Jonathan Kozol is the author of Amazing Grace. In the text, Kozol writes about people living in the south side of the Bronx. He begins by describing the area, he mentions that Mott Haven is home to some of the poorest people in New York City. The living conditions in this area are beyond poor. Families are struggling to afford the basic necessities to live. Kozol also describes that these people are living in very close proximity to each other, to make these living conditions even worse they have to deal with cockroaches and rats in their house.
Kozol learns about the tragedies and struggles that the area faces through speaking with and listening to the locals. This community suffers from drug abuse, prostitution, violence, and disease. People who are gravely ill frequently aren't even able to seek the assistance they require. The hospitals in this region lack the medical supplies necessary to save lives, are grossly understaffed, and are filthy and overrun with illness. The prevalence of AIDS, tuberculosis, and other deadly illnesses is all too high. When crime and violence proliferate and overwhelm the streets, anxiety and depression take control.
The people within this community need help and resources to better their lives. It's unfortunate that those with power are not doing anything to help those with less. Though I couldn't begin to comprehend the struggles this community faces, I can appreciate how fortunate they are. I'm aware of how many things in my life I have to be grateful for. Acknowledging my privilege and how it affects my day-to-day activities is essential to starting to comprehend the world and people surrounding me. I hope that everyone will have equal and shared power at some point. Then and only then can our society be just.
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