There is a downward spiral in certain socio-economic areas that defies explanation but it is very real. I admire those who come her from afar, work hard and create for themselves the American Dream. Many times there is a support network of others who came before or others they want to help at home. Most of us who are native born are sons and daughters of an immigrant somewhere.
Ironically, I think that immigrants who come here actually have an advantage. There is a sort of collective “poor self-esteem” amongst many native born, poor Americans. And I think this rings true in “blighted” urban areas and destitute rural areas. Where the immigrant sees a land of opportunity, the domestic poor see oppression and see the odds stacked against them. Education is usually minimal or non-existent. Same for positive (or realistic) role models from their walk of life or alternative perspectives. Immigrant groups tend to help each other while domestic poor tend to drag each other down into the mud–they seem to not want their neighbors to succeed. I think there are many who pull themselves out of this cycle, but many fall prey to easy money (drug dealing and other illegal activities), substance abuse, etc.
It’s really sad and paradoxical and many sociology types have studied it and can’t find a way to fix it. I personally believe a message of hope will help, if only in a miniscule way.
