1.

The setting in the Bronx where the author and the other Wes Moore grew up is
described. He talks on the unwritten "rules" that control life in the Bronx, especially in
areas with high levels of crime and poverty. Keep a constant eye on your surroundings.
People in the Bronx are always alert, looking out for any threats and risks. You might
become a target for bullies or other predators if you exhibit weakness or vulnerability. In
the Bronx, respect is something that is highly prized and that must be gained via acts
and behavior. Loyalty to one's family, friends, and neighborhood is regarded as being of
utmost importance. Violence is occasionally required. Violence can be justified as the
sole course of action in situations of threat or danger. Overall, the Bronx is portrayed as
having a harsh and unforgiving environment where residents must continually negotiate
a confusing web of social norms and expectations in order to exist.

2. Wes and Justin both attend Riverdale Country School, a prestigious private school in
New York City, and the author covers their social lives there. The author compares and
contrasts his and the other Wes' drastically different experiences at this school. Privilege,
riches, and high expectations typified the Riverdale social environment for Wes and
Justin. The school's students were from wealthy households and had access to a variety
of opportunities and resources. Both academic excellence and involvement in
extracurricular activities were demanded of them. This comparison is used by the author
to demonstrate how social and economic disparity can affect a person's prospects and
experiences in life.

3. Uncle Howard organizes a weekend retreat for a group of kids from Riverdale Country
School and the Bronx in an effort to conduct a social experiment. The initiative aimed to
introduce the students to one another's worlds and inspire them to find points of
commonality. The youngsters from Riverdale and the Bronx initially had trouble relating
to one another during the retreat. The less formal and more confrontational
communication style utilized by the Bronx kids at first made the Riverdale students feel
uneasy, while the Bronx teens were frightened by the riches and status of the Riverdale
students.The project ultimately succeeded in encouraging empathy and understanding
among the kids. This is cited by the author as an illustration of how deliberate attempts
to eliminate barriers between people can promote more social peace and
comprehension.

4. The author briefly touches on how governors determine the number of future beds
needed for prisons in their states. The author notes that this decision is often based on
projections of future crime rates and the perceived need for increased law enforcement.
Governors and policymakers often use recidivism rates to predict future demand for
prison beds. The author notes that this system creates a vicious cycle, in which
increased incarceration leads to increased recidivism and a need for even more prison
beds. He argues that this system is ultimately harmful, both to individuals who are
caught up in the criminal justice system and to society as a whole.
5. Mary was worried about the high levels of crime and violence in the Bronx and wanted to
give her family a safer environment to leave the perils of the Bronx. She thought that
relocating to a more tranquil, suburban setting would lessen their exposure to crime and
increase their sense of security. Mary wanted to provide her children with access to
better educational options because she was aware that the public schools in the Bronx
were sometimes understaffed and underfunded. She thought that her kids would receive
a better education from the schools in Dundee Village. Mary wanted to offer her children
a fresh start and a shot at a better life, and she saw the move to Dundee Village as a
means to do so. She assumed that putting her family in a safer, wealthier neighborhood
would increase their possibilities and help them achieve.

6. Financial requirement, Wes believes that the only way he can provide for himself and his
family is by dealing drugs. He mentions that his mother is having a hard time making
ends meet and that he needs to help support the family financially. He argues that even
if it is illegal, selling drugs is a simple and fast method to generate money. Peer
pressure, Wes experiences peer pressure and environmental pressure to commit
crimes. He observes that many of his pals distribute drugs, and that doing so is regarded
as a means of gaining respect and status in his neighborhood. He believes that in order
to blend in and be accepted, he must take part in these activities. Wes believes that he
has few other alternatives available to him due to a lack of other opportunities. He points
out that the employment market is competitive and that he lacks the qualifications and
education necessary to land a well-paying position. Even though it is dangerous and
illegal, he views drug sales as a means of escaping poverty and building a better life for
himself. Overall, Wes justifies his choice to work in the drug trade as a means of
providing for his family, establishing himself as a respected member of his society, and
improving his own life. Although he is aware of the risks and hazards, he still believes it
to be his only viable option.

7. The joy of financial success, Wes mentions that one of the thrills of generating rapid
money was one of the aspects of drug dealing he appreciated. He talks about how it felt
to count his profits and to be in charge of his financial condition. the anxiety of being
discovered, Wes understands the fear that comes with drug peddling even if he enjoys
the cash benefits. He says he had to be on watch all the time since he was constantly
concerned about being apprehended by the authorities. Wes also considers how using a
headset makes one less human. He says that because he was continuously responding
to his customers' demands, he felt like a machine. He talks about how it felt like he had
no control over his time or his life because he was continually interrupted by the
headset's blaring. Wes has a complex perspective on his experiences providing drugs
and donning a headgear as a whole. He admits the activity's dehumanizing aspects as
well as its financial benefits and associated hazards and dangers.