The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore

Chapter 2 and 3

DiscussionQuestions

Chapter 2:

The Other Wes:

  • List Wes’s agents of socialization at this point in his life. What specific influence does each one have?
  • Describe the society of the Murphy Homes? How is it different than the society outside the projects?
  • What impact did you think the fight had on Wes’ life?

Wes:

  • List Wes’s agents of socialization at this point in his life. What specific influence does each one have?
  • What examples of culture shock did Wes encounter when he moved to the Bronx? How did he cope with the change?

Chapter 3:

Wes

  • List Wes’s agents of socialization at this point in his life. What specific influence does each one have?
  • What was the significance of the 110th street subway stop?
  • Why did Joy decide to put Wes in private school? Do you think the type and quality of school has and impact on your chances of succeeding?
  • Why do you think Wes felt “lost” at Riverdale? Why do you think it was so important for Wes to lie to his friends about how he was at Riverdale? How did he attempt to fit in at Riverdale?
  • What were the rules of the train after dark? How did this impact Wes and Justin?
  • How did the baseball game represent Wes’ feelings during that time in his life?

The Other Wes

  • List Wes’s agents of socialization at this point in his life. What specific influence does each one have?
  • How was Dundee Village different form the other neighborhoods that Wes lived in? Why did he move there?
  • What intrigued Wes about the kid with the headset? How does our discussion of power and prestige and status relate to this moment in Wes’ life?
  • How did Wes’ first experience with drugs help solidify his involvement in the drug game?