Crime/Prison
“02.19/00, DUNDALK DISPATCH ADVISED THAT
BOTH OF THE MOORE BROTHERS ARE UNDER ARREST IN PHILADELPHIA! […] As word
spread, a collective sigh of relief seeped through Baltimore’s brisk winter
air. At home, Mary wept.” Pg. 155
This quote illustrates the various feelings towards crime and the
emotional toll it takes on all people involved. The Baltimore police force saw
arresting the Moore brothers as justice because it was possible one of them was
responsible for killing a fellow police officer. Conversely, Mary Moore saw her
two sons receive life sentences in prison. This demonstrates all negative aspects of crime. Choosing to
partake in criminal activity, Wes Moore was condemned to prison for life. A police
officer lost his life, and a mother lost her two sons. This reveals that crime
should never be a response as it deeply harms all people involved, from family
members to those who try to stop it. The distressing part of this all is that
some people turn to crime out of desperation, and may feel they have no other
choice.
“ Maybe it was because he’d never
thought long term about his life at all. Early losses condition you to believe
that short-term plans are always smarter. Now Wes’s mind wandered to the long
term for the first time. Finally, he could see his future.” Pg. 157
For the first time, Wes is able to see that his future is dim, and
that spending the rest of his life in prison is not only a possibility, but a
probable future. The fact that Wes never though long-term about his future,
demonstrates that many times individuals need to think of the future, no matter
how hard this may be to do. Spending the rest of one’s life in prison is an
oppressive, and depressing thought, and the severity of the punishment only
further reveals that crime does not pay, and punishments wait for those who partake
in criminal activity.
Poverty
“Living in the Bronx and Baltimore had
given me the foolish impression that I knew what poverty looked like. At that
moment, I realized I had no idea what poverty was- even in West Baltimore we
lived like kings compared to this.” Pg. 166
The description of seeing the poverty in South Africa above reveals
that poverty is widespread and people around the world face financial problems,
and consequently other problems that come along with them. This quote also
demonstrates the stark differences in the definitions of poverty across the
world, where a low-income family in Baltimore, could be considered rich in
South Africa. Moore reveals the imbalance of wealth across the world, and the
common hardships that people worlds apart may share.
Growing Up
“Here, burgeoning manhood was guided and
celebrated through a rite of passage. At home, burgeoning manhood was a trigger
for apprehension. In the United States, we see these same faces, and our reflex
is to pick up our pace and cross the street. And in this reflexive gesture, the
dimensions of our tragedy are laid bare. Our young men-along with our young
women- are our strength and our future. Yet
we fear them.” Pg. 170
Wes Moore, revealing the mixed emotions associated with growing up,
starkly contrasts the difference in attitude towards manhood/womanhood in South
Africa and the USA. Moore reveals that although the people are the same, their
attitudes may change, which is a daunting thought. The young men and women are
the future of the world, as one day, they will be the ones controlling it, and
raising future generations.
Growing up in a rough neighborhood, Moore understands that many may fear
young men, who have lived in dangerous areas surrounded by crime and drugs.
This quote also reveals the importance of ensuring that each person is brought
up well, educated, and in the future can be able to positively contribute to
the world.
“ Fighting for your convictions is
important. But finding peace is paramount. Knowing when to fight and when to
seek peace is wisdom. Ubuntu was
right. And so was my father. Watende, my middle name, all at once made perfect
sense.” Pg. 168
Wes Moore’s further realization on the importance of peace reveals the
fact that he has grown up, as well as demonstrates the mindset that many adults
who are admired have. Young men
and women may wish to impulsively seek revenge, or look for a fight, but being
a man or a woman means that each person selectively fights for what they
believe and look to find peaceful solutions. Moore conveys his realization on
the importance of peace by describing the thought process and wisdom involved
in making decisions. This realization and wise way of thinking changed the
author’s attitude, and better prepared him to face the world and life.
answer After living in South Africa, Wes reflects, “Here, burgeoning manhood was guided and celebrated through a rite of passage. At home, burgeoning manhood was a trigger for apprehension.” What does this quotation mean? Do you agree or disagree with Wes? Support your response
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