The quote from Fannie Flagg's "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe" reflects a belief that poverty does not define a person's character. The author suggests that, in general, poor individuals possess a goodness that transcends their economic struggles. However, she acknowledges that some people may be inherently unkind, and their mean nature would persist regardless of their financial status. This distinction highlights the complexity of human behavior beyond socioeconomic factors.