Discrimination of Single Mothers

" I remember once we were kicked out because they (The landlords) thought that since my mom, they found out that she wasn't living with a man and she has four children, it wouldn't work. They kicked us out. He thought she wouldnt be able to provide everything, between rent and the kids." This is a story from a young girl who was chosen for an interview because she grew up in a home with a single mother. Some stories she has shared can be hard to understand for people who haven't had to live under these circumstances. Unfortunately this is a common concern for single mothers, discrimination. The discrimination of single mothers compared to women who are married with children, or who don't have children at all is unsettling. This topic is very hidden in the eyes of the press, but not to the eyes of a child born into circumstances like these.

Single mothers are often called irresponsible, unstable, and unreliable. Single mothers are called "irresponsible because of having children before marriage", "unstable because how could they possibly support themselves and their children", and "unreliable because who knows when they'll pay their rent on time, if they pay on time". These are all biased statements made about these women that aren't, necessarily true.  "It took a woman landlord to help me because the men were the ones who who thought of things like that. The other woman landlord, in the apartment we were close to getting, was trying to help me, but the person who was stopping her was her husband. All of the men at all of the other apartment said 'no'." These the words of a single single mother who was asked to share her experiences. She had a very similar experience as the young girl from the first interview.

"I went for an interview for a job and when they found out I was a single mom, they asked if I had support system. If I didn't, they wouldn't want to hire someone with kids, without husband or support system because you might call off if your kids get sick you had to get them from school and you didn't have a babysitter, so you had to call off. The jobs don't want to get involved if things like that happen, so they just don't hire you." These women are denied jobs because of these circumstances, then are turned down when it comes to houses or apartments because it is inferred that they don't have enough money. Also, they are called burdens when these mom need to rely on family and/friends. It all goes back to the prejudice. These women wouldn't have to depend on others if they made enough money to get an apartment. Single mothers would be able to make enough money if the prejudice didn't prevent businesses and companies to giving these women jobs.
   
Instead of judging single mothers and pushing them onto the streets people should offer to help to them. People constantly want good press, to be seen as good people doing good deeds. The first thing that comes to their heads is children, help the children. Yet helping the mothers in order to help the children I'd unheard of. One- third of single moms are insecure in terms of food, that means starving children. If you want to help the children, then start by helping the moms get a head start. Help a woman get that good job, the money from that job will help get an apartment, a safe haven just for a mom and her children, help a mom look like a hero in the eyes of her child.