According to statistics, African American high school student’s graduation rate is at 69 percent. ( Education Statistics P1) This statistic is impacting since it is relatable to The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore Both Wes Moores’ lives significantly took different turns, what the outside expectations wanted was for them to fail. Outside expectations contributed to the other Wes because he became part of the stereotype of the average African American male, while Wes proved it wrong by becoming successful. Responsibilities play an important role in how their lives turn out. Wes was stuck in military school while the other Wes had kids had to support them as much as he could. In society, people are shaped by their stereotypes, …show more content…
The other Wes was a product of expectations, since his actions during his earlier years shaped him up to be a thug and fit the stereotype. For example, when he was playing football and a fight broke out, his madness over came him and almost ended up stabbing someone. This shows readers the other Wes is on his way to becoming part of what people expect of him.Wes was expected to become part of the expectations of the environment. Wes did not let that happen, he straightens up his act at Valley Forge. “If they expect us to go to jail, then that’s where we will end up too. At some point you lose control.” (Moore 26) This quote relates to Wes because he is the product of the stereotype when at some point they lose control. The other Wes is part of the expectations of being a failure society expects him to be a thug and that’s what Wes will become. Wes will do what society expects of him because he follows Tonys …show more content…
Once Wes was out he wanted to move on, start a different life and take care of his kids. His responsibilities grew just like his four kids grew and demanded things. This helped him become a hard worker, but not making enough money to sustain his children, led him to fit the expectations of others. They expected Wes to fail and that’s what he did, unfortunately he ended up in jail for the rest of his life due to his actions. “I didn’t have the energy for romantic rebellion- the responsibility of losing all control of my life was like a depthless black chasm that had suddenly opened up in front of me.” (Moore 83) Wes realizes that he is in a tight situation in which it can affect his entire life and can place him in the environments expectations like the other Wes. He should feel very thankful his mother acted rapidly and sent him away, otherwise who knows what other troubles Wes would get