Applying a Lence of The Wire, Season 4 - Research Paper Example

They carry the burdens of problems supposedly faced by their parents but because a father is in jail or a mother has nothing to do but get into her addictions, the children who are supposed to stay in school and think about nothing else but their lessons, instead, stay on the streets to sell drugs and earn. With such kinds of life, the students are exposed to hardships that pressure them to cheat in order to survive and consequently apply it in school. To the police, the students are just like their parents, drug dealers and cheaters who are threats to the peace and order of the community.

They know they are selling drugs and they are watched like adults. Sometimes, they are also made as assets when the opportunity arises. They know they are tough so that even if they are young, they play rough with them. The kids’ parents look up to them to take responsibility in their families. For instance, Michael is expected to provide for the family’s needs and in the eighth episode of season 4, he even gives his mother money (34:37) instead of the mother giving him what he needs. The familial and environmental backgrounds of the children demand them to become tough as they are and lost interest in schoolwork.

However, to the teachers, the children are still children and human beings. Although most of them are failing in their classes, the teachers like Prezbo, do their best to let the children learn. The sad thing is; there are also teachers who look at the situation differently. As one teacher said, it is not about the kids but it was about Prezbo surviving (37:25). The conversation came up when Mr. Rolan Pryzbylewski, also known as Prezbo, brought to the attention of the other teachers the very high percentage of failing students who were not yet able to do basic mathematical applications their age mates are performing.

The reply was implied, that he should just let his students pass. One teacher suggested that he should not teach