Diane Sawyer examines poverty in Appalachia

Friday's “20/20” finds Diane Sawyer in starkly different environs than the cheerily lighted Times Square studio she occupies each morning as co-host of “Good Morning America.”

In her latest ABC prime-time special, which examines poverty in Appalachia, Sawyer is scrubbed free of the glamour of morning television. Donning blue jeans, her normally coiffed hair pulled back in a ponytail, the anchor visits the deepest recesses of the mountainous region: the hillside trailer homes, the weathered front porches, the dank tunnels of a coal mine.

For more of the story, read here.

(Photo courtesy ABC)

Comments

[Sarah]

I am saddened too that some viewers did not see these mountain people's lives as living in poverty. Sure it may not compare to other places in the world but it is still truly awful and sad and it is all occurring in your own backyard. It seems to me that these children are at a huge disadvantage at achieving a life full of happiness, health and success. I think many of us could learn a thing or two from the 12 year old who has managed to keep her hope alive despite the utter misery she lives in with an addict for a mother. I am sure most of us have been discouraged by life having experienced much less hardships and not at her young age. I found her courage inspiring.
Sarah (Canada)

[Lisa]

The world is full of heartless, mean-spirited and judgemental people ... I am shocked at some of these comments for their cruelty and lack of empathy.

[Lucy]

I was very touched by Ms. Sawyer's piece on the children of Appalachia. For all of you who are comparing our needy families to those in other countries - why? We are talking about the poor people in OUR country, not in China & India etc. This story is about something that is going on in our own backyard & we need to know about it so we can do something to help our country for a change. Good for you Diane Sawyer, nice job!

[dee]

Poverty doesn't look good on anyone. Poverty steals from children especially hopes,dreams and self-esteem. It is incumbent on others to help no matter what that help looks like. My heart goes out to the children in rural and urban areas. I've have provided therapy for this population for years and I know how heart breaking it is but I also know how much a little help can bring hope.

[Becky]

Children should not be living like this, anywhere. This is poverty, and should not be ignored. Personally I would like to send children's clothing/toys to children in need, and do not know how. Is there a name of a church that would distribute clothing to children, either in Appalachia, or in the regions of the shut-down mines in WV, that was referenced in another comment by Ken? Helen, you commented, do you know the name of a local church who distributes children's clothing?

[amy]

THIS IS AMERICA. WAKE UP PEOPLE..WE WORRY ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS IN INDIA, CHINA, ETC.

LET'S SAVE THE CHILDREN OF AMERICA. THAT POOR KID THAT COULD NOT FINISH COLLEGE!!

SAD!!!!!

[Candy Brundu O'Brien]

Hi Diane - Your 20/20 story on the "Hidden America" last night is all so true.

There are so many "Hidden Americas" right here in the hills of the Southern Tier of New York (specifically Steuben and Allegany Counties).

There are multitudes of extended families living together in small trailers, that have had many "additions" put on. These "additions" are made of scrap wood & metal that is found somewhere along these people's travels. Some of these homes go without proper plumbing, gas & electric, running water, and refuse collection.

These people have NO health insurance, no teeth, and most of them go to bed hungry. Alot of these people cannot read or write. There is alot of incest as well. And just think about all the females who do not have proper monthly sanitary products.

Those who are "lucky", have been able to patch their broken down truck together with some other scraps they've found, of course without NYS insurance and registration, and can make it to town once a month with the whole family. Some of these "lucky" people have been able able to make it to Social Services to be able to sign up for food stamps ($400/mo) to feed the entire extended family on.

There is ALOT of unemployed people in this area, who have absolutely NO income and their cars wouldn't make it to an area where there is employment (60 miles away).

It's a real sad situation.

Those who are at the top of the corporate ladder receiving their bonuses would shoot or hang themselves if they had to live like this.

If the government wants to spend billions of dollars to simulate the economy, maybe they should throw some to people in this area as well. If the average and poverty stricken families were actually given a cash card, they would certainly put it back into the economy immeidately by purchasing food, clothing and shelter. Maybe some of these proud "homeowners" would even pay some thier back taxes so their names weren't broadcasted in the local paper.

The people in this area need some assistance immediately!

Thank you for your time.

From the Hill of Southern Tier New York.

[Ali8]

Did you see that coal mine owners home....it was outrageous that he would build a house like that when everywhere around him the people live in poverty worse than a third world country. He made me sick....he said he wanted to set an example to town people...what kind of example....that is a king and they are his slaves? That is the only example I could get from it.....

[Just Outrageous!]

If America is our country and these people are Americans, we should ALL be ashamed of ourselves! This should not be happening in America! We can't save the whole world, but we could at least do something to fix America's problems!

[matt Austen]

As a Zimbabwean now living in the USA I can assuredly tell you that what one witnessed in that report was certainly poverty, however, what it is, is not economic poverty by the scale used in the rest of the world. No matter ones economic position there is no excuse for sloth and squalor. In a life spent in Africa I have never witnessed that type of filth and we do not have running water or electricity in most al of our land. The people that Ms Sawyer selected need less in the form of empathy and more of a kick in the pants from some one who is willing to practice the seemingly forgotten art of tough love.

[itsnotallblacknwhite]

Its sad, I watched this and got lots of mixed emotions. . . people in this region of southeastern KY, southwestern VA, in the heart of Appalachia, its tough, and hard to live here. There are a lot of problems in this region . . . lots of drugs (and dealing), coal mining are the only ways to make a lot of money . . . . theres not much to do so a lot of the youth end up going into the military, mines or become addicted to drugs. . . A lot of pain and suffering, and a lot of times places like the little town I live in are dying because local politics keep anything new or good coming to us, if we can even afford it in the first place . . .we are overlooked so very much. . . . I appreciate 20/20 for at least paying attention to us. . .

My one problem is that we are looked at like we don't know anything, and we are pitied. . . its not this area is all about. . . Theres a lot of good people, proud people, who would do anything for their neighbors, who try to live their lives, are very nice and hospitable and make due with what God gives them. We are proud and caring people, PLEASE don't make us all out to be ignorant rednecks. . .

I am working towards a college degree and a career, working hard, with a lot of things against me, but I am making it, and so are many others, please don't forget that!!

[Sue]

After crying about the situation on our doorstep here in America> I started thinking about what I can do. I live on the other side of the nation and have cancer myself. But one thing I took away from this story that can and should be fixed right away. The way Mountain Dew is made is something that Pepsi Co has absolute control over. If corporations like McDonald's remove transfats because it is harmful to American's health, Pepsi can surely reformulate their Mountain Dew so it is not so detrimental to tooth enamel. They also should take some of the profits to help those who are suffering damage created by this corrosive product. Join me in asking Pepsi to do the right thing and make it Mountain Dew right.
http://cr.pepsi.com/usen/pepsiusen.cfm?time=12256908
Thanks

[Pattie Ryan]

The appalachia story...Did anybody see cows, chicken, pigs? Why dont these people farm. If they have no food, they would have a supply of eggs and milk...It is a sad thing to see, these kids that are born in to that life, but it does look like they are clawing there way out! That is true America spirit, learning from their elders, what NOT to do!

[Kelley]

For those of you who don't think what we just watched is poverty...I would suggest you walk a mile in those people's shoes. It's easy to sit back and say they aren't suffering when you haven't an inkling what it's like for them. How are these people supposed to get themselves out of that situation? They are uneducated and poor. Do you think Shawn Grim didn't try his best to get himself out of that area and try to make a better life for himself? We spend all this money in other countries and yet we witness poverty in our own backyard and turn a blind eye to it. It's absolutely disgusting. I'm not saying we shouldn't be helping other countries as well but we have an obligation to take care of people in America first.

[Lisa]

It's fascinating to read these comments ... it shows both sides of the story in a way that media is not able to ... kudos to Diane Sawyer ...

[Mary Delano]

I find it disgraceful that anyone would think having a change of clothes is not POVERTY! I remember reading about Appalachia when I was a child. I am 58 years old and it looks as if not much has changed. That is unforgiveable! Since I did not hear much about the present day conditions of this region, I honestly felt things had changed. That is total ignorance on my part. Some people have commented on the conditions of poverty in other countries. The one doctor serving Appalachia was from India and said Appalachian conditons were worse than India. I need to know where I can send donation and contributions for the people of Appalachia. If you really watched and listened to the kids and people, there are so many issues associated with their poverty. We need to help.

[nursetammy67]

I am amazed that a so-called professional could make such poor judgement. Diane Sawyer portrayed all of Eastern ky. as poverty stricken. All of Eastern Kentucky is not "poor, on drugs, uneducated and on public assistance." As an Eastern Kentuckian, I found this show to be totally offensive. She didn't bother to show all of the nice homes that are in these areas; nor did she interview the professional, well-educated citizens of this area.

Diane did not mention that Jim Booth, the owner of coal mines, has provided many jobs in this area and did not come from wealth himself. He worked hard to get where he is. THE KEY WORD HERE IS WORK!!

Eastern Kentucky is not the only area in the United States that has poverty. I have never seen anyone on the street with a sign "will work for food" in Martin County. Diane, did you ever stop to think that the family you portrayed as poverty stricken with no food in the house-doesn't have food because Angel sells them for drugs? INVESTIGATE THAT!!

[Joanne D.]

I, too, was deeply moved to want to do something--anything. I saw a pocket of America who only dares to dream that they make it through today and prays that they will get by tomorrow. It is the children of the mountains that need our help to see beyond the generations of poverty and hopelessness. Even in our own personal times of trouble with the depressed economy we can band together to make a difference for those far less fortunate.--a penny at a time if necessary. I want to get involved and hope others who are driven to do the same. I'd like to know how to reach the high school coach and the Mayor to learn more about how best we can reach out and help more children believe that there is more to life than just existing from day to day.

[Nick Somers]

I have yet to watch this. I live in Harlan county. Ive lived in this "holler" my whole life. im 28 and ive worked from the age of 16. I just want to say the comment by Tommy g. bentley hit me hard. He is absolutely right in every aspect and it really hits home for me. Honestly the problem is just a lack of opportunity. A person can easily find a job outside of coal mining , fast food , security , stores and barley make a living, Mr.bently it seems to me that im so busy just trying to make it and am very ignorant of lifes opportunities that i become complacent in my poverty ( poverty being 10-12,000 year ) I have a 7yo girl and I know I must do something to give her a better future and your comment has really lit a fire under my britches. I know I need to do something about the financial future of my child and work hard but I am willing to work as hard as it takes. I just hope you come back and see this comment and know you didnt waste your time writing that.

[Brad]

O.K. First off the drug problem in S.E. Ky is a problem but no more of a problem than in the other part of the country. The problem is th ewelfare, people will not work. But that is not all what S.E. Ky is about. I feel that only about 3 to 5 percent of the population is affected by drugs. I live in S.E. Ky and I feel that with this will make people look at people from the hills that we are all like this and that is not the case. These people that talk about having to walk no transportation, that is bull, it is there choice for not having a job in order to get a vehicle. Sorry but I know of plenty of job openings but the problem is that people can't pass a drug test or just do not want to work. My main concern is that S.E. Ky is a wonderfull and rich place to live if you are willing to work.