I grew up runnin through the 9th ward. Street life was basically a way of life back then. I had a gun before I had my license. I didn't want to shoot any body, but I darn sure didn't want to get shot slippin either. At 15 I started slangin dope in the desire housing projects. By no means proud of it, but I thought that was what you had to do to get by in the world. At 16 I got 3rd degree burns over a third of my body or so working one of those "real world" jobs. Getting burned by 700 degree roofing asphalt isn't a walk in the park either. I started to educate myself after that. I darn sure didn't want to ever be in that position again.
Today, I think I have made it pretty good for myself, considering.
I don't doubt how bad any of you might have it, but if you wanna see a real "Ghetto" you come on down here to N'awlins. I will not walk through Desire again if you gave me a truckload of money, and I know people there. Last month some rookie cop that transfered in from out of town tried to arrest a street corner thug (low ball dope dealer sellin $10 bags of whatever kinda drug he had on him). Long story short, luckily the cop made it back to his car, but it took swat to get him out of the "ghetto"