But they didn't teach us that Afrikaans in school. His teacher at Learn to Live, a school in Greenpoint bridging the street and formal education, lets him do the science experiments in class. I asked, smiling. A streetwise Einstein. To Samuel and Ashraf the grammar of adults is only in the imperative form.
Adults control punishment and affection.
When adults failed them, Samuel and Ashraf chose the status of adults for themselves, on the street. They believe they are free. It's a brittle freedom, though. Survival still depends on gaining the sympathy of adults. I have seen Ashraf walk up smoothly to a passing stranger, take his hand, let loose a sob story, and pocket three dollars, enough for a burger and two hours of video games.