Perpetuating Cycles Of Poverty.… And Violence, by Muyiwa Adetiba
This opinion piece reflects on the cycle of poverty and violence in Nigeria, drawing parallels to the themes in the song 'In the Ghetto'. The author argues that societal neglect of impoverished children leads to inevitable outcomes of crime and desperation.
Why it matters
It provides a social commentary on the systemic failures in Nigeria that contribute to youth delinquency and the perpetuation of poverty.
‘IN THE GHETTO’ is a song written and sung by Elvis Presley in 1969 but made more popular by Candi Staton a couple of years later probably because of her more contemporary, more soulful melody and delivery. The lyrics struck me even then as a young man as we sang and danced to the song in the 70s. And as I grew older, they began to haunt in a way that only those with a social conscience will understand. Especially, when I could see the enactment of the song in certain situations in my country. I wish I could pour out the entire lyrics here, but it would take too much space and ‘old school’ journalism is about brevity and I am ashamedly ‘old school’.
The piece advocates for social intervention and critiques societal indifference toward the poor.
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