The irony of the Welfare System
The book highlights government aids that trigger debates about the welfare dependency of those living below with poverty line. Though some unemployed and poor people qualify for the assistance, they refuse to apply and forego the aid. Dasani’s parents reject the public assistance programs and benefits which is contrary to the common public discourse.
Irony of Names
Dasani’s family bear names derived from luxury goods that hardly define their reality living in poverty. Chanel is named after the luxury brand while Supreme is after the popular fashion wear. They are struggling to make ends meet yet their names represent the capitalist society that encumbers their progress.
The irony of the Child-Protection System
At some point, Dasani and her siblings are placed under the child-protection system with visitation at their home. However, the visitations are primarily to determine physical or emotional abuse rather than provide direct support to the children.
Structural Racism
The book focuses on the history of the family from the older generations to the present to chart the cycle of poverty. Dasani’s grandparents fell victim to systemic racism even before the passing of the civil right act. Ironically, Dasani’s family encounters the same structural racism even in modern society with all the progress apparently made.
Visible Stories
The journalist titles the book “Invisible Child” to highlight the underbelly of the American society that remains obscure to the public. However, the statistics of poverty and homelessness are so substantial that they are obvious to the masses. The book is one of the forms of media that put these stories to light yet they are all around us to notice.
