And it is an absolutely vicious cycle in low income urban areas. The only real way out of this predicament is education. But parents who have not been successful using the education pathway do not instill this in their children. So you have a bunch of kids coming to school that see no value in what they are doing.

And to get good teachers in the war zones... In my city, one of the highest paying districts is one of the worst in the city. Teachers last about 2 years max. If they are young they often become totally cynical and quit. If they do last, and they are good, they move to the burbs to teach. Only extraordinary individuals can last in some of these schools for 20 years plus.

Jaime in "Stand and Deliver" in LA lasted a very short time as well... if anybody remembers that movie. He had a great conflict between his family and all the kids he was trying to help also. It was too much.