Kozol~ Argument

In this article, Kozol argues that these low income people often strive for an escape from poverty, although is it likely unrealistic and also, that children suffer from this defenselessly.  A majority of the article focuses in on Kozol's experience with a young boy from the South Bronx, specifically Mott Haven.  It amazes me how positive and inspiring this young boy, Cliffie, is.  By Kozol including the specifics of his time spent with Cliffie, it sends a powerful message to readers.  The message being that almost all of the kids growing up under these conditions do not know any better.  A typical day for young Cliffie includes seeing prostitutes, drug deals and dying/suffering people on his street corners.  There is a waste incinerator that the children call "the place where the dead bodies go".  The local playgrounds contain old, beat up teddy bears for the children to admire while drug deals and needle donations occur with their parents.  Cliffie appears to be such an intelligent boy, full of potential, yet who knows if he will make it out of the conditions he is living in.  Similar to most kids there.  As outsiders, we tend to find ourselves thinking, "well if you want a better life then go make one for yourself", but is it that simple? We may assume so, although regardless of the measures they may try to take, or how hard they work, the system is simply against them.  Food stamps often get stolen, welfare is turned on and off, there is a shortage of nurses in hospitals and job opportunities are lacking.  As imagined, this same depressing scenario applies to the school systems as well.  A lack of teachers, a lack of school supplies and a lack of eagerness to attend.  It absolutely breaks my heart that these people, especially the children, are trapped in this cage of misery and suffering.  Kozol's points and arguments on this subject matter make me wonder as a future teacher the small, yet meaningful, steps I could take to improve the lives of suffering children. 














https://www.enotes.com/topics/amazing-grace-jonathan-kozol 

As for the Black Lives Matter vs. All Lives Matter subject, this is a tough one.  While both statements are true, the addition of one to the other can lessen the meaning of the other.  To be more specific, when the phrase "all lives matter" follows "black lives matter", it is as if they are disregarding the reason people say "black lives matter" to begin with.  This phrase is in play because of the racism and and segregation that black people face.  When people fire back with "all lives matter", the emphasis on equality almost fades away, ironically.  By saying all lives matter, we are avoiding the problem by pretending like there is not one in existence and that we are all in equal standing.  Ww know that's not the case.  Of course everyones life matters, but we should not say that as a solution to the segregation African American's are trying to bring attention to.