dc_dux

I dont believe the problem is as simple as blaming it all on self-victimization, which, as I read it, is the thrust of the OP.

Absoutely, personal responsibility and a value system that honors education and hard work is central to a postive change for one's family and close community. But there are larger societal issues as well that contribute to the ongoing cycle of poverty.

Two quick examples:
The disparities in education funding (shesus - compare your school to a school in a wealthy or middle class suburb - the basic infrastruture, the teaching tools, etc. that make for a far less inviting learning environment).

The disparities in lending (a hard-working person in the community putting his/her savings in a neighborhood branch of a national bank, hoping to buy that vacant lot in the OP and start a small business, but faces redlining from that same bank which wont lend that hard-working depositor money to start that business).

And as to rap, doesnt some country music (at least before it became more mainstream) promote alcholism, adultery, "taking that job and shoving it" ?

I may have a second wind tommorrow.

Oh..and Shesus...I do applaud you for your personal commitment! Teachers are the most undervalued profession in the country, particular those who are willing to take on the added challenge of an inner-city school.

__________________
"The perfect is the enemy of the good."
~ Voltaire