t sets the tone of the essay, for this type of violence is common to Myers and is something he has become accustomed to. For those of us who are lucky enough to live in areas sheltered from violence and death, there is a need for outside sources to make us aware of the condition of the world around us. Myers helps to supply this source of information, which is presented in such a way that we can’t ignore it, or easily close our eyes to forget. Unfortunately, our sources have become limited because people simply don’t want to hear about what’s really going on. It also becomes difficult when the people in power like politicians from Capitol Hill wish to conceal the truth because it is easier to deny the facts than attempt to justify murder. When someone becomes comfortable with murder and death the way Myers has, it becomes apparent in the way he presents his facts. While reading his essay, I came across traces of sarcasm that almost increased the validity of his statements. Take a quote where he is explaining an outside view of the murders in his neighborhood as an example. “ ‘Drug-related’ a phrase with almost magical properties: it raises a bulletproof barrier between the world of law and order and the world of chaos…If all our murders are ‘drug-related’, then those who are not involved with drugs can feel safe”(75). He is almost mocking the stereotyping of members of his neighborhood and the false sense of security people feel by justifying murder in this fashion. The government who supports the ‘drug-related’ explanation tagged on the many murders in this neighborhood also aids this type of denial. Myers explains that because people want to feel safe, they try any way possible to distance themselves from crime and murder. Unfortunately, the people of service are 109, do not have that option. He goes on to state, “After all, we must carry on even as the b...
