Comment by xyzelement

We're taking about different things. To continue my example. A nyc public School student is a 34k/ year investment for the city.

De facto some parents look at that as a gift and "force" their kids to take advantage of it. That's why the valedictorian etc is usually an immigrant kid not a rich"native" kid.

Meanwhile plenty of parents seemingly have never considered the opportunity in front of them. Content to let their kids not study and do stupid crime.

To say it simply: not everyone values education the same degree - or a all. That's all I am saying here - you'd think a poor family would grab to the opportunity to rise out through education but it's obvious that for many many many people this has never crossed their mind. If you had not encountered this in your own life I find that odd.