Push 1

The book Push highlights the flaws of many institutions.  While these flaws may not be the case in every community they are the case in too many communities.  Precious is passed along from grade to grade because no one wants to step in and take the initiative the set her on the right track.  Teachers, administrators, social workers, counselors, principles,...everyone passes her along. Everyone knows there is a problem but none of them want to put in the effort to contribute to the solution. To go along with what we discussed a bit in class Precious is failed by just about everyone.  She is failed by the school system, her family, the community, social services, the police,  and the hospital. The school system allows her to go from grade to grade without making her earn it.  Precious could have very well graduated as an illiterate 18 year old because the school didn't want to have to put in the effort to actually help her learn.  It's sad, because someone her age should not be unable to read and write. These are basic skills taken for granted but no one wanted to help Precious.  Precious is failed by her mother, her father, and her grandmother.  Her mother abuses her in ways no child should be abused and tells Precious she is to blame for the bad things that happen to her. Her father is a no good scum bag who forces Precious to do things she doesn't want to do and he forces her to face lifelong battles.  Kids don't disappear Precious is responsible for her kids for her whole life.  Her grandmother fails her because she doesn't do anything about Precious' situation at home.  She allows all her daughter to hurt Precious. She has the choice to pull her out just like she took Precious' first child but she just sits back and watches.  Precious is failed by social services, the hospital, and the police because they don't do anything about her situation.  They know who the father of her child is and that it's not an acceptable situation and they allow it to happen.  Precious is failed by her community because they know what is going on.  Her neighbors hear the abuse but they don't do anything about it.  It is amazing how Precious perseveres because she was given a formula to fail and she eventually finds a way to make the most of it.