Birds of a feather...
I am a firm believer that people can change, (either for the better or worse), and sometimes we have those family members that we can't deny. The company you keep does NOT ALWAYS characterize yourself, but sometimes it does. Surround yourself with positivity and you will be positive and successful. If someone in your circle becomes negative, if ya'll like that, you can help them as much as possible- if they will take it. If they won't, there should be no reason for you to know a 'hoodrat' unless it was someone round the way. (I'm rambling a little bit, I'm sleepy as all get out.)
I always wonder these people who do know hoodrats intimately, what are you doing to better yourself? If you aren't related to the rat, why do you continue to hang around them or cross paths? What have you done today to uplift and change?
Just wondering...