Invisibility of the lowest

"Between the 1958 and the 1970 birth cohorts, the biggest decline in social mobility occurred in the professions of journalism and accountancy. For example, journalists and broadcasters born in 1958 typically grew up in families with an income of around 5.5% above that of the average family; but this rose to 42.4% for the generation of journalists and broadcasters born in 1970.

[...] fewer than 10 per cent of new journalists came from a working-class background and only three per cent came from homes headed by semi-skilled or unskilled workers."

Purchase the authenticity of homelessness

"Gwen is the world's first homeless doll, although her role is focused on being a friend to Chrissa, who's bullied at school. But her story emerges: Gwen's dad ditched them, her mom lost her job and their home, and they sleep in their car.

The pop culture fan is well-splattered. Columnists rip Mattel for mocking homelessness by charging $95 for a doll who uses an armrest for a pillow. Homeless advocates murmur that fortunate families that can afford such playthings could get a clue. Others suggest that Mattel marry the thrill of capitalism to the warmth of charity.

The American Girl folks have stated that they are 'disheartened that there has been any confusion over our fictional characters.'

A peek at the American Girl Web site's comments suggests that however well intentioned a life lesson, a doll is always a doll: One young customer was perplexed by Gwen's lack of accessories. 'I expected some outfits.'"

Via http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2009975550_homelessdoll30.html