Submitted by Andy, Mar 14, 2008 14:25

Why, oh, why, do all social commentators, from both sides of the political divide, keep missing the point about these kids from "the 'hood". The choices are not available to them as they are to the middle classes. If they were, then the ghetto would be a matter of choice, not social reality.
If properly paid jobs were there, most would go and get them; they are simply not there. But if all you've got is drugs and crime, what are going to do? Especially if the schools are not that good and the social environment is not that conducive to the enriching of ones mind - assuming you are capable of doing such things.
The Wire provided an insight, in no way did it show the real reality of people's lives.
Just because one person can do 'it', does not mean that everyone can. We are, after all, just human beings trying to make the best of what life has given us, in as straightforward, uncomplicated way. Being human always allows for things to get more complicated than they are or should be. Simply because that is the nature of the beast, so to speak.
Don't deride someone just because they cannot see an alternative or are denied that chance due to the social functioning of the society they live in. Maybe look at the causes, not just the consequences?

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