Tuesday, March 31, 2009

It is what it is

The south side of Chicago is home to several low socioeconomic individuals. Many of whom are very talented and capable beyond belief. I've seen, first hand, how these individuals are often labeled "lazy", "incapable", and sadly "good-for-nothing". Unfortunately, these inconsiderate adjectives are used to describe an array of "vulnerable" populations and many of these individuals are fully trying their hardest to better themselves to improve their state of living.

I think oftentimes vulnerable populations can only do so much given the resources and opportunities that their environment provides. Certainly a lot of that is true because stereotypes and labels have been nourished by generations of discrimination had hatred. But I really do believe that there are individuals within this "vulnerable" population who, even with the limited opportunities are still driven and able to better themselves and their families. That is not to say that there aren't people who make matters worse by listening to people who tell them that they wont amount to anything in life and choose to do nothing to better themselves. I think there are definitely two sides to this issue. At at the end of the day, these individuals are sometimes forced to cope with double standards and unfair conditions, but it is completely up to an individual to, at the bare minimum, have the will to achieve a better life.

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