In the sixth chapter "Hunted" the lives of both Wes moore's which at first were very similar are starting to show clear differences. The two themes of parallel biographies, and fate vs. free will are seen throughout this chapter.
Quote 1: "Teachers already dealing with overcrowded classrooms didn't have the time to teach Wes the basics he had missed...and once his first child was born he just stopped going"(p.119)
-In comparison to Wes who was currently excelling in military school, things were rough for Wes 2. Being involved in drug activities and violent behavior lead to Wes 2 spending time in prison and missing school. Wes 2 chose to act this way but the extra burden of a child at such a young age was also harsh. Even before he was an full adult he was labeled as an outcast similar to the millions of men discriminated against because of time spent in jail. Wes will most likely find difficulties providing for his family and be tempted to participate in illegal activities once again.
Quote 2: "for many members it was the only support system they had. It was family" (p.111)
-Many people relate their family to being safe or secure. But being safe and or secure has different meanings to different people. For Wes who had a positive environment and people around him, being safe meant free from conflict, violence or stress. But in the type of family that Wes 2 and many other young men had, family meant something totally different. It was a brotherhood but constantly included violence, fear from the police, and stress about following through on drug deals. This concept of "family" held by many ill advised young men makes having an actual family of their own a struggle.
-Many people relate their family to being safe or secure. But being safe and or secure has different meanings to different people. For Wes who had a positive environment and people around him, being safe meant free from conflict, violence or stress. But in the type of family that Wes 2 and many other young men had, family meant something totally different. It was a brotherhood but constantly included violence, fear from the police, and stress about following through on drug deals. This concept of "family" held by many ill advised young men makes having an actual family of their own a struggle.
Quote 3: "I felt like being at military school was keeping me in a bubble, ignorant of what was going on with my people on the outside"(p.118)
-Wes was experiencing things he never would have if he stayed in the bronx with his family. But this prestigious life came with a price. He was becoming out of touch with the real world where bad things happen. This ignorance may make the real world more devastating for Wes but in the long run he can take his experiences in military school and better his life.
-Wes was experiencing things he never would have if he stayed in the bronx with his family. But this prestigious life came with a price. He was becoming out of touch with the real world where bad things happen. This ignorance may make the real world more devastating for Wes but in the long run he can take his experiences in military school and better his life.
Quote 4: "But I had to let this one go. I had to look at the bigger picture" (p.121)
-This is the exact type of advice that could have saved the life of Wes 2 and many other people just like him. Many are faced with fate of not being born in a place where this advice is known. Instead both Wes and Wes 2 were taught early on to immediately react instead of thinking. Wes was very lucky to have a mother who was determined to make sure Wes learned this key life lesson.
-This is the exact type of advice that could have saved the life of Wes 2 and many other people just like him. Many are faced with fate of not being born in a place where this advice is known. Instead both Wes and Wes 2 were taught early on to immediately react instead of thinking. Wes was very lucky to have a mother who was determined to make sure Wes learned this key life lesson.
Quote 5: "Tonight , I ran through the same woods looking for safety, but in the other direction "(p.122)
-The Bronx society that Wes grew up in taught him that a place like military school was negative and offered no safety. But as Wes went through life he learned that it was a safe haven that taught him all the things he needed to know to be successful. Wes chose to embrace his experiences in military school for the better and let them lead him to a better life.
-The Bronx society that Wes grew up in taught him that a place like military school was negative and offered no safety. But as Wes went through life he learned that it was a safe haven that taught him all the things he needed to know to be successful. Wes chose to embrace his experiences in military school for the better and let them lead him to a better life.
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