[chuecafresss]

IMO, it comes from the fact that those numbers are national averages, which is all fine and dandy if you live somewhere that inflation (read; cost of living) is at or below the national average.

Problem is that big businesses base wage off of national average, and most of those numbers only come from big buisnes. So if you are getting paid the national average in places like New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle, etc... you aren't making a living wage.

Not that I am for a living wage. I'm just saying that it is in these places that complaints get most recognition. Thus, while perception and reality may not be seeing eye to eye, they are both the same in areas with the loudest voice.