
Kids from poor families who believe that our social system is fair have lower levels of self-esteem, poor classroom performance and greater rates of delinquency by the time they’ve reach the eighth grade. By this age, they have the ability to understand power, privilege and systematic discrimination.
When people think their lot in life is their fault, a paralyzing hopelessness sets in. They believe they can’t escape their condition, so they see themselves as worthless and act out.
Teaching these kids about how the system works and when it doesn’t helps them to cope with their situation and see that they can influence their destiny.
They get an education and training that results in a job with a living wage. It’s an escape from poverty and despair. They can take responsibility for their lives and participate in the economy.
Claudia
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