Discourse Analysis (2)

Alex Grealish

Discourse Analysis (2)

Alden, Anton. "Long Term Effects of Public Housing on Children". Livestrong.com. Web.
23 August 2010

Anton talks about the "long-term negative effects" (Anton, 1) factors that children
face growing up in low income housing. The limited educational opportunities they face
living in such areas can then lead to employment difficulties as they move on. The
health issues that children face is another problem. These people don't have the
adequate amount of money to bring their kids to the doctor as often as needed. It is
mentioned by Anton that the cheap lead paints used in this housing if not treated
efficiently and promptly can lead to long term issues. The last factor that Anton brings
up and the one I feel most closely connects with my question is that of the exposer to
crime. The areas low income housing are located in can bring dangerous people and
opportunities in things like gangs and crime. Being surrounded and raised in
environments that have such things can affect the behaviors of children. There is a lot
of pressure to give in to the bad around them and do the wrong things. They have to
adapt to there surroundings, and this can be done so in such a way that changes them
for the worse.
I feel this article has much to do with babysteps in that the families in the
programs cannot always afford the best neighborhoods. On such low incomes its hard
to be picky and there are more important things such as food and shelter that come
first. These children are then more likely to be surrounded by these toxic environments
and more susceptible to giving in to the bad behaviors they see. I don't think this article
is being bias. There isn't any opinion stated, just facts and possibilities. The authors
ideas extended from mine when she states that these effects, "follow children
throughout their lives" (Anton, 1). This statement can definitely apply to the behavioral
aspect of the children in these situations. A question I have on the article would be what
are some specific examples that can support what the article is saying.