So on Friday during class we took a poll about if you agree or disagree with some item on the "US and us" paper. One of the controversial items that we picked out as a class was the one that said, "Geography is our destiny; where you live determines who you become." On the sheet, I said I disagreed with the quote, but now, looking back at it, I realize how strongly I disagree with it. I do not at all believe that where we live determines who we become. Just because we live in a community and go to a school that is more well off than other places, in Chicago, or even the rest of the world, does not mean that we are going to be more successful in life than those who do not. I strongly believe that the people in the world who do not have any money or any place to live could become one of the most successful people in the world, because they challenge themselves to do so.
Another point is that because Chicago is such a nice place to live, we get all of the supplies we need to survive. If I went to New York City, another nice place to live, I could struggle and become an entire different person with an entire different life there. However, it is true that some people in New York do live the same lives we do.
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2 comments:
Very interesting post. I have to say that I agree and disagree with your view. I agree partially that the people in less "well off" areas can become just as or even more successful than us or other wealthy areas. And some people in wealthy areas don't take advantage of the opportunities given to them and some people just plain fail while other succeed from their are. That is just one area, so there is no one destiny. But I also disagree with you on the fact that they hold different values and have less opportunities. Look at some rappers, for example. Many of them came from very poor childhoods and then when they get all of the money they earn, they just go out a waste it because they were never taught to invest their money, so they have to come out with new songs very rapidly to pay off bills and stuff.
To follow up on what Joe said, this is a very thoughtful post and is very well written, but wih all due respect, i disagree completely with what you said. I like your example of New York, but i think a better example would've been a place such as Africa, or if you want to look to the US, Compton, or any other ghetto. If you start at a disadvantage, such as growing up in the ghetto, which i do believe is a disadvantage, i think that it is much harder to be successful. If you live in a ghetto, there are, not to stereotype the ghetto, drugs and violence constantly around you and it is hard to avoid it and not get involved in it. Growing up in a less affluent community would, in my opinion, believe you to have less of a chance at life, and to have the same chances and opportunities we do in the North Shore, you would have to work much harder then we do. This is unfortunate but true, and i know it may be hard to swallow, but just imagine growing up in the ghetto. Do you honestly think that you will become a millionare just by looking around? If you live in the North Shore you certainly think you have this chance, but if you liv ein the ghetto you most certainly do not, so you do what other people try to do to get out, you sell drugs and try to make money, again, not to stereotype. Again, great post, sorry i have to disagree but i think it's hard to face the facts but eventually you have to.
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