I am currently reading the book Random Family, about life (and death) in the Bronx during the mid to late 80-ies. I picked it up because it was recommended by a Norwegian journlist and author, Åsne Seierstad - she has written a similar type of book from Afghanistan and one from Serbia, none of them as gritty or long (in terms of following the same people closely over time - she has revised the Serbian book a couple of times, going back and visiting those who are still alive and still want to talk).
Eight miles of murder is a well written piece from the Guardian, on the area knwon as 8th mile, featured in songs by Eminem - and the backdrop for the movie with the same name.
So what is the connection here? That in many ways, life in parts of the USA - or for parts of the population - is in many regards a lot worse than in actually war-torn countries around the globe. That crime and despair does more to ruin hope and fortune, than actual bombs and lack of 'freedom'.
It is easier to care for those in the far off places, than those who are mostly removed by means and oppourtunuties. It is far to easy to look the other way, or to focus on the big malls, the department stores and the Hollywood image. But America (and in some regards Europe as well) is basically stading on the backs of the poor, the - almost to literarely - down-trodden.
we live our life, hoping, praying, that it won't happen to us - that "they" will remain someone else, out of sight, out of earshot, just around the corner.'
...and this seriously needs a good edit and a couple of more paragraphs tomorrow, time permitting - but i'll post this rough stream of consiousness version for now.
