The Poors

"The Poors" by Harry Lorayne is a science fiction story written in the late 1950s. The book revolves around the visit of Marryl Kramvit, an ambassador from Planet Six, to Earth as part of a goodwill tour. Through Kramvit's observations and interactions, it explores a stark economic divide on Earth, where a significant portion of the population lives in poverty, referred to as the "Poors," compared to the wealthy elite. Throughout the narrative, Kramvit and Vice President Vincent J. Carrowick engage in conversations highlighting the peculiarities of Earth's social structure. Kramvit is baffled by the absence of a middle class and the way the poor are generally dismissed by society, living in squalor and subjected to a life dictated by their lack of success on quiz shows that determine societal status. As Kramvit visits the homes of the Poors, he learns of their struggles and aspirations, leading to a poignant realization of the implications of a system that values wealth predominantly based on success in entertainment-based competitions. Ultimately, the story critiques societal indifference toward the impoverished and the ways in which meritocracy can perpetuate inequality.