1. One statistic that stood is that about 50% of American own 2% of the country’s  wealth. I think its insane to think that so average earning Americans get so little especially with all there labor going into these commodities.
2. Wealth gaps make it hard for most Americans to get good jobs, healthcare and education. You see it everyday for example, the fashion designers being able to host a met gala ever-year, while across the street there is someone trying to ration there 2 week paycheck planning out what groceries they can afford until there next pay. 

1. The statistic that made the biggest impression on me was that the top 1% owns around 40–50% of the country’s total wealth, which is more than the bottom 90% combined. That number really shows how unequal wealth is in the United States. We often hear that America is mostly a middle-class country where people can move up if they work hard. But this statistic makes it clear that most of the wealth is concentrated in a very small group of people.
   It stood out to me because it makes the gap between rich and poor feel so much larger. If such a small percentage of people control that much wealth, it raises questions about how equal opportunities really are for everyone else.

2.

Living in a society with huge wealth inequality affects more than just income. When wealth is concentrated in a small group, power is also often concentrated. Wealthy individuals and corporations can donate large amounts of money to political campaigns, which gives them more influence over laws and policies. This can shape decisions about taxes, healthcare, education, and labor laws.

You can also see inequality in everyday life. In New York City, there are luxury apartments just a few blocks away from people struggle to afford rent. Many working-class families are pushed out of their neighborhoods because housing costs keep rising. At the same time, many people work long hours or even multiple jobs just to pay for basic needs like rent, food and transportation.

Healthcare is another example. Some people can afford private doctors, quick appointments, and better insurance plans. Others may delay medical visits because they can’t afford them or don’t have good coverage. This creates very different life experiences and outcomes.

Overall, wealth inequality affects opportunities, living conditions, and even political influence. It shows that economic inequality is not just about numbers. It impacts people’s daily lives in real and visible ways.

1. Which statistic on wealth inequality in the US (discussed on p. 29) made the biggest impression on you? Explain why?
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?