By DEVON FOX
The phrase "product of the environment" is an expression that states that a person may behave or act a certain way as a result of the community they live in. Each person is a product of the environment that was routine for him or her. For example, one may live in the suburban area of a southern town in Florida. Their characteristics may be largely different from the characteristic of one who lives in the rural area of Pennsylvania.
I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is commonly called "Chiraq" to those who have never been, due to the high reports of gun violence. I migrated to Atlanta, GA, this past August to attend Morehouse College. Here at Morehouse, I've met people from all over the country. People frequently assume that since I am from Chicago, I have a violent personality. Some even joke around and ask things like "Have you ever shot anyone?" or "Have you ever been shot at?" It's quite annoying. The truth is, although Chicago has a concentrated level of neglect and violence, everyone from Chicago isn't a killer. I am one of those people. I do have my own accounts and experiences with stereotypical Chicago, though.
Growing up, I was always more observant and reserved. Violence and drugs were always in my proximity due to the neighborhood I lived in. Although I am familiar, I never gave in the "live fast, die young" lifestyle. I like to use my accounts with my community to guide me to a better lifestyle. For example, my past experiences taught me how I should act and behave to distance myself from the dangers of urban America. Experiencing losing a friend or family member, both of which I have already experienced, has strengthened my drive to become successful and better the place that made me who I am today.
The phrase "product of the environment" is an expression that states that a person may behave or act a certain way as a result of the community they live in. Each person is a product of the environment that was routine for him or her. For example, one may live in the suburban area of a southern town in Florida. Their characteristics may be largely different from the characteristic of one who lives in the rural area of Pennsylvania.
I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is commonly called "Chiraq" to those who have never been, due to the high reports of gun violence. I migrated to Atlanta, GA, this past August to attend Morehouse College. Here at Morehouse, I've met people from all over the country. People frequently assume that since I am from Chicago, I have a violent personality. Some even joke around and ask things like "Have you ever shot anyone?" or "Have you ever been shot at?" It's quite annoying. The truth is, although Chicago has a concentrated level of neglect and violence, everyone from Chicago isn't a killer. I am one of those people. I do have my own accounts and experiences with stereotypical Chicago, though.
Growing up, I was always more observant and reserved. Violence and drugs were always in my proximity due to the neighborhood I lived in. Although I am familiar, I never gave in the "live fast, die young" lifestyle. I like to use my accounts with my community to guide me to a better lifestyle. For example, my past experiences taught me how I should act and behave to distance myself from the dangers of urban America. Experiencing losing a friend or family member, both of which I have already experienced, has strengthened my drive to become successful and better the place that made me who I am today.