Talking Points #1

In, Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation, Jonathan Kozol portrays the desperate lives of people in the South Bronx, New York. Kozol is known for inserting himself into poor and desperate areas of the country and reflecting on his experience. His liberal position argues that the people living in these communities are neglected of the same rights and opportunities as the rest of the country.

"The place that Cliffie is referring to turns out to be a waste incinerator that was put in operation recently over the objections of the parents in the neighborhood"

• Using poor neighborhoods as 'dumping grounds' is a common accusation made by activists. Some people consider an area like this to be a dumpster, often times literally a place to put trash and other unwanted things.
  
• This is also proof of one of Kozol's accusations, that these people are suffering from medical problems as a result of living conditions that are out of their control. He stresses that for many of these people the position they are in wasn't a choice, rather a result of being a victim to harmful systems that are in place.
  

"Unlike many children I have met in recent years, he has an absolutel literal religious faith."

• This is a bright spot in the reading. It is nice to hear that families living in these conditions have faith in something positive and healthy.
• Religion has been something that people in desperate conditions have turned to for centuries. Living in an area of the world where religious influence is small, I find this particularly interesting.

"A person who works in a real job at a place like Chemical Bank, she tells me, is a rare exception in the neighborhood"

• Another main concern for Kozol is people finding it impossible to find legitimate employment. Being unable to support themselves leads to people turning to crime and drug use.
  
• When people get caught in a system that gives them no opportunities, they usually get stuck there for life. This cycle continues to their children, and their families.
  

This reading was interesting, and very similar to his book Savage Inequalities. I tend to agree with Kozol's concerns and opinions regarding low income neighborhoods. I understand that his opinions are fairly liberal, but I think that in the areas of health care, housing and education, a liberal approach will be much more effective. In these areas, liberals tend to be more empathetic and compassionate. If people continue to blame the victims for being victims, their situation will never improve. Hopefully, a democratic president will be elected, and can begin a process of resolving some of these problems. It is a common belief that republican's 'cut-throat' tactics towards the lower class are the reason neighborhoods like the one Kozol visited, exist in the first place. Furthermore, electing another republican president will only ensure that the health care, housing and educational disasters that many people live in, will continue and become more severe. Pre-service teachers should consider the consequences this election will have on the educational system before they vote.

Is this reading an excerpt from an article, or a chapter from a book?