Poor AND no identity, shucks

but this, 

is just metaphor, in a way, for  especially the last 15 years.

I think they understood " their CURRENCY  - all of them-here, even in wealthier here,  became speaking of what is 'wrong' with them [ especially in quiet public spaces that should be ferking 'QUIET-please'!,  that is the only currency they know... and that is their identity... so i am only a stranger in a strange land"