[Clemenza]

The thugged-out kids in NYC, many of whom eventually go on to the State License Plate Factory in Ossining or Attica, exhibit considerable self-esteem in their early years. I guess a few years in the clink causes some of them to realize what pieces of sh-t many of them actually are.

A corrections officer once told me the same thing about "model prisoners."

Of course, the people with the lowest self-esteem tend to be junkies, dusters, and meth heads.

I think the main point is that self-esteem is something EARNED through hard work and good work, not "given" to us by limp-wristed teachers and counselors.

[Balding_Eagle]

I think the main point is that self-esteem is something EARNED through hard work and good work, not "given" to us by limp-wristed teachers and counselors.

I disagree. Here's how I would word it:

I think the main point is that SELF RESPECT is something EARNED through hard work and good work, and self-esteem is "given" to us by limp-wristed teachers and counselors.