Growing in the Ghetto, Feeding in the Slums (2)

Feeding in the Slums

*Growing in the Ghetto, Feeding in the Slums (2)*

A Story of Survival & Nutrition

*- The Tragedy -*

On the 5th July, 1901, Mr. & Mrs. Richard has an occasion they were to grace with their presence. Franklin went to school for a weekend class he had. On returning, Mr. & Mrs. Richard had an accident which claimed the life of both parents. It was a sad experience for Franklin. He had to start living with one of his Father’s relative, Mr Nelson, who lived with his family in an urban slum in Pretoria.

Franklin was just 12 years old when all these happened, and the new environment was very harsh for him. It was a norm, big people hit little people and the little people should be thankful, because it is their problem, if they don’t get though, they will die or at least wish they could.

School was weird, it was an exercise in sheer brutality. The idea of the system was: getting god grades was inviting trouble, you were a traitor of some kind.

Loyalty and hatred of authority were the main values instilled, and being a “nark”, someone who reported wrongdoing was the worst thing possible.

The police aren’t interested in anything other than a reason to arrest you, teachers aren’t bothered as long as you aren’t creating mayhem, banks won’t give you credit and you just don’t have anyone important for a reference.

This was the new situation of things for Franklin. Worst of all, the people had no value for nutrition. They had this wrong belief that eating good food is a function of money and wealth, so they ate just anything. No neatness around their diet, no caution on what enters their mouth.

Franklin the boy, remained strong through all these, he never bent to the values of his new society. He maintained the values he received from his parents, even though it was hard for him this time.

...to be continued tomorrow

*Mr. & Mrs. Richard must have left a great legacy in the heart of Franklin. Cos, I’m amazed at how a boy of his age didn’t compromise his standards. Really!*

Thanks for Reading!

Article By: Immanuel Rottex
Food, Nutrients & Health.