I wouldn't trade these Southerners for all the tea in China! My kids and I love it here. I have met some wonderful people here, and yes, I have met some jerks here just like everywhere else, but not a lot. I just love the south. Can't beat the weather and the geography is beautiful. Why, I am even a convert to sweet tea. On my last trip home(NY) I asked for a sweet tea at McDonalds. The lady in line next to me said: "Honey, you're not in the south anymore!" Turns out she was from NC too!
Patsy, don't let it get you down.I think Brenda might be right when she said some people might be envious. I think many people do live a phoney life and deep down they know it. I am not knocking people who live in big homes, but those that speak ill of someone else have some issues.
Merle |
| Linda K. Miller |
Posted - Jul 21 2007 : 4:49:01 PM
Hey Patsy, I have a large still new travel trailer sitting in my yard that my husband and I were going to live in on the coast in California after we sold our home. Guess what happened?? We found Kentucky!!! Please do not let others determine your worth with their thoughtless words. We all need to watch what and how we say things, you never know who's ears those words will fall on. Mother always told me to be careful what you say because once those words leave your lips you can never get them back.
Justmama from Amish Kentucky |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 21 2007 : 4:25:32 PM
That is so sad that people find those terms funny or clever. We all need to take a lesson from Thumper! "If you can't say something nice- don't say anything at all!" :) I know that was the rule growing up at my house. I don't think that it matters where you live- it is more how you live and act.
Good thing we have so many great farmgirl friends, right?
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
| JenniferJuniper |
Posted - Jul 21 2007 : 4:08:35 PM
To those idiots who feel the need to feel superior by putting others down, a home is a home. Period. I grew up living in apartments in Chicago and wanted nothing else than to have windows on all 4 sides. When I was in junior high we moved to Texas, and my first home there was a trailer. I was thrilled to finally get all of those windows. But needless to say, the kids at school could only focus on the trailer part. I guess it's all in your perspective.
Further, think about all of those poor souls who survived Katrina who are *still* in FEMA trailers - more like RVs - 2 years later. I dare anyone would walk up to them and call them "trash."
Some days it can be hard, but try to remember Eleanor Roosevelt's motto, No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. |
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