The New Class Divide That’s Pulling Us Apart | Xochitl Gonzalez | TED (Level 1)

About a year and a half ago, a woman tried to buy coffee but could not pay. Her bank account was empty. She felt panic, her chest tightened, and she rushed outside and cried. She is now a successful author and homeowner, but she grew up poor in South Brooklyn. Her reaction came from old memories of having no money. In America, moving from poor to rich is very hard. Less than 10 percent of people do it. She studied social class and found that it shapes our identity and thoughts. Rich children often feel in control. Poor children often feel unsafe and rely on groups. Big wealth inequality can hurt democracy. Struggling people may support strong leaders who blame others. Very rich people may also like autocracy. She says we need to talk about this problem, support working people, and understand people outside our own group.