The modern image of ghettoes is completely inaccurate. The white media is creating an image that does not address the problems of the poor living there. The social problems are glorified and made attractive for the white teenagers. That prevents any serious discussion of the real issues.
The article by Asante talks about ghettoes in detail. He tells how the word was first created in the 17th century to talk about Jewish neighborhoods. It was used much more since the Nazi government used the term to describe the places Jews were forced to live. It gives much more weight and history to the word. Originally, living in ghetto meant certain death. The author also mentioned that originally these neighborhoods in America were not so bad. They had local business and people supported each other. However, government programs like Urban Renewal and Interstates destroyed all of that. In the 1960s, the “hoods” started to resemble the overcrowded, unsanitary Nazi death camps. All of these things made me really think again about the impact segregation can have. Moving all poor Blacks into one neighborhood made all the problems they faced worse. They had worse hospitals and schools. They had no jobs, and no business opened there. Ghettoes just compressed all the people who needed help and allowed the government to forget about them (Asante 40).
I also think that the article shows why the word “ghetto” is important. It is a term with long and cruel history. It relates to segregation and injustice against Jews and Blacks. However, some people think that the word has been misused too much. Lynda Laughlin writes that the word should not be used since it does not represent the complexity of social problems in the country (Niedowski par. 5). She also tells that the term is misused too often and no longer represents what it used to mean. I cannot agree with that. I think the word “ghetto” has too much history and importance to simply stop using it. Maybe, we do need more words to reflect different aspects of neighborhoods, but it does not mean we can ignore the old definition and all of its complexity. Instead, people should be reminded of how this word was created and how it was used before the popular culture changed it. We must remember what geographical segregation means and how it affects people. I also think it is important to stop people from using “ghetto” as an insult. Currently, even somebody like Michelle Obama can be called a “ghetto girl” to accuse her of being somebody unfit for high society (Toure par. 15). That stupidity is awful. People need to be reminded that circumstances affect people. History of ghettoes in Europe and America illustrates that. And that is why the term is important and must not be forgotten.
The overall presentation of the article by Asante is somewhat questionable. While presenting the ghetto as a person is interesting, I think this approach is a little too light-hearted. The topics covered by the author are rather grim and awful. Using the personalization makes the discussion less weighty. I just feel it is not very appropriate. However, despite this complaint, I think Asante presents the history of ghettoes very well. The article explains how much historical importance the word “ghetto” has and why it is essential to remember that history.
Works Cited
Asante, Molefi K. It’s Bigger Than Hip-Hop. New York, NY: St. Martin’s Press, 2008. Print.
Niedowski, Erika. “Ghetto”: Just What Do You Mean by That?” Washington City Paper 2009. Web.
Toure. “Black and White on Martha’s Vineyard.” New York Magazine 2014. Web.