replye to these TWO discussion in 150+ words.
ONE:
1. In the realm of housing, discrimination against families with children is a deeply troubling issue that raises questions about fairness and equal opportunity. Pam and Ned’s experience in Evicted vividly illustrates the challenges faced by families with children when seeking housing. Should they receive protection? Absolutely. Housing discrimination against families with children not only violates the principle of equal access to housing but also has significant implications for the well-being and stability of those families. Denying housing to families with children perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality by limiting their access to safe and stable housing, educational opportunities, and community resources. Protecting families with children in housing applications can help mitigate these barriers and promote more equitable access to housing.
The absence of explicit protection for families with children in the Fair Housing Act of 1968 reflects broader societal attitudes and biases prevalent at the time. In the 1960s, there may have been less recognition of the unique challenges faced by families with children in the housing market. Moreover, the focus of the Fair Housing Act was primarily on addressing racial discrimination and segregation, overlooking other forms of discrimination such as familial status. Over time, as awareness of housing discrimination against families with children has grown, there have been efforts to address this issue through legislation and advocacy.
2. Vanetta’s case in Chapter 22 highlights the critical role that information and advocacy play in the criminal justice system. The failure of her public defender to adequately present Vanetta’s circumstances, including her attendance at GED classes, childcare responsibilities, and efforts to secure housing, deprived the court of crucial context for understanding her situation. This information could have humanized Vanetta in the eyes of the court, potentially leading to a more lenient sentencing or alternative interventions that address the underlying issues contributing to her situation. The failure to consider such factors underscores the systemic injustices within the criminal justice system, where individuals like Vanetta may be unfairly penalized due to their socioeconomic circumstances.
3. Desmond’s views on home in the Epilogue resonate deeply with the fundamental importance of stable housing in human flourishing. Home serves as more than just a physical shelter; it is a sanctuary where individuals and families can thrive, build relationships, and pursue their aspirations. However, unstable housing disrupts this foundational aspect of human life, undermining personal identity, community engagement, and opportunities for advancement. Without stable housing, individuals and families face constant insecurity and instability, hindering their ability to invest in themselves, their families, and their communities. Addressing housing instability is therefore essential for realizing the vision of America as a place of opportunity and empowerment for all its citizens.
4. Reading Evicted can indeed inspire a desire to help others facing similar challenges. To get involved, one could consider volunteering with local organizations that provide housing assistance, legal aid, or support services to low-income families and individuals. Additionally, advocating for policies and initiatives aimed at addressing housing affordability, homelessness, and housing discrimination can contribute to broader systemic change. Websites like justshelter.org can be valuable resources for identifying opportunities to support and get involved with organizations working on housing justice issues in one’s community. By taking action to support vulnerable populations and address the root causes of housing instability, individuals can make meaningful contributions to building a more equitable society.
TWO:
1. The discriminatory practice of landlords turning down rental applications from families with children, as depicted in Chapter 19 of Matt Desmond’s “Evicted,” raises important questions about housing policy and protections for vulnerable populations. Families with children should indeed receive protection when seeking housing, as they face unique challenges and often encounter discrimination in the rental market. Housing stability is crucial for children’s well-being, as unstable housing situations can negatively impact their education, health, and overall development. Providing protection for families with children helps ensure equal access to safe and adequate housing, promoting stability and opportunity for children and their families.
The absence of specific protections for families with children when Congress passed the Fair Housing Act in 1968 reflects historical attitudes and biases regarding family structure and housing. At the time, societal norms often favored traditional nuclear families and may have overlooked the needs and rights of other family compositions, such as single-parent households or families with multiple children. Additionally, the focus of the Fair Housing Act was primarily on combating discrimination based on race, color, religion, and national origin, reflecting the pressing civil rights issues of the era. However, as societal attitudes evolve and awareness of housing discrimination grows, there is increasing recognition of the importance of protecting families with children in the rental housing market. Efforts to address this issue include advocating for legislation that explicitly prohibits discrimination based on familial status and implementing measures to enforce fair housing practices for all individuals and families seeking housing.
2. Vanetta’s public defender may have failed to mention her attendance at GED classes, provision of childcare, and efforts to find housing due to a combination of factors. Firstly, the public defender might have been overwhelmed with a high caseload, leading to limited time and resources to thoroughly present Vanetta’s background and circumstances. Secondly, there could have been a lack of communication between Vanetta and her attorney, resulting in crucial information not being conveyed effectively.
Had this information been presented, it could have humanized Vanetta in the eyes of the court, portraying her as someone actively working to improve her situation despite facing adversity. This could have elicited empathy from the judge and potentially led to a more lenient sentence. By highlighting Vanetta’s commitment to self-improvement and her responsibilities as a parent, her efforts to better her circumstances could have been considered as mitigating factors in her sentencing. Overall, the inclusion of this information could have provided a more nuanced understanding of Vanetta’s situation and potentially influenced the outcome of her case.
3. I wholeheartedly agree with Desmond’s perspective on the significance of home. A stable and secure home is indeed the cornerstone of a fulfilling life, providing sanctuary from the stresses of daily life and nurturing personal growth and identity. However, unstable housing undermines the realization of this ideal. Without a stable home, individuals and families are constantly grappling with uncertainty and insecurity, making it challenging to establish roots or feel a sense of belonging. The threat of eviction or homelessness looms large, perpetuating a cycle of instability that disrupts educational pursuits, undermines employment opportunities, and strains community engagement. Unstable housing deprives individuals of the stability and security necessary to thrive, hindering their ability to better themselves, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Thus, addressing the issue of unstable housing is essential for ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to realize the fundamental promise of home and fulfill their potential in American society.
4. While reading “Evicted” may have shed light on the struggles faced by individuals in similar circumstances to those depicted in the book, my personal situation as someone currently experiencing homelessness and dealing with familial challenges, such as a parent’s incarceration and another’s mental health issues, offers a unique perspective. Despite facing adversity firsthand, I still believe in the concept of radical free choice and upward mobility. My circumstances do not define my beliefs or limit my aspirations.
Rather than feeling inspired to help others based solely on the experiences depicted in the book, I am motivated by my own resilience and determination to overcome challenges. While I empathize with the struggles of those portrayed in “Evicted,” I also recognize the importance of self-determination and individual agency in shaping one’s destiny. Instead of focusing solely on helping others, I am committed to taking proactive steps to improve my own situation and create opportunities for myself, even in the face of adversity. Through perseverance, education, and seeking out supportive resources, I believe I can chart a path toward stability and success, inspiring others along the way through my example and advocacy for personal empowerment.
