An impression that many American's have is that people, who live in impoverished neighborhoods, are lazy and refuse to work. They feel that this is the reason they do not succeed in life. A book that discusses this and related topics is Amazing Grace written by Jonathan Kozol. The quote "If people in Amazing Grace, would only apply themselves more, they would greatly improve their lives" brings up undecided feelings within me. The setting of Amazing Grace is in the South Bronx, in a community where 44% of the population lives below the poverty line, the opportunities are scarce and oppression is high. It is one of the most polluted boroughs of New York, and has one of the highest rates of some illnesses, such as asthma and AIDS. The Bronx is not cut off from the world though opportunities do exist. Programs such as the YMCA and Kips Bay Big Brother Big Sister programs are in place to support children to help them succeed. Welfare programs, drug abuse counseling and other programs are in place to help adults who may need assistance. The above statements are evidence toward both views of the before mentioned quote.
             The South Bronx, which is not on any map, might be called more of a state mind. "The people that come from the South Bronx hold it as a badge of honor...it means they're tough."(Bronx Beat 18) Deborah Harris said describing herself as a 30-something executive secretary and lifetime borough resident, during an interview about where she grew up. "You have to deal with a lot of pressure to sell drugs, and to commit crimes,"(Bronx Beat 18) said Barragh Seeranthin, who said he was from Castle Hill during an interview, in the South Bronx. The children in Amazing Grace grow up knowing about heroin or as they call it the needle drug, watching dealers on the corners, and in some cases, are born already addicted to cocaine and other drugs. Sara, Charlayne's older adopted daughter of six, had enough...