"If you grow up in the South Bronx today or in south-central Los Angeles or Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, you quickly come to understand that you have been set apart and that there's no will in this society to bring you back into the mainstream"

Jonathan Kozol's quote encapsulates a profound review of social variations and systemic neglect experienced by marginalized neighborhoods in metropolitan America. At its core, the quote deals with the geographical and socio-economic divides that exist within the United States, concentrating on areas like the South Bronx, south-central Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. These areas symbolize wider metropolitan areas that have actually historically experienced financial decrease, inadequate civil services, and insufficient academic resources.

Kozol is indicating a cycle of marginalization where locals in these areas are acutely familiar with their separation from the more comprehensive societal "mainstream". This "setting apart" is not merely physical however also entails being omitted from opportunities that are more readily available in wealthier or primarily white locations. The expression "distinguished" suggests a lack of integration and the existence of unnoticeable barriers that avoid residents from totally participating in social progress and success.

The quote likewise critiques the "will" of society-- or rather, the absence of it-- to resolve these inequalities meaningfully. This might describe an absence of political motivation or public drive to execute policies that could reduce these variations. By stating "there's no will", Kozol implies that the resources and strategies required to bridge this gap exist but remain unutilized due to indifference or prioritization of other problems that do not benefit these marginalized neighborhoods directly.

In addition, this quote can be viewed as a call to action. It challenges readers to consider their roles in perpetuating these conditions and to question societal values that allow such disregard to continue. Kozol prompts a fight with uneasy realities about inequality and inequity, advocating for systemic modification that prioritizes inclusivity and equal opportunity for all residents, despite their geographical or socio-economic status.