Sun, Sep 16, 2012

I learned more than two things in this week's readings. Past history classes when discussing policy just told about the policy, who influenced it, and when the policy was enacted. I enjoyed reading the journey that chapters 1-4 took us this week. First thing I learned was the up and downs of treatment of the poor in England and carried over to the 'New Colony'. Some felt human decency obligation to take care of your own. As a human race, taking in the poor and helping them with food, shelter, and to get them on their feet again. While others looked at the poor as a nuisance and treated them as criminals, beating them to death ect. The second thing I learned about in the readings this week was Dorthea Dix. I was impressed with the era she lived in having the courage to not only recognize the poor conditions of the mentally ill but to do something about it. She could have worked in her home state of Massachusetts instead she took her crusade to other Southern States. Her concern and love for caring for others superceeded the fact that a white Yankee women was traveling into slavery dangerous territory. What a brave determined individual and thanks to her efforts has effected today's policies. Thank you to her for not giving up. Even though she felt she failed she still improved a failing system.
The items I learned this week can be used in Social Work by helping those in need of representation to ensure everyone is treated equally as a human being not by race, socioeconomic status, mental illness, and to stand up for what you feel is right not to give up. Your efforts may help others even if it benefits a few, succeed or fail one tryed their best. One persons cruseude may be the difference for a better life of others.