Wes Moore: "The Other Wes Moore"
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2010-05-19/wes-moore-other-wes-moore
One Wes Moore is a Rhodes scholar; another, a convicted murderer. The story of two men with the same name from the same inner city neighborhood and the divergent paths of their lives.
Guests
Wes Moore
a youth advocate, Army combat veteran, business leader and author. "The Other Wes Moore" is his first book.
Comments
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This is Kate from Alexandria, VA. I have a question for Wes. He mentioned that the other Wes has children that were left behind when Wes went to prison. Considering how important the lack of a father was in both of their lives, has Wes ever considered reaching out to the children, to be a male figure in their lives?
Dear Mr. Moore,
You mentioned that proceeds from the book are being used to support several nonprofits. are any proceeds being used to support the other Wes Moore's children?
Mr. Moore's thesis seems an indictment of white racism and the white power structure of the USA.
What he fails to address are the probable important differences in genetic make-up between the other Wes and himself. Science knows that 80% of our personality traits are inherited from our ancestors and largely from our biological parents. As a psychotherapist, I suspect that the two Wes Moores differ crucially in personality, the other Wes endowed with certain psychopathic tendencies, if not a complete psychopathic personality.
This is not to suggest that Mr. Moore's book is not without merit: he does have a lot to say to us about the cruelty of white racism.
Sincerely,
figneutron
South Bend, IN
Mr. Moore's thesis seems an indictment of white racism and the white power structure of the USA.
What he fails to address are the probable important differences in genetic make-up between the other Wes and himself. Science knows that 80% of our personality traits are inherited from our ancestors and largely from our biological parents. As a psychotherapist, I suspect that the two Wes Moores differ crucially in personality, the other Wes endowed with certain psychopathic tendencies, if not a complete psychopathic personality.
This is not to suggest that Mr. Moore's book is not without merit: he does have a lot to say to us about the cruelty of white racism.
Sincerely,
figneutron
South Bend, IN
I absolutely LOVE this life account. I too am a single mother, raising my 15 year old son. He currently attends Massanutten Military Academy, and I'm praying he gets himself together too. I applaud NPR and Diahn Rehm for enlightening the listening audience about 2 awesome people.
I've sent my son the link of the 7 minute interview - hopefully, this will turn more lights on in my son's brain!
Thank you Mr. Moore, as an advocate and person serving in the non-profit sector, I see and experience the young men and women who are suffering the consequences of bad choices. I believe that prevention, and Intervention, are key to successful outcomes! And, unfortunately there is a lack of understanding within the communities serving the populations involved in the Juvenile Justice, and Adult Justice System, and this lack of understanding has a major impact of the outcomes for the lives of these individuals, and the communities they live, work and will eventually return to. Thank you for bringing your story to all off those who may be able to make a difference in those lives. Thank you for all you do!
Shelley L. Watson, Osceola County, Florida
This is a response to Mr. FigNeutron's suggestion that white racism and genetics played a larger role in both Wes Moore's life decisions.
I think Mr. Moore stressed in his interview and probably in his book that ALL kids need to know that someone cares about them and is willing to go the extra mile to support them. There does not seem to be any room for victimization when raising teenagers. Teens are more concerned that there are people out there supporting them.
Kind sir, I think you are more interested in suggesting the imprisoned Wes Moore was bound for prison due to his genetic makeup--that's more destructive than anything the author Wes Moore has said or even implied. In fact, he stated that the imprisoned Wes Moore showed a high level of business acumen at an early age, but he made "unforgiveable choices" that have permanently effected the rest of his life. Free will, moreso than genetic disposition or even white racism, has decided both men's fates.
On the show about The Other Wes Moore:
Thanks so much, DRShow, for sharing, and Mr. Moore for writing this deeply meaningful book.
I am a public health physician with 35 years of experience puzzling about why health status measures like infant mortality are so starkly different between white and black Americans, and believing more as time goes by that the differences spring from very profound sources.
Mr. Moore plumbs those depths in a way not seen before. I believe the story has no real precursor in its understandings of self, another individual, their families and society, all in balance. As I have not read the book, the following comments reflect Mr. Moore's story as expressed on the show and the insights of a very astute interviewer.
I am struck by the degree to which Mr. Moore the author:
1. Could so objectively reflect the life of the the Other Mr. Moore (call him Wes);
2. Could clarify his own life story and distinguish it in ways that are so carefully freed of both aspersion and praise for either man and their families;
3. Succeeds by accentuating the social circumstances in which each grew up, and ultimately the family influences (of at least two generations) that may have led each to use "second chances" and avoid "last chances."
4. Succeeds by emphasizing distinctions between choices encountered in life and choices made by the individual;
5. Remarkably avoids any hint of racism that still "tinges" American societal interactions;
6. Offers a positive path to maturity and success that applies to all of us; and
7. Turns our attention to community action that accentuates individual, family and social strengths.
In the words of a college English Major (mine) this author's "voice" appears uniquely crafted and highly disciplined and I look forward immensely to reading the book.
Dick Nugent