"Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation"
by Jonathan Kozol
Weekly reflection questions and discussion about the compelling story of the poor among us in our own country.
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Johnathan Kozol's book is about one of the largest racially segregated ghettos in our country. This is a very revealing book about the pain and struggle of the "poorest of the poor" within our own borders. Here are some thoughts to ponder as you read the first couple of chapters:
1. What has been your exposure and awareness of the poor in our midst?
2. What is your reaction to the deplorable conditions described?
3. Do we ignore and avoid the poor because they are out of sight and of a different skin color?
I love this book! It is really challenging me to reflect upon my own and others indifference--albeit unintentional. WE are so wrapped up in our own lives, the unfortunate seem so remote when I am surrounded by trying to afford ballet classes, vacations, cars that aren't rusty, etc. I wonder what die hard anitwelfare folks get from this book. Linnea Archer
Since the start of Lent I have been reading and re-reading some of these chapters and just wonder if some of the kids described couldn't be treated as real heroes and martyrs. We with so much seem to ignore and are ignorant of the "poorest of the poor". After reading this book I feel sad that my response to Mt 25: 31-46 is very insignificant. Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me. Bob Loechler
I really think the sentiment held by many of the people in this book is true. That society wants to forget, or pretend we don't have a part in the segreation of poor/unwanted. While I strongly feel differently, I look around and examine my choices. Many of my day to day choices support an economy of self, greed. I believe we as a collective society DO want to ignore and have "them" go away. Because if "we" truely felt differently, we would do something about it. And that would not just be $10.00 conscience saving donation to charity.
As one who feels so strongly about equality in every sense of the word, if I ignore the poor and destitute so my life can go on as desired, where does that leave others.
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