OUR AMERICA IDA B WELLS

Based on what I've read so far I know that you can never be a kid in the ghetto. The characters from "Our America" state that as a child in the ghetto you have to have an adult mind. He said at the age of ten he knew where drugs came from, all different types of guns, sex, etc. So in the ghetto the children know more than a nerdy adult. The writer introduced me to the characters and text that will follow by showing their lifestyle and the things that go on in the ghetto.

I dont feel connected to characters in the book, because I do know about all those things but I didnt know about every one of them at such a young age. I feel disconnected with the characters in the book because I never stayed in project housing or the ghetto, but I learned these things fast. The experience and expertise I have that helps me relate to the characters in this book is its harder to make it when you come from a background that is not successful or have family or friends who haven't made it. I, personally have parents that are successful therefore it is easier for me to be successful. On the other hand I have family and friends who have been very unsuccessful. Some highschool drop outs, incarcerated, etc. that may influence me to be on their level. I do things to an extent, because I know what type of future I want.

I think the characters in my book are going to look at their surrouindings and say to themselves this aint what I want. They are going to try to become productive citizens in society and not just another stereotype. They are going to want to make it out of the "hood" so they can have a better future and life for their children . The connection with me and the characters make me more interested in the book. Thats the reason I picked it. Its hard to be a black and live in America (especially coming from the projects). Thats what my mother told me. I believe it because from previous experience it is true