Harvard to Teach Class on The Wire and Poverty

I never really had a desire to go to Harvard but news that they are now offering a class solely on David Simon's The Wire means that might have to change. The class, according to African American studies chair Professor Evelyn B. Higginbotham, will use the show to illustrate poverty in America.

From the Harvard Crimson:

"‘The Wire’ has done more to enhance our understanding of the systemic urban inequality that constrains the lives of the poor than any published study” Sociology Professor William J. Wilson said."

I couldn't agree more.  The Wire was more than smart, entertaining television, it shed light on a world too often kept in the dark, too often ignored by most people.  Watching, in detail, the inner workings of city life in Baltimore, from the dealers on the street to the Mayoral candidates,  it isn't hard to see that we have of work to do on all levels to stop violence, support education and make sure we have politicians that are working for us and not for money and lobbyists.

The Wire made sure everyone knew that everything was connected, that everyone is responsible for the world we live in. It also never let you escape from the reality of its characters. One of the most telling moments of the show [SPOILER ALERT] came in Season 5.

For all 4 seasons leading up to the last Omar Little was the guy to root for, a gun toting criminal who only stole from people on the street and only used violence when he had to, he was the ultimate anti-hero and also a role model of sorts for homosexuals in the inner city.  Where The Wire really succeeded with Omar was in how he died.  Normally on television and in the movies, the characters we love get big endings when they die.  With Omar nothing could have been farther from the truth.   Omar met his end buying cigarettes. He was shot and then never heard from again on the show becuase the reality is that Omar, while important to you and me, was not important to the larger scheme of Baltimore.

I can't wait to see what comes out of the Harvard class, it seems like a great opportunity to really delve into poverty and a show that was and remains extremely important.  Also, give a watch below to my favorite scene from the show, it of course features Omar.