The Other Wes Moore Essay
“I sat back, allowing Wes's words to sink in. Then I responded, "I guess it's hard sometimes to distinguish between second chances and last chances"(Page 67). In "The Other Wes Moore" the environment of both Wes Moore's were completely different from each other. They both made some stupid decisions over time but who is perfect? It is expected of everyone to make some mistakes, in my opinion the main influence on their choices came from their environment. In their environment they had peers that would influence them to do things that they did not necessarily want to do. This caused them to get into trouble, but at the same token, their environment also gave them some opportunities to make it through some rough times. For Example: Wes #2 was ready to change his life around and was able to do that with a start. When he met with his friend Levy, Levy told him about Job Corps and Wes #2 decided to go. This essay describes the impact of the environment, neighborhood, and peers that reflected upon the Wes Moore’s. It also demonstrates the similarities and differences between people of the same origin.
If the Wes #2 had more positive influences he would have made a better life for himself. Eventhough he already had somebody trying to push him in the right direction (Tony), Wes #2 still had the young brother mentality which includes him wanting to do anything and everything his big brother did. For Example: Tony tells Wes #2 "Do as I say, not as I do.” This was Tony’s way of trying to tell his little brother that he was supposed to be a leader and not a follower. Mainly because he wanted the best for him. This plays a major part in Wes #2 actions throughout the book.
If Wes #1 did not have the support from his family he would have went down the wrong path, winding up in a similar predicament as Wes #2. Wes #1 had family to tell him the rights and the wrongs, such as; Mary told Wes #1, after receiving his report card “Well, your grades obviously aren't bad
If the Wes #2 had more positive influences he would have made a better life for himself. Eventhough he already had somebody trying to push him in the right direction (Tony), Wes #2 still had the young brother mentality which includes him wanting to do anything and everything his big brother did. For Example: Tony tells Wes #2 "Do as I say, not as I do.” This was Tony’s way of trying to tell his little brother that he was supposed to be a leader and not a follower. Mainly because he wanted the best for him. This plays a major part in Wes #2 actions throughout the book.
If Wes #1 did not have the support from his family he would have went down the wrong path, winding up in a similar predicament as Wes #2. Wes #1 had family to tell him the rights and the wrongs, such as; Mary told Wes #1, after receiving his report card “Well, your grades obviously aren't bad