The Poverty In Mississippi Is Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen
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- čas přidán 16. 05. 2023
- This doesn't look like the United States at all.
They say Mississippi is last in all the good categories and first in all the bad categories.
I spent four days driving around the poorest parts of the Mississippi Delta. This is what I saw. It's pretty bad right now. But despite all of the things you see in this video, a lot of people have optimism and don't seem to mind about rankings.
#mississippi #travel
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The best video on this topic!
Here's my entire Deep South Road Trip series: czcams.com/play/PLq-_cmf3H6yrg0_gX1fq81lsxUQTnt7Vl.html
He flagged us down...then politely took our wallets
communists destroyed the south. I believe they sent the American boys to Vietnam to fight communists, while communists ran the marxist civil rights campaign here
Ironically the Grain embargo was in retaliation for the USSR invasion of Afghanistan, good to see the US sticking up for Afghanistan by trying to punish those evil invading forces ah :)
I love the people in MS
Thank you, Nick
Another example of why we need to STOP sending Aide overseas. We have our own folks that need help
The video said the Governor won’t take federal money. I don’t really understand why though. Those people need it desperately.
@@shanelorrison5224 : Who knows what strings are attached to those federal funds? That’s always the toxic side. We spent Trillions on the Middle East, over the last 20 years & BILLIONS in Ukraine. We have absolute shit politicians on both sides of the aisle
I agree, but when Biden tried to pass a major infrastructure bill, it was unfortunately voted against by the Republicans and centrist Dems. Other than that, some of the aid that we send abroad maintains the stability of poor nations to prevent mass immigration, like what you see in Central America at the moment. Both Dem and GOP administrations have reduced aid in the region after decades of intelligence agency destabilization and now we're witnessing mass migration as a result.
What is the Governor doing?
And stop instigating and spendings billions on wars around the world!
I grew up in the rural south and I think you saw some of why I will never leave. The people may have been abandoned by the modern world, but if my car broke down and I didn't have a cell phone, I would simply knock on the nearest door. I would be allowed to use their phone, probably be offered a ride or help with my car and probably be given a glass of ice tea. When I left, I would leave there with a new friend.
Cool story. Not always true but cool anyways
But if you were Black and knocked on the door you would be shot through it. Black people are welcoming and accepting and trusting and not suspicious, but thanks to OAN Fox News and Tucker Carlson poor white people are under the belief that Black people are moving in hoards to kill them and take their... junk.
I'm in the delta and I'll stop for anyone on the side of the road and keep a gas can for the folks that need it. Some folks have a lot and some have nothing, but we are out here surviving together as best we can.
And that's why I stayed here..😂😂😂❤❤
@@yurikendal4868 Yes Matt story was cool. However, that story does nothing to change the fact that 1)Mississippi is last and every major quality of life indicator. 2)the politicians that represent this state continue to use fear and fantasy to stay in power. They do nothing substantial to better than life of the people of Mississippi.
Some of the poorest people I ever met were the kindest, most caring people. They give someone what they have if they are in need. I'd rather be around decent, respectful people than around people who think the world rotates around them. God bless them all.
You are absolutely right sister! A nation based on exploiting and degrading one group of people to benefit and control the wealth of that nation can not thrive. Now this is what we see, but others seem to blame the victims for their inability to break out of the curse of poverty and lack of generational wealth. Black, colored, indigenous negro (most recently labeled “African Americans) are the most resilient group of people on the face of the earth and most loving too. 💜💜💜 It is time for us all to heal! 😇
@@roperryinspirationalvoices1421
Hahaha
That's the spirit
Me too. And I agree with the idea that we can help other countries as long as we make sure we take care of our own people first!
@@lynnjudd9036 friends 🦊🤝🐺
Greetings from NYC. I've heard of Mississippi but had to search for it on the map. My employer sends 2 employees to the funerals of retirees. I was selected to visit Mississippi for three days. I didn't see the poverty you show here, but I was astonished how polite and respectful the residents were. A sheriff (another race) invited me to buy a house in his community and to relocate. I'll never forget their sincerity and hospitality. I'll never say anything negative about this state. They can teach New Yorkers' some things.
Did you go to Jackson?
I’m from Mississippi. We don’t have a lot, but the people are good to each other for the most part. Mike was a great representation of how people are down here.
I wouldn't go to Hattiesburg😮😮
All you Americans have TOO MUCH !!
Yeah but it's third world class
Good people are better than money. With all the crazy violence in Chicago or LA what's to migrate to?
Yea except that's the state I was shot in an armed robbery while walking my dog. 6 shots. I managed to live. Mississippi is a crap hole of crime.
I've traveled through a lot of America in the last 20 years and all I've seen is increasing poverty in MANY areas in many states. It's been an eye opener.
Same here. We are touring musicians - country musicians. We have been in mostly small towns and rural areas in 15 states in the southeast. This situation is prevalent EVERYWHERE and getting worse by the day.
Middle Class has all but disappeared.
It’s the land of the “ haves and have nots “
WELL, PART OF THE PROBLEM IS THE BIRTH RATE IS GOING DOWN IN AMERICA, AND THE WORLD FOR THAT MATTER, THE YOUNG P EOPLE LEAVE FOR BETTER JOBS IN THE CITY OR OUTSIDE THE BIG CITYS LEAVING ALL THE OLD AND DISABLED PEOPLE TO JUST LIVE AND DIE IN PLACES LIKE THIS, IMMAGRATION IS THE ANSWER TO A LOT OF THESE PROBLEMS,
WOW. Just plain WOW❗❗❗❗❗❗
So, why do people want to move here by migrations??? Going from one Banana Republic to another!🙄😒😥
I am from Mississippi and I will tell you this, they may be poor and may be behind on standards of things but I am proud to say that they know how to treat others with respect and they are helpful and loving. In fact they will give you the short off their back. I say that the rest of the country need to take note and learn from the people of Mississippi on how to treat each other. They are number one in that folks.
They will also short your herd off😂😂😂😂
@@Dale-ei4sm lol... that's right
I agree with you
Yeah. Your capitol is number one in treating people right.
So beautiful. Worth saving.
My family is from Leland, Mississippi and have owned land since slavery ended. They are very decent, hardworking, educated people. It's unfortunate you only shared the negative. My family are AWESOME people. Who have not asked the government for anything.
It's always the negative that sells, well to many people's minds. It's a shame.
U are right they are the most down to earth people
Right! If he isn't going to help! Stay out of black communities!
thats awesome! But theres also nothing wrong with welfare, we pay into that as taxpayers as a social safety net for folks who struggle. Nothing wrong accepting help when its needed, nothing wrong with helping others who need it.
@@artsymarxist I am not against a help up. I am against enabling. Not necessarily meaning that is the fault of individuals, but a fault of many many politicians & other enablers. What we need is great people, making this a great place (world), but that hasn't been happening. They have been purposely keeping people down, jobs out of reach, people divided on things no one would even spend their days thinking about, if it wasn't shoved in their face, everyday. We are ruined by design & we help them in that endeavor. Welfare is a trap. Almost no one knows how to self sustain if they needed to, which further makes you "dependent" on those who don't want you to exist anyway. Anything they (Gov.) giveth, they can taketh away, when they need to bring people to heel.
Don't be fooled - People in Mississippi are some of the deepest caring people I have ever met. They have survived great tragedies, maintained dignity in poverty, and helped their neighbors in distress. They are a people rare to find, and I am honored to live in their state.
still a lack of pride run down houses buildings roads sidewalks if they had pride everything would be clean
It's just so sad .the government is so crooked an has been for years .they keep people in poverty . To this day it's still the same . I ask myself how can this be in America but the history of this is so very heartbreaking . 😢
The poorest states in this country are all southern republican states. It is the democrat states that are sending money to these Republican lead southern states so that they can have schools and infrastructure, if you want the south quit being poor quit voting Republican it’s just that simple
THANK YOU! This was a degrading and unfair spin on things and quite frankly, mean. Poor in the pocketbook does not mean broke in spirit and dignity. Money isn't everything. What a pompous presentation.
exactly. these people may be very rich
I was just in a Mississippi a couple days ago and one thing that struck me was how kind everybody was.
same experience
Know Jesus, know peace
No Jesus, no peace.
There are many people who don't need much to be content.
I travel in a semi with my husband and it's my favorite state. (People, not the road conditions)
How sad that kindness is so rare. But still glad that you were struck by it.
It’s not rare in the blk community. Ppl are always shocked to see a side that differs from what the media promotes. Meanwhile we have been telling y’all the media is a lie for decades!
The Delta is a beautiful place with plenty of history. You will never meet any nicer Down home God fearing people who love each other. It’s like time has stood still in the city. This is only one area in Mississippi. There are so many beautiful towns and cities to visit. From Ocean Springs to Bay St. Louis is the 26 mile man made beach. Born and raised in Mississippi and have never left. Best seafood ever. You need to come and see for yourself ❤️
Born and raised in Mississippi. Traveled the world...home is still home. Love Mississippi
I use to live in the delta nic. The people in the world that have the least amount of material possessions are the most happiest. Money only brings you temporary happiness. The Mississippi delta people are the most friendly in America.
They get a group spirit somehow and rely each other.
I've seen it here in Rural NC too, really brings a community element back, you rely on your neighbors for help support and friendship.
that's not true. material wealth brings more happiness up to an income of about $75,000USD at least. poor people are less likely to complain because they see no use to it, while rich people will whine about trivial crap because they know someone will attend to their whining. makes them seem less happy. but refugee camps are full of the people who have the fewest material possessions, and they are not happy places.
@@perfectallycromulentI suspect that you missed the point, brining in the plight of refugees kind of confirmed that.
@@tompiper9276 lol right. Refugees?
Mike seemed like a nice, upbeat, positive guy. He's the kind of person that small towns like that need.
Agree
Mike knows that Since they have been Sucked Dry they can eat Bread in Peace
Gallows humor. None of these people have ever left the area they lived in. They have never lived in another part of the country and are dimly aware of a greater world leaving them behind.
The United States needs more Mikes
Mike Need To Tell His white Counterparts To Disburse Black People Reparations..!!!!!
Monies That’s Owed, and That He and His Family Reaped, and Is Still Reaping..!!!!!
How Dare He..!!!
Unfortunately, the worst poverty I've encountered in America is on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. That reservation is regularly listed as the most impoverished location in the entire US. The poverty on that reservation is downright depressing! Pine Ridge also has the worst unemployment rates, the worst suicide rates, and some of the worst drug abuse and alcoholism rates in the US. It's truly tragic!
Memphis too
Heartbreaking
Great video; very informative!! Thank you for making and sharing it!!
Don't let this dude fool you. It isn't the "soil" that keeps people there. It's the fact that they can't afford to move their entire family elsewhere.
THE SPOKES PERSON IS A LIAR…!!!
ALSO HE IS STILL BENEFITING OFF THE BACKS OF BLACK STRUGGLE.,!!
GUESS WHAT HE IS COMING BACK TO TELL THE HORRIBLE STORY.,!!
I agree.
Maybe "soil" is a metaphor. That land is Ancient History to brown folks. A lot maybe just dont want to leave their hometown. F**k this man made gov't. I know their plans and wicked deeds.
The people are content. Why stir up discontent? Oh yea race hustlers live off discontent.
🎯
One thing people don’t realize when they ask “why don’t you just leave?” is that leaving costs money. I moved from a very rural and poor area to a prosperous technology hub in the South. It changed my life. But I was only able to do it because I had family who lived there and they let me stay with them for 3 months while I earned enough to put down all the deposits for an apartment. Without that help, I wouldn’t have been able to afford the cost of a move, first & last months’ rent plus a security deposit. I’d still be earning nothing in the middle of nowhere.
I left Ohio in 1981 with 2 suitcases, 650 dollars cash, no car, an BA in history, worked as pharm. tech in Galveston till 84, went to UT Austin, worked my way through, got MLS, liby. science degree, worked for city of Houston 25 yrs till cancer ended my career at 56, retirement pension plus SS is over 5K per month, a lot of success depends on willpower and forcing yourself to embrace change
Unless you are an orphan you have family.
Yeah, it's very hazardous to leave if you don't have a support network. Without the ability to save up money to leave, it often means risking homelessness or being food insecure. The catch 22 is if you become homeless, nobody will hire you, and without a job nobody will let you rent a place so the entire effort becomes futile...
I've made the jump a couple of times, and it's difficult even with savings and I was probably able to find housing and work just through sheer effort and dumb luck.
@@Rovingdog628How did this half white, half AFRICAN get into the White House?
@@BravuraLeeVim same way Biden did.
Really enjoyed this video! Learned something about the M delta and way of life there. So much history. Thank u!
Uncle Hank is an AMAZING interview! Great find!!!
I live in the west, and have been in over 40 states. Went to Mississippi about 7 years ago and totally fell in love with it. I would take the poorest town in Mississippi over a monstrosity like New York City any day. Mississippi may be suffering, but it has soul and natural beauty.
You also don't see them breaking into stores and stealing like in NYC.
Meridian, Mississippi has a lot of crime. So does Jackson, Greenville, Vicksburg, ect. All I see here are dumb black thugs. What's so great about that?
It's hard to break into what doesn't exist. The comments comparing a rural hamlet with a population in the hundreds to cities with millions of residents serve no purpose whatsoever except to inflame hatred and animosity.
@@pyrexmaniac Or just maybe they were brought up right, and not like animals.
Nick. These people know they are poor but remember having something maybe better than having nothing. At least they aren’t living on the streets with NOTHING. I wish no one had to live in such conditions. We don’t realize how fortunate we are. I wish we could fix all this but seems our government and leaders are only looking out for SELF , God help us 🙏🏼
No one's going to deny that this poverty's beyond depressing. Still, what I see is a decent people doing their best to survive in a world that's written them off. These folks may not have much materially, but they have something the modern world is sorely lacking - community spirit and the caring to help their neighbors. Not to mention that they gave us one of the greatest artforms America has ever produced - the blues. Listen, I don't have the answers, either, but these folks deserve far better than bearing the brunt of classist, elitist contempt. Lord knows, they've dealt with enough of that already.
Thank you. They really do not tell the whole story when our state is mentioned. We really ( for the most part) see ourselves as loving and sharing people that have learned to deal with things that would absolutely break others. I think that is also why we are considered the Bible belt. God has truly kept us strong in so many ways. It is so nice when someone can see deep into Southern life and see the better things it offers. Again Thank you. 🥰 share the love y'all. Everyone should see the better truths in a place and the people.
Well there's people in Cuba and Philippines that are happy too because some are just humble and some it's just cause it's all they know but there's also many that want to get out of the poverty as well because they know there is much better out there to be discovered. All I know is I definitely would not want to live in a high poverty state like Mississippi.
Very well said
Im amazed how the American people put up with their government
Uncle Hank is a treasure! I could listen to his stories for hours. Amazing ❤
I twice did a solo motorcycle tour in Mississippi and my experiences mirrored yours. I’d stop in some little spot for fuel and would meet some of the nicest friendly folks ever. God bless Mississippi.
What about the Gulf Coast, Natchez, and Oxford?
@@arthurgearheard4701 I’m from Kansas so getting down too far south just never happened. I spent a day at the civil war park in Jackson and rode the Natchez Trace. Other than that I just wandered on two lanes as the mood struck. Or like if there was rain west I’d ride east. If there were pickup trucks in front of a cafe that’s where I’d stop to eat. Going solo I was a free bird and I loved it. Destinations were never part of my day really.
That's been my experience too. Really nice people in the South!
It was in Minneapolis, not in Mississippi, where I've been targeted for my race. Southern people have always treated me kindly. ❤️
They have no reason to be mean and hateful anymore. They economy has tanked but they need be friendly now to get the visitors money
I think, as an Aussie, the thing that struck me the most was the entire area is rich, fertile farm land and none of it seems to be owned by the locals. Driving through Victorian country towns they are mostly pretty much thriving and I guess that's due to the farms being all locally owned, to my knowledge, and the money made from them gets reinvested into the communities. In the Mississippi Delta it looks like wealthy, far away board of directors and share holders rape the land and take all the profits. It just feels so wrong. The land should be owned and worked by the people who live there.
Old Chinese proverb - "Give a man 100 year lease on a desert, he will turn it into an oasis. Give a man a one year lease on an oasis, it will turn into a desert." You could be onto something - our politicians in bed with mega farms means people feel no sense of ownership.
I was thinking the same,would be nice if people could have a plot and grow their own produce, but it's all very complex,TBF, it seems so peaceful in my time of life I feel I'd want to spend my twilight yrs there,I live in a city in the UK, it's so noisy etc etc ,
Agree. I am struggling to live here in Australia and all that land with majestic trees left to rot. I’d be there tomorrow if I could.
OMG!! Socialism!! Get behind me Satan!! 😂
You're right but that's America's capitalism for you. Free market for big corporations and feudalism for poor people.
@nick Johnson fantastic video, similer to the rest of your videos I really appreciate you showing parts of the country that many folks would never see.
The northern delta in Mississippi is beautiful. Get out of the towns and out into the countryside and you almost feel like you're in the great plains with how flat it is and all the farm land everywhere. Its a very unique place with a ton of history in the area.
No you feel like ur in a 3rd world country with all the poverty and lack of basic amenities
Despite being the poorest place I must say my family in Mississippi seem very happy and content they stick together and are very very friendly and welcoming
Born in Indianola, raised in Belzoni as a child. I went back a few years ago for my uncle’s funeral and I was depressed at how bad it was. We rode around for an hour before the funeral and it made me sad.
makes me sad just looking at it and I've never been there.
"Downtrodden" is not an emotion.
@@alvallac2171 it's a verb , it means schitty
You should move back to your hometown and help bring some prosperity to your community. If not, then people leaving is what is causing it.
Look far more better than Madagascar, there are car and stop signs, Madagascar has no stop signs or red lights.
37:44 this guy explains with such passion and eloquence. Very heartening to listen to.
This is an exceptionally great vid with a lot of dry humor. LOL!! Loved it.
Nothing better than meeting people like mike! Still people like him with a great attitude and hope
Mike's a fool. He still thinks they are the catfish capital of the world. The guy's uneducated and enjoys living in filth.
He's probably retired military and has a pension. To me Mike doesn't look or sound like he's hurting.
I grew up in the Mississippi Delta. I moved away 10 years ago, but it’s nothing like going back to visit. Nothing but love from everybody!
You grew up around those people but a stranger would be shot at especially if he was not white.
Why did you move away? And why havent you returned?
@@soulinspiration1 I enjoy the country, but I have a great job and a nice house in a nice neighborhood. The delta can't provide the opportunities and the lifestyle that I have now, and on top of that my son is in a great school system. I'll never forget where I came from though and I'll always come back to visit my family and real friends.
@@WOKESOCIETYLLC 😅 the world may never know...
Came across this informative, and educational channel, has to subscribed. Good work bro, watching from Toronto Canada 🇨🇦
The Author Mr. Burdine was amazing. Story telling is one of the greatest traits of a Mississippian and he’s one of the best to ever do it. Thanks so much for making this. The delta has its massive problems but an even bigger soul!
I was an ICU nurse in the Delta for a long time. My family still doesn’t believe me when I tell them how different the delta is from the rest of Mississippi.
It doesn’t look miserable to me! It’s clean and the people seem nice. Being poor doesn’t make an area horrible.
Just nothing to do there
Exactly!!
It looks terrible, empty falling down houses the streets full of potholes.
The Mississippi Delta is a terribly depressing place to live, absolutely nothing there, not even a grocery store. Wow! Terrible
Especially enjoyed the wisdom of the Mississippi Author! Thanks for sharing!
Makes sense that people are happy, when you are poor and only surrounded by other poor people you get a community and don’t have rich people to compare yourself too sounds nice to me
It is. It truly is.
that sounds like socialism 😂
When I go to visit the indigenous people in the Amazon I first felt sorry for them. Now I kinda envy them. They have absolutely nothing but we always have a great time.
@@stevenalley494 It is but it's a different kind than we normally think of with that word. This is all natural community based, not dictated from the top down. That's what makes this kind so nice and actually kind of work for a change.
Being poor is a mental illness
In Mississippi, many people like living free and easy. As someone who has lived in Mississippi as a child, I can say Mississippi is 100 years behind the times and actually happy about that. It is sort of a matter of perspective. Minimalism is a good lifestyle for some people. It is when you want more that grief sets in. Sometimes you can find contentment in simple things.
Born in Meridian - Very poor (white) family. My childhood was a Free and happy life. Now I've made to 77 and did good $ wise, retired in Arizona mountains. Thanks Meridian Mississippi. I agree with you Mary.
Reminds me of the story about the businessman “explaining” to the fisherman about how he could expand his business exponentially…. So he could retire early and do what he loves to do - fish 😅
My thoughts exactly...
Agree with you Mary!
Good to hear another perspective.
A very good video. Liked the guy you interviewed. He gave alot of history about Mississippi and background. Cities towns writers music 🎶. Very informative. Also about the land etc. Excellent information. 😊😊😊
What a great idea! Get someone from the city to tell you all about it! I hadn't thought about that with these poverty videos! Very encouraging!
We need more people like Mike! What a class act! Kind, friendly, positive, etc. He's exactly the type of neighbor everyone would want to have. Sadly there aren't many people like him.
There's plenty like him. Well traveled. Well educated. Aware of the greater world. Mike may not be one of these people
To be fair, he thought he was going to be in a music video..
I saw a lot of people like Mike in the south, I loved the people in Mississippi and Louisiana.
@@Willie_Wahzoo
Oh Mike , never mind , youre in a video about how shitty your town is instead.
@@Willie_Wahzoo That is true😆😆
Also wanted to say that I have family in the Deep South, whenever I visit they cook out, so much food, play blues, cards and it’s almost like I escape the reality of the monotony of the rat race. A lot of love and support of one another.
Yes ma’am they roll out the food! I am from Mississippi and I miss all of this and the people!!
True anywhere. Not unique to the south.
@@yurikendal4868 I disagree the south is more layed back, relaxed
Y’all dnt have to live day for day in that Mf that shit hell
@@sharonburcham66 any place is laid back and relaxed.
I’m from Scotland and I thought we had some poor areas but on reflection nothing like this, I do like the comments about how everyone would help everyone and are happy. It still looks nice I’d love to visit
Calm and relaxing video. Very appreciated.
That ”gitty” attitude in people you interview or come across is pretty simple because the lesser you have, the more you learn to value what you have. It’s gratitude. If you’re not from a low income background or haven’t suffered enough, you won’t understand it. Adapt or wither.
I don’t think anyone could relate to Mississippis level tho they are literally the poorest state I’m from Ohio the 14th poorest state and they make us look Washington or some shit it’s that bad there.
I live in Northern California and while I don't wish to detract from your points, the area you show looks so much cleaner and safer than our poor neighborhoods. No trash along the sides of the road, no tents and boxes, no people sleeping on the sidewalk. Sure, the rural Mississippi houses may be dilapidated, but the people seem more civilized and the roads are cleaner.
My exact thoughts. I don't think it's bad at all as compared to certain parts of the country.
Due to population density. California has at least 3 urban areas each with higher populations than the entire state of Mississippi. California's population is 13.3x larger than Mississippi. California has 24.63% or 33 of the top-134 cities in the list of highest population density cities in the US. Mississippi has zero cities in the top-134 in population density. This is a remarkable feat for California, it is second only to New Jersey in this figure with 36 NJ cities or 26.87% of the top-134, even NY ranks 3rd with just 23 cities & 17.16% of the top-134 cities in population density. By comparison, Florida only has 7 cities(5.22%), the 4th-place state is Pennsylvania with 13 cities(9.7%). Texas has 1 city in the top-134, Mobile City(Dallas) in 74th rank in population density.
GDP per capita:
1. New York: $79,434 (1st, not including DC)
4. California: $73,934
Last. Mississippi: $35,555
Population:
1st(states) California: 39.24 M
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim: 12.1 M
San Francisco-Oakland: 3.28 M
San Diego urban area: 2.956 M
35th(states). Mississippi state: 2.95 M
They're more civilized because they are not brainwashed.
Many of those people sleeping on the sidewalks of California, are probably exports, of the ethic cleaning, of the surplus to requirement, from the Republican, free-market paradise, of Mississippi :-) In California, they get state support, and the Republicans who really hate that, are determined to eliminate the federal spending that makes that possible :-)
There's no trash because they are so poor, they recycle everything. CA has programs on top of programs for homeless, the average homeless in CA would be middle class in Mississippi, per income.
Wow. Such information from the man in the hat. Impeccable. I live very near to the Delta in Stockton California… sheesh…. So many similar wonderful yet saddening attributes as this land.
Farm subsidies tend to encourage and subsidize large farms at the expense of small farms.
As someone born and raised in Massachusetts and New England area, I always like going down south, the people are so much more friendly and willing to talk new people
Hey Nick! Its important to understand the mentality of the people of the Delta. Its a community of pride. Yes the problems are there. But the majority of folks there don't feel comfortable speaking negatively about their region. You may see something similar in the depressed small towns of Louisiana. They definitely do know the major issues. But the sense of familiarity is what keeps them there. Your neighbors are an extension of ur family. This is not something u see in big cities. I'm a Texan and it took me a while to understand this.
Speaking with pride is just talking bullshit when you don't have enough pride to work and clean up your neighborhood. The whole delta is lazy, uneducated people who have low standards because of their ignorance and unwillingness to improve themselves. It's disgusting.
“Your neighbors are an extension of your family.” Yeah inbred- they are family!
You'd think "the bible belt" would know that "pride" is a sin. 🤔
@@AlAllerton going to church is a social thing for many southerners. They grow up going to church. They dont necessarily follow everything. HIV rates are higher in the South. Which means drug use and sex is taking place, in and out welock. 🙂
@@AlAllerton move on dude
Mississippi has fairs, festivals, Christmas parade of boats, the Blessing of the fleet, Pecan Festival, The list goes on and on. We have some of the best southern cooks.. barbecue.. fried shrimp.. gumbo… oysters… Po-boys .
Mississippi has the highest poverty rate, teen pregnancy rate,infant mortality rate,3rd highest obesity rate,lowest life expectancy, the list goes on
Loved the shack with the brand new caddy out front.
The amount of poverty throughout the whole country is astonishing! But the delta in Mississippi has always been poverty stricken!
When companies have moved into the area, not enough people wanted to give up their government support to work them. A lot of the educated young people have moved out, because it's a very hot, humid place and the coast offers more options. Also, if this is the worst he has ever seen, then he needs to travel to California
For such a rich and lush environment there especially near the river, it would be nice for some folks with a tractor to help clean up some of the yards. The old dilapidated buildings could also be fixed up or torn down.
People love gardens and to grow things, to sustain themselves a bit, too. It makes them healthier.
In California, we have many programs that offer fresh fruits and vegetables for the elderly etc. Communities can help each other. It just takes planning and having generous donors etc who care.
It breaks my heart to watch stories like this about our neighbors in the South.
🙏🙏🙏🙏💔💔We will pray for all of you. It has to get better.....
How many more times are we gonna say this- Wheres the sense in trawlin up and down the streets in these towns photgraphing peoples misery or advantage taking others. Go AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT It. GO N SEE THE LOCAL POLITICIANS AND FIND OUT WHAT SWANKY PLACES THEY LIVE IN.What does it take to motivate the people in that country. Not that UK is any differerent. If you want us to run that place the military will have to be re trained first because corruption is rife.People all over the planet have gone along with the antics at Google. F-BK Twitter. for yrs thats how trusable joe public is. Give em art sport drama and you have compliance just likie 1920-1945 Germany and Soviets. donr just do something. sit there.
@@tinyvr7036 why is your heart breaking...these people are happy. Many of the old people have gardens in their backyards. They live a quiet simple life, what's wrong with that? Not everyone wants to run on a hamster wheel to get more material things that have zero meaning.
@@swisschalet1658 Many but not all.
I've met some with dire health conditions who left.
At least, some get help. But not all.
Thanks for your personal perspective. You must live there?
Peace to you.
The level of extreme poverty in America is staggering. When a country can spend billions on its military, it just shows you where America prioritizes.
It gets those billions from people who actually do something and want their nation secured, which means the poor benefit from that as well. It's actually a pretty good deal.
@@whipivy secured from what??? That the iraqis, afghanis, libyans etc. take revenge by attacking the US?
@@whipivy Nonsense!
@@whipivy - Secured from what? You'd think with a military budget approaching $1T a year - more than the rest of the world combined - the U.S. would be "secure" by now. It's not about security, its about transferring wealth to the 1%. Not a pretty good deal at all.
trillions not billions on the military. 😤😖🫡
Thank you for sharingxxx
Michael was an awesome human. My question is, how does someone live in a shed and still drive a $54,000.00 vehicle.
Bad budgeting priorities and debt financing. To be fair, a lot of older working-class people have given up on improving their economic situation and figure “why not have nice toys” (on debt, of course).
@@brightharbor_ I get it. I've had a blue collared career since 69' and never had much more than to get by...although, I am debt free until I die and for some ungodly reason I'll owe the government a death tax. Hey, if it makes their lives a little better then so what. TY friend...
Some of these black people have 100s of acres of land, but he didn’t show that.
@@tbyas4406 When I was growing up in the south in the 60's, blacks had more farms than today. Hell, blacks owned more land 100 years ago than they do today. The reason for this is political and I'm staying away from that conversation.
@@tbyas4406 Of course he didn’t, he’s got a narrative to uphold. It’s sad that people care more about their preconceived notions than the truth.
Lived in Jackson Mississippi, we struggled for basic nourishment but I was thankful my mom made it happen everyday. I didn't realize how poor we was because everyone around me was struggling.
I felt that in my soul. Thanks
*were
@@eustab.anas-mann9510 shut up
My father grew up in the Delta region and I spent a lot of time there with my grandparents as a child. Basically it is a lack of industry that is the problem. No amount of welfare is going to fix a local economy that is fundamentally broken.
They use welfare money for volleyball arenas.
Totally agree
Yes. The lack of jobs destroyed blue collar cities. All over the US. It's a crying shame
Yes sir, you nailed it!
They sent all the jobs overseas, just shows how important the citizenry is to the government. Big Business and Government is all the same.
Mississippi small town look sleepy and poor. The Caribbean islands are recovering from slavery that stopped by British law in 1838, bit they are sharp, and are upward looking.Their music is energizing. The world loves it.❤
Thank you for sharing.
Hi Nick. It’s hard to move when you have no money and no prospects for employment. I worked in the Tennessee delta once with a lot of Mississippi workers and I must say, some of the nicest people I’ve ever been around. Courteous , Mr Mike.
Nick does a good job presenting but he's way out of touch
Ain't that rite Mike
@@judycorbridge6470 Thazri
I am willing to bet most people would gladly live their remaining years in the Delta than crime-ridden urban Philadelphia. Most people don't need much to be content: shelter, water, food, electricity, and cable/internet. The best thing for states to plan for is to shrink the number of habitable cities they have as that will reduce the infrastructure the tax base must support.
Mike looks healthy, friendly, well-spoken, and not bitter. A smaller city/region is easier to defend and people start knowing the people around them (and the ones who are problems). The old American Dream is dying and it is time to go back to basics. A $50K house in these areas is do-able as we don't need these oversized housing debt traps.
The world is not crumbling around around Mike. Mike is proof you don't need a big house, debt, new car, and a lot of Chinese junk in your home. My grandmother lived near Jackson and grew all her vegetables and fruit.
Shrink the number of habitable cities? Interesting thought. But do you really want the crime and drugs to move to the peaceful countrysides? Because I can tell you, big-city problems come with big-city people. And they have an outsized impact on their new localities. Example: Chicago and its impact on the formerly-great city of Madison, WI, over the past 25 years. (And really, all of Southeast Wisconsin.) Families move there to escape violence and drugs, but the atavistic mindset cannot be left behind. Not to mention, their friends road-trip from the big city to visit, and scope new opportunities. ANYWAY, loved your comments. Very thought provoking :) We could go right into urban design, sprawling/unsustainable suburbs, and much more.
Crime-ridden urban Philadelphia has plentiful healthcare access not to mention the violent crime rate per 100k in the Delta is most likely higher than it is in Philadelphia since the actual dangerous cities tend to be in the south and not so much the usual large city punching bags.
@@ericandbeethoven but that doesn’t confirm my world view about places I’ve never been too!
I bet mike is lazy. He never left because he is content living in filth. It's sad, and pathetic.
@@ericandbeethoven "plentiful healthcare access" what a load of crap that people value going to the petrochemical pill pushing pimps in the white coats....and act like that's some sort of valuable thing...bullcrap!
I LOVE THE WORK THAT YOU ARE DOING !! God help us !!
In the last 50 years, politicians sold us out to corporations and foreign countries. The South never fully recovered from the Civil War. A couple of years ago, I drove through Ohio, and was shocked at how things had gone downhill.
I wouldn't mind living around people like that Mike, such a friendly positive guy.
Let’s all relocate there one day! 😊
Yep good guy
99% of Mississippians share Mike's pride and enthusiasm. That's why people don't leave. You won't find better people anywhere in this country.
Agree, Mike is clearly content and happy. A great guy
Less is more that’s why everyone in big city’s like where I’m from Philadelphia is miserable and angry and negative I hate it here rather live down there around people who appreciate the little things in life that actually matter
I lived in Mississippi for 4 years as a student at Mississippi State University in Starkville. I love Mississippi, a great state with great people. Beautiful scenery and landscape. I am a Malaysian, greetings from Malaysia. Would love to visit Mississippi again.
Mississippi has the lowest homeless rate of all states.
THTS why the government wants it
It's beautiful and natural there
You're considered white that's why...LOL
Если хочешь увидеть красивые города и красивые пейзажи езжай в Россию !.....
@@user-uh9nf9mi1t bri can you suggest me some cheap universities for international students, i am planning on moving to Russia.
The closing interview with Mr. Burdine was the highlight of your video. His well rounded knowledge and presentation was perfect.
Years ago around 1989 90 beautiful country and the nicest people no matter where we went the people were fantastic
Mike seems like a great guy
Yeah but you can't judge the Delta based on one guy!
You don't know who he is.
Mike is a gem, as radiant as his yellow jersey ! He is content with being alive and we can feel he is participating to keep the world nice, full if dignity.
You can see there are some good people still there.
I'd be friends with Mike. He has a great attitude and hypes the area up even though it is a depressing area. I can only imagine how he would be with a big turnaround in the area?
He truly is! God bless Him.
I’m from Gulfport Mississippi and it’s no different, people die from the bacteria / disease infected water by swimming with open wounds. The poverty down there looks the same, very dull & boring however people for the most part are happy. It’s still racial tension a bit & yeah it’s just crazy. I’ve been all over I be back and forth from Ohio to Atlanta though & I always have a feel to go visit Mississippi to humble me.
I live in Ohio most of my life. I'm from the Mississippi delta. Yes, I visit family on occasion in Mississippi to humble myself as well.
@@Southernhospitality1 right! It’s very humbling and I got family in the Mississippi delta as well I’m belzoni, Its extremely humbling & it makes you realize how much you have and how blessed you are fr compared to other people. It makes you happy you haven’t been stuck in a place like the delta all you life, me myself I couldn’t imagine.
Ohio is pretty bad but holy shit Mississippi makes them look a paradise lmao I’m from Ohio and I know it’s ranks bad for everything but shit Mississippi is something else
Im a husband and fatehr of 3 ibwork two jobs just in order to make bills its hard not having time with my family i barley have time for church after working an 8 hour shift sunday morning its about the only time i have with them but we keep faith and keep praying that god will provide our family with the time and funds to be able to take a few days off so i can spend time woth my family everything has went up if i miss any days we will be homeless ourselves its hard me as a father having my child ask me to take them to oark and having ti say no cause daddy has to work you understand howvthta makes me feel as a father its truly hard this has to stop America we can do better then this
I live near the delta on Arkansas side. Town square was never the gathering for social events. In my opinion it’s always been the school and the church that bring people together. What you see may look sad to you, but inside some of those run down places are people who know a love so deep for others, passed down from generations. You will also find people grateful for what they have, although it may not seem like a lot. Community, love, generational connection, gratefulness. Sounds like contentment to me. That can’t be bought.
❤
Well writ....
The problem is the government spends 100s of billions on the military knowing the US holds nukes that no one dear to attack so why waste while people are living in poverty? only half of that money can take every homeless out of the street and give him a job, why people are grateful for being robbed?
I would imagine this community is happier than many of their wealthy counterparts. Love of money is the root of all evil.
knowing people and knowing they care about you is really being rich, having things can be more of a headache than not
I so appreciate many that have had heartwarming post about my home, the Delta. It may be hard for some to understand our lives, our culture, very rich beautiful culture, if they haven’t spent real time in our communities. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is all I can say.
my sentiments exatly Liza!!! I doubt very seriously if Mr Johnson did any interviews with city officials - I am guessing that his "sources" were mainly "GOOGLE" and no fact checking! Many times "wealth" equates to security, familiarity, Love & Community I am headed back to the South - high-dollar City Life is Waaaaay over-rated!!!
Do you wonder what it is he thinks people are missing by living there? I don't understand city folk. What more do you need beyond Yashua, family, community, a roof over your head and enough to eat? An increasing number of Americans everywhere don't have any of the most important things and are struggling to not end up homeless and hungry.
I was born poor, had a corporate career, got cheated out of my pension and benefits, and choose to live very rurally in a state considered almost as poor as those in the Delta. City people would consider me poor, but I don't. To me, they are missing what it most important. I could make more money if I were willing to focus only on work.
@@grandacres427 ❤️👍
@@Growmap 💯🫶
@@Growmap Theocrat. You're the problem with this nation.
Years ago my husband and I stumbled across a nursing home on the delta and I have never forgotten the old men slumped outside, the peeling paint and dirt yard. I still have nightmares about it, and I only saw the outside.
Mississippi has it's issues, but a mostly humble place. Full of nature instead of concrete jungles. Those of us that LOVE this place, aren't worried about all the WORLDLY materialistic nonsense. We love life & what life has to offer. I moved here from a state (IL) over 20 yrs ago & regardless of the shambles here, it is better than what I left behind. I pray that when this place does start to pick back up, (because it will) it still stays slow living, because that is the key. No stresses of hustle & bustle. That's why I feel the way I do here, anyway. Anyone left here & happy don't want for much & it's not a bad space to be in, in life.
You have to admit the child mortality rate could be improved though right?
Agree. No way in hell would I live in one of those concrete jungles.
In the meantime what are corporate leaders and politicians from Mississippi doing to help the situation? I get it, the people are great, but what about the high income leadership?
@@billfarley9167 Corporate leaders/politicians are feathers of the same bird & are the problem with the world in it's entirety. It's time for change!!!!
my father was a doctor, had a clinic in Belzoni for years. It's a Mississippi delta town, and people there are so nice.
My oldest son lives in Mississippi and he loves it. I never could understand why because all I hear about is the poverty. But watching this I think I understand why he likes it there. I grew up in rural Oregon in the 60's before the Californians took over and before they shut everything down with the spotted owl. None of us had much money. Most people didn't work all year round, the woods would shut down in the winter and sometimes in the summer due to fire risks. In the summer a lot of moms and kids worked in the fields. I voluntarily started working in 4th grade. We didn't have big fancy homes or fancy cars or the latest style clothes or exotic vacations, mostly no vacation at all except maybe camping. We were poor but we didn't know we were poor. We had enough to eat and our homes were warm in summer. We had fun doing simple things, fishing, going in the woods on horses or dirt bikes, sports, and a lot of the guys built up old cars. We could go to town and see people we knew, we helped each other, we were a big family and we were safe. When your loved there is no place like home. We were richer then anyone living in a fancy gated community today. I can't help but wonder though if the dirt is so good why I didn't see anyone growing a garden at their home?
My gramm lives in Greenville and she has a garden in her backyard. Lots of ppl have them and grow food but not everyone.
@@TEWMUCH Thats good. If the stores are a long ways off she will have acess to good food- better then found in the stores no doubt. I just wondered because some places won't let people grow gardens in town. They won't let them collect rain water either. It's insane.
@1Coke ToGo yeah that's messed up.
Not all of Mississippi looks like this. This guy needs to do better research. A lot of the things he's told aren't correct. At all. I've lived in Mississippi all my life and no we're not the richest people in the world but we have good people. I'm not saying we don't have bad people here because we do. Some of these places he has shown are a lot of what was left after a tornado/tornadoes. No our state government doesn't take care of us like they should but I assure they are taken care of.
@Beth Allen agreed. In Greenville, he could've gone down main st, there's very big, pretty houses over there. Also there's nice neighborhoods on the other side of town. I just think he was focusing on poverty being that that was the title of the video. And we certainly have alot of that. Also he was focusing on the Delta. The delta IS pretty terrible. Be honest compared to Hattiesburg or the coast.
Some of things the white man said in my opinion may have been exagerrated in a positive way like when he spoke of racial tensions of the PAST he may have left out some important information.
0:48 that is the back of the new dollar tree in Belzoni. I went there to survey that building for my architecture firm contracted for dollar tree. It was an abandoned Fred’s pharmacy. The whole two days we were there surveying, multiple people came up to us asking what store was opening and how they could get jobs and how there are no jobs here. It was really sad, hope my efforts made a small difference in that town.
I've never seen cotton grow before and at first didn't even know what it was. thanks for sharing those beautiful fields. I love his concept that the dirt has been the source of success for crops and will continue to be there, but I can't help but wonder if being at the end of the river deposits used to yield nutrients for bountiful crops and now may head toward increased pollution
This is completely alien to me as an Australian. I cannot believe how bad some places are in the US. We don't have poverty and run down homes and towns like this. I'm completely shocked about the state America is in. All that wealth and all that poverty. It makes no sense.
Are you being serious now? Have you acquainted yourself with the Aboriginal communities destroyed by poverty, crime, alcohol and drugs in SEVERAL Australian towns? Ignorance isn't bliss, it's fatal.
@@DictumMeumPactum Exactly ignorance is bliss, I have been to townships and regional areas all over Australia, and yes we have issues effecting aboriginal groups. Again, it doesn't even compare to what is in the US, of entire cities with millions living in absolute and extreme poverty. We don't have ghettos, we don't have school shootings on daily basis, we don't have shantytowns with hundreds of thousands of people living in tents and rubbish dumps. We support Aboriginal people with $34 billion a year in welfare and health services. It's a problem we are actively solving. Literally the opposite of what is going on in the US. Nice try though.
Australia has alot of poverty Idk where you've been
@@DictumMeumPactum your right
@@a.garcia8086 Where? Where are the ghettos and tent cities? Since there's a lot of it. Should be easy to prove it.
My parents migrated from the deep south. I enjoyed and relished my yearly 2 week visits to rural Georgia growing up. I'd rather be around good souls like Mike in the Mississippi Delta than the lost souls in places like NYC any day.
Eu entendo você 😮
Not all of NYC is like that. But I get your point. Ironically, when NY was "dangerous and dirty" back in like the 1970s, most people in the city were likely more friendly (at least that's what my dad said. He liked the old NY for that very reason).
Have you ever been to Nyc?
@@masaielectro1
Yes. Several times. Nice place to visit, wouldn't want to live there.
You are so right. You wouldn't be able to even talk to someone on Skidd row or a homeless encampment in San Francisco. They would be too impaired from mental health and drug addiction problems.
I used to have lots of time and money, I used to drive thru some of these back roads in Georgia, Mississippi, etc met some fascinating people
Are the people of Mississippi still active in farming? As shown in this video, I have noticed that many of their farms are not well taken cared of. What are the major crops that they plant on the farms of Mississippi? How about livestock? Cattle? Dairy Cows? Do they tend Goats and Horses? Its sad to see that some of the farms are in very bad shape.
Money doesn't buy happiness, it's the people and the community.
Yea ... if money doesn't buy happiness, you don't know where to shop. True story.
That's what people with money say. 😊
No but happiness attracts money!
@@caterinalopez5297 money can't buy you happiness but it can buy you a yacht big enough to pull right up beside it -David Lee Roth,
@@buckodonnghaile4309 My point exactly
I live in a very similar community in a hidden pocket of GA. The poverty rate is high, the area is super run down, our options for food and other shopping is limited without driving 20+ miles. Many of the nearby towns are the same. Yet we all still make up a lovely, connected community. Those with money know what it's like to be without and that bridges most of the gap. Volunteering opportunities are in abundance and the community really rallies together to help. We still have many street fairs and community gatherings all the time. You don't go anywhere where you don't see someone you know. Get into trouble and help is but a phone call away. I love it.
I've noticed a trend. I've been watching a lot of videos about different states and ways of life. I noticed that in Appalachia and in some of the South, where people are considered to be in poverty, you find some of the happiest people with some of the most connected communities. Very interesting. I'm looking to move out of the northeast because of the cold weather and some of these so called "run down" places seem to be the warmest and most welcoming to be in! All those fancy looking suburbs with perfect lawns and houses make me feel uncomfortable anyway, something about it, I can't put my finger on it, it just seems so artificial, or like their values are in the wrong place, like looking good instead of actually being good.
That must be a very hidden pocket of GA you’re in.
@@GenZealous Belzoni is 70 miles away from the next biggest town of Jackson. That’s very isolated. I don’t think you’ll find anyplace like that in Georgia anymore.
20 miles is far ?
@@El_Chompo Yup. This is true in other countries too. I have a house in the Philippines and it's very similar there to many of the poorer places in the US (happy people and very connected communities).
They talk about wealthfair but the question is why nobody in the govertment or even privated companies are creating jobs oportunity for the ones that want to work
Wealthfair Is an wealthfare like a ticket to a festival ride but Reality is truly something else because it's not helping out Like govertment think it's only taking people backward
It's MUCH easier to live in poverty when everybody around you is just as poor, than it is to live in poverty surrounded by people who are NOT poor.
That makes sense.
Poor people are very generous with what little they have to neighbors and friend. A big pot of soup beans and a tub of rice go a long way.
I wish I was a Billionaire. I would move to Mississippi and work to getting it a thriving state again. I feel for these angels having to live in poverty. It breaks my heart.
You can begin by just giving to the people directly, and encourage others to do this too.
Offer to pay for groceries, that's $100, not billions. Maybe pay their rent, that's $1000, not billions. Start there
Maybe Elon Musk and Bill Gates and Mr. Buffet should loan them some money!
@@economicdevelopmentplannin8715but how does that end the cycle and how does that change policies?
@@crescentprincekronos2518 policy doesn't change without a change in politics. Politics is mathematically controlled by the majority. Frankly, the majority in this country aren't of the same racial background as the majority population in the Mississippi Delta. This is why Obama constantly said it would be politically impossible to do anything to help black American families.
Basically bud, if you want to help, you'll have to directly without government or political or policy based intervention. Sadly...
@@economicdevelopmentplannin8715 I agree because the government can't, that's democracy unfortunately. As far as grass roots, jobs, mate prospects, and stability (a future) is far more valuable than just giving money. The goals should be to get as many educated and into a "productive" job as possible. Sort of like give someone a fish or teach them to fish. Not simple but similar philosophy.
That was a very interesting video !
Super informative and accurate!!
I’ve been in rural India, rural Texas, rural Kansas , and there is so much that can be done. Some of Mississippi looked comparable to buildings dying in Uttar Pradesh(eastern part) on the way to Agra.
There is much that can be done. Wood from the houses falling down can be repurposed, same with old doors and windows. There is much that can be made whole again. Gardens can be planted to vitality the community, and so much more.
I see stuff that can be done locally, and maybe because I was born abroad. My dad was military, and I’ve seen what can be done, and only with a small amount of effort. We don’t have to let jobs shipped overseas destroy us. We can abandon those companies, and we can make our own. They are all owned by a huge conglomerate anyways. Most people are unaware. Much of the decay is engineered, but you can take back your life. You teach yourself skills, reinvent the wheel so to speak, and you keep your home, family, and friends where they are meant to be.
Love it!!!
U can plant community gardens
Get motivated *& rehab homes
Looks like no crime
Stop comparing apples and oranges. American is supposed to be a developed country and gives lectures to other countries. While small towns all over America are dilapidated, morally, culturally and economically ruined. US policy makers need a wake up call.
I see two resources that are massively underused. Derelict buildings and land....and derelict people.
Put them together and amazing thngs could happen
If I was given a choice between the Mississippi Delta and the Kensington area of Philadelphia, I wouldn't even think twice and immediately choose the Delta.
I just watched a documentary on the Kensington area of Philadelphia, and it's gut wrenching how that area has been ruined by drug use.
I'm from Savannah, Georgia. I'll have to say the Delta is just as beautiful and it's ppl .Your video didn't give it much justice. Anyway, Your definitely in the deep south now 😉.
hi Nick, I really like your open minded play of this area. Thanks for your enlightening video. You should win an award for this one. Thanks again, John and Sandy Sir