KOZOL (Argument)

In the article Amazing Grace by Jonathan Kozol, he writes about his experience visiting the South Bronx in New York City. He talks about the disparities and the horrifying state this area is in, while then giving statistics on its devastating conditions and the contributors as to why the environment and area is the way it is. Kozol writes about the area, specifically around St. Ann's Church and his adventure and tour where he was joined by a seven year old boy named Cliffe. Kozol uses this experience to depict his opinions and own personal insights about the area and uses Cliffe's stories and own experiences to back it up. While reading this article it allowed me to see what Kozol was arguing and the point of his overall purpose in writing this article in the first place.  St. Ann's Church area is just one of the many places in New York City that have been pushed aside and essentially become the city dumping ground. Due to the actions of the city and its decision to override the people of this neighborhood it is a place with high crime, disease, and poverty. Cliffe talks about the incinerator that was placed there by the city, even though it was not originally supposed to be placed there. The incinerator burns waste and body parts disposed of by the hospital, and is now located in the South Bronx after complaints trickled in about its original location. It is now in an area that was already suffering in poverty and devastated by drugs and disease. Cliffe also talks about the unspoken logistics of an illegal dumping system, basically telling Kozol that it is the dumping ground for everything unwanted in New York City. Cliffe speaks about the market where he says it is the place to get drugs and that the illegal trash pile up is where sometimes those who have nothing, get what they need in order to survive, no matter how unsanitary. If the city treats people this way how are children supposed to grow up and be successful? When the city and those who are in financial power have made it impossible for their loved ones to raise them and have pushed people into poverty, how are people supposed to sustain life? It has created unbearable living conditions and is a enormous contributor to the disadvantage of children.