Of course many Americans number in the 3.5 billion most poor people on earth. A lot of the homeless people I see everyday have about zero wealth. Hopefully many of them have something but I don't know what it would be.
Also, many middle class people, such as myself, have negative total assets due to debt. Because 'wealth' can refer to not only money but general capital (including human capital, which is what I have invested in) I would not say that my total wealth is less than zero, and I definitely have a lot of opportunity, privilege, and comfort. But if I was writing an article for the Guardian in order to rile people up about inequality, I think I could not incorrectly state that I have negative wealth, and by net $$ standards far less money than many of the world's destitute.
Of course many Americans number in the 3.5 billion most poor people on earth.
Source?
The actual data on this appears likely to refute your claim:
Yes, that’s right: America’s poorest are, as a group, about as rich as India’s richest. [1]
That's at least the better part of a billion right there America's poor are wealthier than in India. According to the graph in the article, America's poorest are also wealthier than nearly all of China (1.3 billion officially, 1.5 billion unofficially), and 2/3 of Brazil. Not including the rest of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
I wouldn't be so sure about that. Have you seen poor people in other countries? Many are much skinnier than your average homeless American. I've seen homeless people charging their cell phones in public areas in the US.
And I'm not sure what to say about your negative wealth debate. First world problems?
Also, many middle class people, such as myself, have negative total assets due to debt. Because 'wealth' can refer to not only money but general capital (including human capital, which is what I have invested in) I would not say that my total wealth is less than zero, and I definitely have a lot of opportunity, privilege, and comfort. But if I was writing an article for the Guardian in order to rile people up about inequality, I think I could not incorrectly state that I have negative wealth, and by net $$ standards far less money than many of the world's destitute.