Differing Paths: The Impact of Influences on the Two Wes Moores

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The author Wes Moore and Wes Moore took two different pathways. What is upsetting is the fact that the people around both boys were either influencial or reserved. These people were constantly impacting them. It was stated that, “The second important aspect of networks is the actual substance of relationships as expressed through their function, including the kind and amount of support given and received by members,” (Roschelle, 1997). Both Wes’ were born in the same environment. What made their stories end differently were the actions taken by those around them. This means, the author Wes Moore was sent away by the help of those relationships, while the other Wes Moore was left to make choices on his own. What makes the author Wes Moore …show more content…

In the Journal of Youth and Adolescence it says how prevalent drug dealing is in inner cities. Adolescents Wes’ age are affected by it every day. Children who aren’t involved in it at the moment will more than likely be with time. It is said that African- American males over 16 who live in inner cities the likelihood of being involved in drug dealing is one in three. Wes was constantly experiencing actions of drug dealing because of Tony. Tony taught everything he knew to Wes; Ray would be the one to push his buttons. “Wes could only see red. He was blind with rage. Instincts kicked in. Tony’s words rang through his mind. Send a message,” (Moore,105). It turned into something that was common to him; it was becoming all that he knew. What came with selling drugs, were the perks. Wes became accustomed to luxury by the first time he wore the fancy headset. That headset was a gateway into a world of drug dealing. Shoes were something he was constantly buying and wasn’t going to stop. The money he earned was way more rewarding to him than the consequences. Wes never thought about the future, “He also didn’t feel burdened by the thought that early parenthood would wreck his future plans – because he didn’t really have any future plans,” (Moore,101). It was the lack of his support system that got him arrested and put in

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