Poverty
Our main reading for the subject of poverty will be Alex Kotlowitz’s book “There are No Children Here.” This work of nonfiction explores growing up in Chicago’s projects. We see life through the eyes of Lafeyette and Pharoah, two brothers who try to find joy amidst gunfire and gangs. It is a sad, horrifying book, but an important one nonetheless. I like it because it personalizes the projects and project life. It humanizes the people, shows their desperation and desire to succeed under incredibly adverse circumstances.
Discussion questions will include:
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1.) Describe Lafeyette and Pharoah’s personalities
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2.) Why are they afraid to play basketball?
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3.) What role does the gang leader Jimmy Lee play in his community?
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4.) Why did Chicago’s Mayor Jane Byrne sleep at the projects for one week?
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5.) What does the title “There are No Children Here” refer to?
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6.) What means of escape do Lafeyette and Pharoah have?
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7.) What type of mother do they have?
Another suggested reading for this topic is the poem “The Poor”, by William Carlos Williams, also in “The Little, Brown Reader.” My planned activity is a field trip to the welfare office, and the writing assignment is to interview someone on welfare. In addition an interview with a local alderman or congressperson will be required.