EXTENDED COMMENTS...Follow up to Adam's blog, AMAZING GRACE

Hello everyone,
Upon reading Adam Dutra's perspective on JONATHAN KOZOL: AMAZING GRACE,
I wanted to add my own perspective and point of view, my Extended Comments on Adams'.


Adam made a great point about being raised in a nice, quiet, trouble-free affluent suburbia of Bristol, RI, or so he thought, until he was old enough to see and realize that no such place really exist. He realized that there too, was ongoing drug abuse, harsh drugs, which recently took the lives of three teenagers. He also talks about alcohol abuse, homelessness and even a shooting at Colt State Park, where it is seen a one of the nicest, safest family friendly parks in RI.

The main point I want to add to Adam's discussion is that 'just because you don't see the problem, doesn't mean it isn't there.' In other words, a city, town or community that possess some power and privilege are much more capable of hiding their truths. Upper class families in these communities have the financial means and perhaps some political power to be able to handle and perhaps 'be rid' of the negative attention/situations that may arise that would blemish their family name and community. They are also in a position to get medical, psychological and the best educational assistance for their children.


Now, when it comes to The Bronx, NY, for assistance, it is not a community of power and prestige.
They do not have the means to get the medical care, for assistance, drug rehab, detox centers and commitment to education. I don't think there is anyone fighting for them. When people are in a state of such despair, I think it is extremely difficult for them to come out of it without strong outside intervention.


 Their lives and dire situations are not being protected and hidden from the outside the world.

Then end.

Adam, thank you for the great article you wrote. It made me realize I too had perspectives I wanted to add on to yours.