The following is not my opinion.

People think poor people are lazy. If they were to work hard, they'd be better off. Also, they are impetuous. They have enough money, but they waste it on unnecessary luxuries like an iPhone. Then, when they don't have enough money for food or housing, they ask the government for money. They wouldn't have to if they were frugal and worked hard... Like me and the other successful people. And all those government handouts have to be paid from somewhere. The government taxes me so they can be lazy. Hell... Its so bad that it's more profitable to not work and get money from the government than it is to work. Don't these people have any self respect? So... You may be insulted by this, but if you had some self respect, you'd be insulted by it and do something about it. (If you're a Democrat): I don't mind helping, but you've got to help yourself first.

That's my best shot at it. Most Americans think poverty is contagious and try to stay far away from the poor. Its shitty because it's not like there aren't some people who live this, but the overwhelming majority want to work hard in a place that gives them some belong to earn them enough money to give the people they love the security from poverty.