Hi Eric,
Your post reminded me of the tough neighbbourhood I grew up in and the various ways we all learned to cope with it. I spent a lot of energy reflecting on those younger and vulnerable years with little to show for it. For me, it didn't work--I can't come to the light by dwelling on and studying the darkness. Others may find it profitable in some ways and perhaps insightful but for me, it's a dead end street. It reminds me of reading Cabbagetown by Hugh Garner and his conclusion - you don't eulogize a slum. But as I said, that's my psyche and perhaps my limitation but I keep pressing onward and have made up my mind to not dwell on backward glances.
You had to live through it once. That was hard enough, apparently. If you can put it aside--that's great.
In my family we seem to be haunted by our experience as children. Each of us in our own way, tried to put it aside. Five of us did that with mixed success. For me, writing about it, even drawing pictures of scenes I remember, that was one way to gain control of the memories.
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I struggled for years with depression and PTSD from my high school experience but found meditation and was able to heal and move on. I wouldn't want to profit from sharing my experiences, financially or otherwise, but would be willing to share my stories if it might help others who are going through similar things (or trying to heal from them.).