I live in an RV (mobile home) in a mobile park.
By naty1941
@naty1941 (2336)
United States
April 15, 2007 10:25pm CST
I have a neighbor that says people consider her to be trailer trash because she lives in a mobile park. I told her not to say such a thing, as she is a sweet 75 year old woman and is well educated. Where did that expression trailer trash come from? Why do people think that if you live in an RV, 5th Wheeler or trailor that you are uneducated and cheap?
6 people like this
9 responses
@prttynpnkw83 (444)
• United States
16 Apr 07
I don't know why people think that. But i have a few friends that are very educated and have a ton more money than i and they live in a Mobile Home park. They like where they live. I don't see any problems with it. I live in the smallest studio and their place is bigger than mine lol
4 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
16 Apr 07
It's just one of those mean spirited stereotypes that's become engrained in American culture.
We all know that all kinds of people live in mobile parks including your sweet, well educated 75 year old friend.
Some people choose to live in mobile parks because they prefer it to the traditional home or apartment.
I'd encourage her to not worry about what people say. They are the ones with the problem, not her.
Lloyd
4 people like this
@lkbooi (16070)
• Malaysia
16 Apr 07
In time to come when mobile home has become more and more popular people might change the attitude towards this practice. We never have mobile home in my country. I envy to have one as I can move around freely without worrying my house being broken in when I leave it lol for any long vacation.
3 people like this
@naty1941 (2336)
• United States
16 Apr 07
Yes it gives one the freedom to move about. You can travel all over the USA and meet different people and see all the sights without having to pay for an expensive hotel or motel. You are right, no worries about your house being broken into lol.
3 people like this
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
16 Apr 07
Hi Naty, these people that say such things are ignorant...Probably the people that say such things are not well educated or they are trying to act like they are above someone..Anyone that has any type of home,rather it be a mobile home,rv or 5th wheel is very lucky to own something of their own...A lot of people are not blessed enough to own anything and have to rent someone elses home..I had rather own and RV then to rent from someone...As long as you have a home you are blessed.Just tell your neighbor that to own something or to have a home then you are a very lucky person..So many people do not even own a car much less a home of any kind...
@brandi_girl_16 (624)
• United States
27 Apr 07
Slickcut...you make a very very good point! I didn't even think of it that way! You're so right!! Many people should want to "own" their own RV rather than "rent" someone else's house or an apartment! I never thought of it that way! At least they're getting something out of it! When you're a renter you DO have a place to live in but nothing to show for in the long run which is kind of sad because people pay so much for rent and sometimes almost barely get by!! Owning an RV is so much more comforting knowing that it's YOURS!
1 person likes this
@liranlgo (5752)
• Israel
16 Apr 07
I learned one or two things in my life naty, and that is that people always seem to think and judge other people. and if we will start to listen to them too much, and live by their expectations and not by ours, we will be in a big problem. Because that will mean that we prefer to live by their codes and not by what makes us happy.
So i think that you should tell her, that she does not have to listen to what people say, and just be pleased by her choice, and that you know that other people do feel differently about the subject and see her as she really is: a sweet and educated person.
@browneyedgirl (1264)
• United States
16 Apr 07
I think that people who say such things-or think them-are the uneducated ones. LOL I am working toward my goal of owning an RV and being footloose and fancy free asap. Guess I'll spend my retirement years as "trailer trash". LOL
@naty1941 (2336)
• United States
16 Apr 07
LOL I have a MS in Counseling and now that I am retired I guess I will be considered "trailer trash" by the Americans. I will have to tell my relatives in Puerto Rico of my new status! They don't know what the expression "trailer trash" means...Thank you for your response.
3 people like this
@brandi_girl_16 (624)
• United States
16 Apr 07
I don't think that at all! I think sometimes people are forced to live in a trailer because they're somewhat cheaper than a house but a lot of times people choose to live in trailers not because they have to but because they want to! I've found that usually older people choose to live in trailers or RV's because they either love to travel a great deal or just think it makes sense to live in a smaller space! If they're older then that means they don't have to have so much room because now they're on their own and don't have children that they have to board! It's actually smart of them if you think about it! They get their time to themselves because now they don't have room for all their children and grand children to want to stay with them all the time and bother them! LOL I'm just kidding! I know grandparents love to have their grand kids visit! My point is, just because you live in a trailer it doesn't mean you're "trailer trash"! There's totally different reasons that make someone trailer trash! Just by living in one isn't a reason!
@brandi_girl_16 (624)
• United States
27 Apr 07
You are "ONE SMART COOKIE"!! LOL Yes, houses are very expensive here!
1 person likes this
@naty1941 (2336)
• United States
16 Apr 07
Thank you for your response. My daughter and I decided to live in an RV because we don't want to pay $1,200 a month for rent. Here in California houses are expensive to rent. Also it is almost impossible to purchase a house unless you want to pay $2,000 a month for the mortgage.
2 people like this
@GuateMom (1411)
• Canada
16 Apr 07
I think many people assume that if you live in a trailer, you are a bum who couldn´t find a job good enough to earn for a proper house. However, I have to say that I have known plenty of very nice people who live in trailer parks! I have also met some who are bums, but for the most part, I think people who live in trailers shouldn´t be considered any less than anyone else. It doesn´t really make sense to judge someone´s entire life just by where they live!
@naty1941 (2336)
• United States
16 Apr 07
I thank you for your response. Where I live the young people all work fulltime and us retired folks get a check in the mail. Most of the people I have met are very nice and neighborly. I moved into the RV the middle of November 2006 and so far my neighbors have been nicer than the ones I had when I had a house.
1 person likes this
@sjohnson628 (3197)
• United States
2 May 07
I don't know where that expression trailer trash came from But I also live in a trailer. I prefer to call it a mobile home so not to associate myself with the other term LOL! I am happy with the home we have. It is comfortable and on 2 acres of land so very private. We have 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It's just me and my BF. And I am quite comfy here at home.
1 person likes this
