1.Which statistic on wealth inequality in the US (discussed on p. 29) made the biggest impression on you? Explain why? One statistic that really hit me is that the wealthiest 1% of Americans own a huge percentage of the nation’s wealth, while the bottom 50% barely own anything at all. It’s mind blowing to think about! It shows how a tiny group has so much power and resources, while many people struggle to make ends meet. It just makes you realize just how unfair the system can be.

2.What could be some of the implications of living in a society that has such huge wealth inequalities? Do you see this dynamic getting played out in everyday life in our society? How so? Example?

Living in a society with such a big wealth gap can lead to many issues. It creates frustration and tension when you see some people living in luxury while others struggle to afford basic needs. This inequality affects access to education and healthcare, too. For example, in my community and many others, wealthier neighborhoods have well-funded schools with great facilities, while schools in poorer areas often struggle with outdated materials and overcrowded classrooms. It feels really unfair because those in lower income areas are at a disadvantage from the start. This just shows how wealth inequality can impact everyday life and limit opportunities for many people.