? (Kozol, 34).
I think that what Kozol says in this quote is very interesting. It had never really occurred to me to look into the way poor inner city kids are portrayed. When I saw these things in movies or on television, it was something that I just automatically believed. Apparently media isn't something to always be trusted.
The children whom Kozol speaks to in his book, answer his questions in a truthful manner and speak of atrocious things which children should never know of. Even though these children and adolescents have seen the very dark side of life, they are still kids. A reader may find it hard to remember this while reading the things that the kids say. They speak about unimaginable crimes and routine gunshots, friends and family who have been killed, and the drug dealers everywhere they turn. The kids talk about seeing people shooting drugs up their arms, they talk about the candles that light up the sidewalk after someone has been shot down there. Many of them talk about actually seeing shootings take place. After listening to what these kids have been through, it is hard to believe that this is still our wealthy, justice for all,land of opportunities? country. .
When Kozol goes to talk to groups of children whose ages range from seven to eighteen, he encourages them to speak about their environment and their feelings, thoughts and opinions on things. He gets answers that would make America cringe with sadness. When asked if America is a good country, a nine year old girl replies with a flat outno.? Another child describes their world. You hear shooting at night. I pray that someone in my family will not die.? (Kozol, 34) .
Kozol asks the youth how it feels for them to be living where they live. A fifteen year old girl describes it as feeling hidden. Her sixteen year old half sister says that she believes that if New York City woke up one day and poor people were gone, the city would be relieved.