Povertenza is a term coined by communications specialist and media analyst Jessica Ann Mitchell. Povertenza was coined as a play on words, countering the term “Affluenza.” Affluenza was used as a defense for Ethan Couch, a teen that caused the death of four people by drunk driving. According to his defense, Couch’s Affluenza condition prevented him from understanding limits and personal responsibility. Couch successfully avoided jail time and was only given 10 years probation and rehabilitation.

Mitchell’s term “Povertenza” was highlighted in her viral article, “Please Excuse Davontaye, He Suffers From Povertenza.”
Through sarcasm and satire, Mitchell argues that rehabilitation opportunities are often unavailable for Black or poor youth. Instead, they are often streamlined straight into the prison system. Mitchell’s article begins with a fictional plea for the rehabilitation of a fictional character named, “Davontaye.” The “Davontaye” character represents Black and underprivileged youth.

Mitchell states:

Dear Judge,

I know that Davontaye’s actions caused the deaths of four people. But please don’t give him life in prison. He suffers from Povertenza. You may not know about this condition but Povertenza is an illness that people from impoverished socio-economic backgrounds have.

Due to the inability to access quality education and employment, Davontaye’s development has been stifled. This leads to poor decision making and I would further argue that since his neighborhood sees so much death and destruction, that he may even suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome in addition to Povertenza.

Read the original article, published on the Huffington Post andOurLegaci.com.