According to Bilial Abdul Quyyum, co-chair of the antiviolence group Men United for a Better Philadelphia, feelings of hopelessness driven by unemployment and poverty lead to the kind of anger that turns arguments into murder (Metro). There is some truth to this statement. I do believe that the lack of job opportunities do make people hostile and they tend to give up. I know this because I am a case manager for one of the city’s many welfare to work programs.
I see clients on the daily basis who have the potential to change their lives but there are too many obstacles blocking their road. Many people become a product of their environment. It is hard to break free from the norm of what you see in your everyday life. Some people are open to change and others are resistant. You can only help those who are willing to help themselves. I must be an optimist because I try to see the good in everyone and I have had the opportunity to turn a “gangsta” into a man who earns over 35,000 a year. And that is why I can say that I am able to sleep at night. I may not be able to help everyone, but I sure do try.