"On Skid Row"

In a class I was able to watch the video “On Skid Row,” and I can say that it was very overwhelming and devastating to say the least.

Never have I ever seen footage of such a dilapidated area characterized by extreme poverty, crime, and drug abuse. To witness, although not physically, such inhumane living conditions and ways of life of so many individuals was just sickening and disheartening. I now understand the fears that they all have living there from day to day while just hoping to make it to the next. It was even more saddening to realize that some of the children that live there really have no control over it. Since their parents live there, they were obviously born into the horrid surroundings against their will. And now they are stuck there with no opportunity and no hope, privileges most children enjoy while growing up. Every human being deserves to be treated with equality and respect and should be able to have a bright future; however for those on skid row, it is dim and unlikely to be anything but depressing and negative.

After realizing this, the footage really prompted me to want to help and make a difference for people like those living on skid row. The scale of the situation is obviously too large for just one person to take on, but that is why those willing to help must band together. I believe that together we can all make a difference one step at a time to offer the people living in conditions like that of skid row hope and opportunity.