Hi. Sorry I'm so late with this. I spoke with Frankie on Friday. He wanted me to make sure to tell the class that Nichole is not representative of what gangs are all about. He restrained himself deliberately. I misjudged Nichole and did not realize that she would take this over the top!
But, you did see 2 sides of reality for some young people. I wish we could have spent time talking after they left. What were some of your thoughts and feelings?? Was the discussion what you expected?
I can't help wondering about Nichole as a mother...
Let's discuss. Tell us what you were thinking about after class? Was it worthwhile hsving them come?
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After class, I spent some time talking to Nichole. I was very curious to see what her politics were like, especially as they pertained to the criminal justice system. On the one hand, she seemed to think that the system doesn't work (as she said herself, she wasn't afraid of jail and she sort of made it sound like others aren't either) and yet, she supported that anyone willing to committ acts of violence ought to pay the price (maximally). However, as our conversation progressed, I became increasingly impressed by her; it sounds like it's not easy to "get out" and really change your life around, but it sounds like that's what she's doing. She spoke with intelligence and insight, and I think (and hope) that she'll be a good, caring mother.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Newsweek has apparently been featuring some articles about gangs. Here is a link to one about tattoo removal, but there have been others: http://www.newsweek.com/id/183677
I think I got a very distorted view of gangs from Nichole though. Perhaps because neither of our guests revealed too much about the violence aspect, it seemed like gangs are appealing for the same reason cults and other social grous are - the desire to feel like you belong to something, and of course, for respect. I just wish there were a way to refocus gang members on other things like education and community service. Neither I nor Nichole could think of a really good solution.
I thought the experience was vvery enlightening in many ways. First of all, it helped remove a lot of stereotypes I had associated with gangs. The money, the women, the drugs (you get the picture). It was interesting to see it as a way for a community to strengthen itself. Yes, it may have deviated from the orignial purpose during the civil rights movements; however, don't all ethnic groups/gangs start off the same way? Especially when the group is targeted and poor (iniitially)?
ReplyDeleteI don't think that it's a coincidence that both Nichole and Frankie are from the projects. Socio-economic status plays a huge role in the world of gangs as it is more attractive to those who are not receiving adequate attention from the government. Moreover, when educational and/or recreational activities are not available to chjildren of underserved areas, gangs are likely to become attractive options for those seekig for structure (per Frankie). Perhaps, children and teens also joined as a means of self-protection or blending in? Then, is it so bad if the purpose is to survive in neighborhoods that are strongly dominated by gangs?
This perhaps illustrates the need for governmental interventions. Instead of solely foucsing on punishing people through jail time, there should be an increased focus on ensuring a good education and social services for those who are underserved. I think prevention should be the way to go!
I agree with Olivia. I think it's better to provide people with a viable alternative than to threaten them with punishment... especially since some people are so used to seeing the punishment in their community that they may grow up expecting to end up in prison (as Nichole did).
ReplyDeleteI think that in some ways gangs are an easy target when thinking of violence. Is gang violence (ie someone from gang A hurt someone from gang B, so anyone from gang B now has a right to hurt anyone from gang A or fights over territory, etc) that different from what is going on in the Middle East or using Pearl Harbor to justify Hiroshima? I know the scale is completely different, and I'm not making any statements as to whether or not either side was justified, just throwing it out there. This is a random quote from a contributor to some online blog about whether the US was right to use an atomic bomb ... not sure if it sounds that different from Nichole's explanation of gang violence ... "Don't f*** with the best, you attack us, we will attack you only harder and with more force".
ReplyDeleteI appreciated hearing from both Frankie and Nichole. Although they were from the same place their perspectives are very, very different. Frankie - maybe its becuase he is 29 - seems to be more reflective and mature about his involvement in gangs. I got the impression that it was a way of life in his neighborhood at the time that he joined, an outlet. Growing up in an area with failed schools, low SES, and not many role models it was appealing and I understand that.
ReplyDeleteNichole seems very, very angry - and I guess I would be angry too if I were her. She grew up in a lawless environment, with gang members as role models, and always had to fight. Everyone around her told her she would only amount to what her uncle did. So, although Im tempted to ask her, what is she contributing to society, I have to wonder first, well what did society do to her??
At first I agreed with Deborah's comment that Frankie and Nicole did not discuss much of the violence aspect of gang life and therefore gave a distorted view...but as I think about it, I realize that their lives are completely based on violence. One definition of violence is:" an unjust or unwarranted exertion of force or power, as against rights or laws". I feel like neither one of the speakers had much say in the choices they made in their life, whether or not they want to admit that. I really feel as though it was accepted and expected (to quote Andy).
ReplyDeleteAfter working (very intensely) with a teen this past week, I have been given a bit more insight into gang life. Andrea mentioned to me that perhaps we could get him in to sort of de-code everything that was sad.
I apologize for writing here so late..but here are my thoughts. I really appreciate both of their perspectives. I really feel like they felt like this was a lifestyle that they embraced due to their up bringing. Of course it's easy for us to say, well, they should never be in that position or there are other options besides joining a gang, but I feel like this was their option at that specific time in their lives. They seem much better off where they are now - and that's a fortunate thing.
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