To: K-list
Recieved: 2001/03/23 10:39
Subject: [K-list] Gangs and "Kids With Guns"
From: Paul Perner
On 2001/03/23 10:39, Paul Perner posted thus to the K-list:
Christopher Wynter wrote:
>
> We make heroes out of people with guns ..
>
> We practice a form of worship
> of those who have died "guns blazing"
>
> within the convoluted psyche of a child
> who has been made worth less ..
>
Exactly. But now it's not movies about cowboys or cops chasing bad guys.
It "gansta rap" music, the glorification of organized crime and the
romanticized, dangerous lifestyle myth that comes with it (among many
other factors).
> lies the mantra ..
>
> "with a gun, people will notice me ...
> If I shoot someone,
> people will remember me ..
>
> I will be worth some thing .. "
>
Yes, the kid would finally be "da man."
What I'm talking about is urban gang culture specifically (as celebrated
in rap songs and other media). The big myth is that these kids need to
join gangs to survive or for protection. The only danger is from the
home gang itself that wants them to join it. There are a lot of other
disadvantaged neighborhoods that don't have gangs and don't need them.
(My mother grew up in downtown LA not for from South Central. In her
time they worked hard and lived a simple, dignified life. Her motto:
"What we didn't have... we did without").
These little mobs are like cancers. Once they get established, it's very
hard to root them out. I'm no expert, but I don't think fighting fire
with fire is the answer. This only empowers them and creates more fear
and a war zone environment. Gangs have to be slowly dismantled... one
kid at a time. Alternatives must be offered.
Programs and alternatives are there... the trick is hooking up the
providers with those who need the help and doing it effectively... with
grace and without prejudice. Sometimes I need to check my own emotional
reactions. It's not always easy.
Time to take a deep breath.......
Get back to the source....
Back to Love,
Paul
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