So if you read my previous post, you know I'm reading Gang Leader For A Day, by Sudhir Venkatesh. If you didn't read it, I'll allow you to go and do that now. As part of my English Independent Reading Unit, this was the non-fiction book I choose out of the few titles that still had available copies. It's a great book for an intriguing read, and I recommend anyone who hasn't to read it.
One portion early on in the book is when Sudhir comes across his first instance of violence since beginning his study. It happened during a car wash he was watching that was hosted by the buildings most notable squatter, C-Note. He begins to get in a verbal argument with the gang's leader, J.T., which soon becomes physical. The particulars about how the fight start aren't what's important to this event. What shocks the Sudhir is that he is actually a bystander on this act of violence. In this moment, it finally crosses him that this is a gang, not just some club in the projects. Violence is an obvious part of gangs, but at this point, both the reader and Sudhir have yet to actually come across an act of violence. He know he can call the police, that what happened there isn't right, and that blood was spilt, but he also realizes that at the same time, he unable to do anything. This realization for him was a point of interest for me as a reader. It was the point during which I realized, this really is a gang, and things aren't as simple in that area as going out and handing out drugs for money.
One portion early on in the book is when Sudhir comes across his first instance of violence since beginning his study. It happened during a car wash he was watching that was hosted by the buildings most notable squatter, C-Note. He begins to get in a verbal argument with the gang's leader, J.T., which soon becomes physical. The particulars about how the fight start aren't what's important to this event. What shocks the Sudhir is that he is actually a bystander on this act of violence. In this moment, it finally crosses him that this is a gang, not just some club in the projects. Violence is an obvious part of gangs, but at this point, both the reader and Sudhir have yet to actually come across an act of violence. He know he can call the police, that what happened there isn't right, and that blood was spilt, but he also realizes that at the same time, he unable to do anything. This realization for him was a point of interest for me as a reader. It was the point during which I realized, this really is a gang, and things aren't as simple in that area as going out and handing out drugs for money.
For some reason, there is a stereotype that gangs like cars. That stereotype is true.
Sadly enough, cocaine fuels a rich but violent business. No matter how dirty, funds have to come from somewhere.
For all that goes on, people always have a love for basketball in the projects.
"The gang and the building are the same."
Sometimes you have to deal with two sides of a person, peaceful and violent.
Gangs affect more people than just those involved in the group. Innocent civilians get victimized too.
Gangs and politicians, both symbols of corruption. Separate, but together in their efforts for money.
The drug business isn't an easy one. It's a numbers game and gangs try to make the best bet for efficiency.
When in another's presence, you must show respect to be given that same respect in return.
"We may be poor, but you come over here, don't pity us."- Ms. Mae
Interesting. The confusion of whether or not to call the police must have messed with his brain. Is this when he decideds to be a part of the gangs? If not, what drives him to do this? I noticed the big cars and the drugs, that's nice. I would have expected that though. Is there more violence with gangs or just mainly drug trafficing? Are wives or other women involved with gangs? I would suspect that they try to stay out of it but there are some pretty rough chicks out there. What exactly is a "G-Thang" by the way?
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