Chapter One

Chapter 1 Quotes/Themes

Racial Prejudice

“My father had entered the hospital seeking help. But his face was unshaven, his clothes disheveled, his name unfamiliar, his address not in an affluent area. The hospital looked at him askance, insulted him with ridiculous questions, and basically told him to fend for himself. Now, my mother had to plan his funeral.” Pg. 14

Illustrating the clear unfairness of the situation of his father, Wes Moore shows that discrimination and prejudices put our society at risk, and are major issues that are still faced to this day. Wes’s father was denied proper medical care because of his appearance and the stereotypes associated with them, leading to his death. This case sends a particularly powerful message, implying that no person should be seen as lesser or unworthy based upon their appearance and background.

Domestic Violence and Women’s Rights

“She was caught in a familiar trap for young women and girls- the fantasy that she alone could change her man.” Pg. 9

Moore highlights that abusive fathers not only take a toll on their children, but also on their wives. Both of the mothers of the two Wes Moores experienced abusive relationships, demonstrating the commonality of such horrible experiences for women in a male dominated world. This reveals the tragedies of domestic abuse, as well as the sad fact that not all people can, or want to be changed. Women can be in danger in their own homes, and may believe that they can fix such situations, or that they will become better; however, this is not always true.

Absent Fathers

“Your father wasn‘t there because he couldn‘t be, my father wasn‘t there because he chose not to be. We‘re going to mourn their absence in different ways.” Pg. 3

While the Other Wes’s father left his family, the author Wes Moore’s father died. This prominent difference between the two Wes Moores has clearly played a major role in shaping their different lives. The reasons for abandonment clearly have different emotional tolls- although death being traumatic for a young child, an uninterested father sends a stronger message of abandonment, lowering self-worth. The Other Wes’s father chose not to be present, and he clearly stays bitter over this, whereas the first Wes can know that his father did not choose to leave him. 

The Importance of Education

“The letter Mary was hiding explained that the federal budget for Basic Educational Opportunity Grants – or Pell Grants- was being slashed, and her grant was being terminated...Mary realized the letter effectively closed the door on her college aspirations. She had already completed sixteen hours of college credits and would get no closer toward graduation.” Pg. 17

This quote demonstrates the strong correlation that exists between education and success. Mary, mother of two, realizes that without a proper education, she will not be able to obtain a better job and provide for her family. In an increasingly competitive world, college degrees are becoming necessary to obtain a well paying job.  Yet another controversy brought up includes education funding. It is unjust that a lack of funds can destroy dreams of obtaining an education and a better future, and a major question we face today is how to make education widely accessible and affordable to all?

“Mary was only a kid, but she made a pact with herself at that moment: she would get her education and leave the neighborhood no matter what it took.” Pg. 19

Growing up in a dilapidated neighborhood, education acted as a means of escaping for a young Mary, mother of “the other” Wes Moore. This quote illustrates the fact that education can save a person, providing individuals with more opportunities for the future.  Education offers individuals control over their lives, and the ability to work hard and strive towards meeting their goals, thus bettering their futures.