. In this reading, Kozol brings up many points that Kristof brought up in his "Land of Limitation". The difference is Kozol brings these points up in a manner where you can feel the connection based on the stories being told from his time in the South Bronx. The significance of Kozol's stories is that he was an outsider doing studies or LIVING in this totally different world, "I felt a long way from Manhattan". These outsider stories that Kozol provides to us shows the difference in cultures and the realization of the water in which different cultures swim. To Kozol, being in the South Bronx was a total culture shock to him. For others such as Ms. Washington or young Cliffie, this was their world. Many could recognize that this area full of drugs, illnesses, and deaths was not a desirable place. However, like Kristof argued, poverty was nothing more than a cycle or a system in which the poor have a hard time breaking out. It is clear to see this when Kozol explains the second time he visits Ms. Washington at her home, as he explain her welfare issues.
With Manhattan and the South Bronx being so closely connected with two different cultural lifestyles and poverty levels, I began to think and notice how many places there are in Rhode Island alone with different cultures and poverty levels. The question to me is do we as people all see this poverty breakdowns in our cities, states, and country? Or do we "swim in the water" ignoring what could be happening next door or down the street from us?
I never took the perspective of placing this type of situation to Rhode Island. I think this is a very interesting way to look at it. I too wonder where in providence is there cities that people are essentially "trapped" in because they have no way of leaving.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Ilana, I never really took it to see it in that view. & yes, it is very interesting! I really enjoyed reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteThe differences in cultures and environment are greatly depicted in the photo you posted. It shows the horrible living situations of some with the skyline of a better living just behind it. It makes you realize these types of things happen so close to "better" areas yet it still seems to go unnoticed.
ReplyDeleteIt's so different to think about this circle of poverty within your own home state so the questions you raised were so interesting. Hopefully we're learning to start seeing the water that we swim in and begin questioning where this circle of poverty exists.
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