Final answer:
The 'poison' of monthly welfare checks in Appalachia, according to Williamson's article, is a cycle of spending and dependence on welfare checks that perpetuates poverty and discourages economic self-sufficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Williamson (2014) article referred to as the "White Ghetto" article, an example of the "poison" of monthly welfare checks in Appalachia is A cycle of spending and reliance on welfare checks.
The explanation for this critical view of welfare in Appalachia is that welfare checks can create a dependency that discourages individuals from seeking employment or improving their economic situation, thus perpetuating a cycle of poverty. Welfare programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), were reformed to address such concerns.
These reforms include work requirements and time limits on benefits to encourage self-sufficiency and reduce the poverty trap, where the loss of government support offsets any income earned from working, thus discouraging individuals from seeking employment. Furthermore, the emphasis on reforming welfare to workfare aims to avoid these issues by ensuring that those who receive aid also engage in work or job training activities.