Whenever you hear the word ghetto immediately you associate it with sadness, negative stereotypes and death. A dark shadow is cast on anything identified as being ghetto and anyone from that environment is also deemed to have the same characteristics. I’m not here to defend everything that happens in the ghetto. Yes, much of it can be unnecessary, destructive nonsense. Indeed there are many negative situations that are oversaturated in the ghetto. However, just as there are harsh consequences to having grown up in this environment there are also some benefits as well. There are many life coping character traits that are implanted in you from growing up in the hood. Many of these character traits are what make you stand strong among the weak and feeble. This is needed in today’s world where people are experiencing life situations that they thought they would never have to face. Which is why I stand by the belief that the ghetto does have its problems but you can find glimmers of happiness there well. The following are a few benefits that I feel I have inherited by growing up in the hood.

1. Pressure

Growing up in a not so pleasant environment gives you the ability to handle stressful life situations without losing your mind. In the past you may have had situations where you and your family were with little food, bills were due with no way to pay them. These situations mold you into having the strength necessary to cope with future situations which may be less life threatening yet equally stressful. This give you the ability to handle anxiety and pressure without cracking under it and keeping a clear mind on your quest to find the best solution to that problem. This is what is needed when you are facing these situations. You need a clear mind that will not become foggy and cause you to lose touch with reality. Nope, you won’t catch me shooting up my job and co-workers if I lose it. Sure I would be upset, but I would simply pick myself up dust myself off and keep it moving with a new plan.

2. Chameleon Ability

Time in the ghetto gives you the ability to blend in no matter where you are. Of course an important note to this is that the person must have spent some time outside of the ghetto in order to be able to master this chameleon affect. For instance, I grew up in the hood but graduated from DePaul University. DePaul was a mostly White, privileged, private Catholic university. A much different environment from my neighborhood on Chicago’s west side. However, both of these experiences aided in molding me into being a multifaceted person. I can go to the most urban areas in any inner city to the suburbs to Wall Street and feel the exact amount of comfort level in all places. Without ever once doubting who I am or feeling as if I am being phony or masquerading in any way. The truth is that the world is big and there is much more to it than your stoop, or your block. You have to be a master of yourself first and then you can master any environment you encounter.

3. Empathy

Although I no longer live in the hood, I can still empathize with what is happening there and can connect on a deeper level with the people there and their lifestyles and experiences. It also is what gives me the skills to have compassion for other individuals who may be struggling financially or going through a difficult time in their lives. Not everyone has the ability to display a form or empathy or sympathy. It is not a natural ability for some to be able to place themselves in someone else’s position and understand their struggle. Especially if you yourself have never endured any form of struggle or desperation.

4. Stretch A dollar

This is a skill that almost everyone in our economy is attempting to master. Being able to stretch a dollar is literally now a life saving skill. It could mean the difference between whether you family eats for 7 days or for 6. Having grown up in an environment where money was not in excess, you are required to learn how to turn one dollar into the value of three. You go out of your way to find the best deals, greatest values and optimum bargains. Some might consider this common sense and assume that everyone has this ability. I’m here to tell you that they don’t. This is why many people who have never had to bargain hunt in their life are struggling to do so now.

5. Fearless

When you have witnessed and endured some of the negativity that often comes along with living in the hood and survived it, suddenly the world as a whole seems less scary to you. You become a fighter with a fortitude that cannot be bottled or duplicated by some millionaires. The quiet, small, still voice reminds you that whatever may come against you, you will survive it.

My name is LJ Knight. I graduated with my B.A. from DePaul University in Chicago but I grew up in K-Town on the west-side of Chicago. Yes, I am still a whole person.