Abstract This paper introduces the book "Streets of Hope" (Peter Medoff and Holly Sklar) about the Boston neighborhood of Dudley which went from being impoverished and run-down to become an example of what community spirit and determination can do to turn a place around. The paper examines the importance of the church in the inhabitants' spirit to improve their neighborhood. It also shows the book's emphasis on the will of the people to improve their lot and how they strive to move away from the stereotypical image of a welfare community.
From the Paper "While there may be people out there like that, the stereotype couldn't be farther from the truth for the residents of Dudley Street. They don't agree with the idea that all poor people are lazy, and laziness is why they are poor. Many people are poor due to other unfortunate circumstances, and some of them are not able to help themselves. The time and money to better oneself is often not there. Dudley Street is showing that people can make a difference in their communities, no matter whether they are poor or not. Anything can be made better if everyone is willing to work at it."
Abstract This paper reviews Peter Medoff and Holly Sklar's book 'Streets of Hope - The Fall and Rise of an Urban Community' discussing a community that transforms itself from the inside out. According to the authors, it is a "story of community rebirth" shaped "by the dreams of ordinary people of different races and generations".
Contents
Introduction
Book Review
Reflections On Reading
Conclusions
From the Paper "The authors present many ideas in their work. The primary suggestion or point the authors attempt to bring is that the "power of hope and pride" go a long way toward organizing and rebuilding developments when applied properly (Medoff & Sklar 3). Though the population within the Dudley community was generally poor and young and suffering from unemployment, the neighborhood still demonstrates some of the most diversity and industriousness of any other Boston town (Medoff & Sklar 3).
The authors also show that stereotypical images of inner city neighborhoods that commonly depict areas "full of hoodlums and not neighborly" do not apply in all cases including that of the Dudley district (Medoff & Sklar 4). In fact, despite the poverty and underemployment represented in this community, people retained values and a sense of collaboration and camaraderie."
