Social Economical problems that stem from gangs

[Elle]

A discussion, (cont'd from the "Skin Color" thread).

 

[Peter Parka]

It's hard to know what to do about it. I do think a fair share of the blame can be placed at the door of hip hop groups which glamorise this kind of lifestyle though.

 

[Elle]

Recap:

yes, they choose to be in poverty. lmfao what a joke. :24:

I never said anything about them choosing poverty, stop twisting my words. I said that they choose not to do anything about it! How many times must I tell you, plenty of my black friends grew up poor like me and they are successful people now. So once again, WHAT IS THEIR EXCUSE?

Thats the same as choosing to stay in poverty :24:

ahhhh, as an avid documentary watcher, I've SEEN that very thing. It's not as if they, (and lower classed latinos), choose poverty. Rather, they choose LIFESTYLES that guarantee poverty. Mainly because of pride. In one sense, they think they're standing up for themselves, their race, their 'hood, by staying "true" and gang bangin'. But in fact, they get no where, because they end up living their lives in utter chaos. What's ironic is they speak of their "brothers and sisters" of the 'hood, yet they disrespect even their own race, (by robbing them), just to live.

I disagree with this stereotype. Life in the ghetto is not all about this.

Last time you've been in a ghetto?

Ummmmmmmmmmmmm, "Gang bangin'", (LIFESTYLES), look it up, do some research. I didn't say "everyone in the ghetto..."

I basically live near one and my work is in it. I'm pretty much there every day.

Ok, now get to my answer....

You're not a gang banger. Even if you work near a friggin' ghetto, it does not make you a crip, blood, latin king, whatever...

wait what


when did I ever say that I was one?

You're trying to justify your statements with your "working near a ghetto."

You don't know what it is like to LIVE in a ghetto. Cotton's question was directed to you, after I made the statements I did about how they adopt a lifestyle that goes hand in hand with poverty. You took it as my implying people in GENERAL, living in the ghetto.

I corrected you by listing - again- that I meant gang bangers.

I work IN the ghetto, not near one.

I'll admit I don't know the full extent of life as an impoverished black person, and neither do you. BUT, you can make good observations by working with them and the like.

also, you dismissed my mentioning gang bangin', as a "stereotype." Are you denying this exists, as rampant as it is?

Gang banging certainly exists, but i don't think the average black lives up to this assertion. Only a minotirty within the community is a full fledged gang member.

I work IN a ghetto as well. Wilmginton Delaware is a HUGE stop on the drug corridor between NYC, Baltimore and DC.

I see plenty working here. I see plenty of people that have no motivation, no ambition, I hear the gun shots, I see the cops, MANY of these people (especially) young males choose to continue this life style.

My wife sat on the jury of a Capital Murder trial. A gang banger walked into a barbershop intending to kill a rival gang banger in the process he shot and killed a 4 year old boy. This was just down the block from where I work.

I'm asked on a daily basis for money by strug out drug addicts, you can see the gang bangers crusing down the streets, the gangs of guys hanging on corners. Yes they are CHOOSING that life style.

I never claimed to know the full extent of their lives within the ghetto. You dismissed my mere mention of these people who CHOSE gang bangin', (thus, in return, CHOSE poverty), as a stereotype. I am educated enough, because I have chosen to learn about it. I've watched a gaziliion documentaries, read books, watched many other shows that report/research these lifestyles in the most uncensored, raw manner. It baffles my mind when people like you say that discussions and statements about blacks and latinos chosing gangs and crime filled lives, is stereotyping!

 

[Elle]

Sorry...long.

 

[Elle]

It's hard to know what to do about it. I do think a fair share of the blame can be placed at the door of hip hop groups which glamorise this kind of lifestyle though.

Right...

The discussion was based upon the scoffing of my, (and other's), statements regarding the chosing of poverty whilst living in the ghetto.

and yet, the problems are so blatant, I cannot imagine the term "stereotype" being so easily accepted, when black and latin based gangs are discussed.

 

[FreeWorkVest]

When you are very poor, and you see someone from the neighborhood with expensive cars and clothes and women, whatever, and you see others with money to spare and there doesn't seem anyother way, it is very easy to get caught up in the lifestyle.

The only difference between the "Mafia" and a gangbanger is that the mafia is socially acceptable. We (society) look down on gang members as nothing more than animals, but then we turn around and glorify certain types of organized crime elements.

 

[Elle]

INNNNNTERESTING point there, regarding the mafia. It's like, they are the "classy" of the gang bangers!

 

[Cotton]

The mafia is technically the original "gang bangers." But I in no way see how the mafia is anymore socially acceptable than The Cripts Or Bloods.

The only difference is if the mafia wants to kill someone the hit is precise. If The Cripts want to kill someone they'll kill 4-5 innocent people in the process.

 

[Peter Parka]

INNNNNTERESTING point there, regarding the mafia. It's like, they are the "classy" of the gang bangers!

I guess

line of coke = cool
rock of coke = scummy

 

[FreeWorkVest]

The mafia is technically the original "gang bangers." But I in no way see how the mafia is anymore socially acceptable than The Cripts Or Bloods.

The only difference is if the mafia wants to kill someone the hit is precise. If The Cripts want to kill someone they'll kill 4-5 innocent people in the process.

Please, how many movies and TV shows and books have glorified the mafia as some sort of "honorable" thieves group. Here in the US, we glorify the mafia, people protect and respect them.

 

[Cotton]

And they still break the law just like any other gang. Only problem is, they are able to pay off cops and buy politicians, where as the The Cripts and others can't.

 

[Peter Parka]

Seriously, I think a lot of this is due to image too. The mafia wear well made suits ect and look like respectable people.
It reminds me of how the racists over here seem to be gaining respectability. Gone are the 80s where skin headed NF members in bovva boots and swastika tattoos paraded around smashing up Indian restaurants. Now we have the BNP in their suits and elloquant language presenting a respectable image. The're still preaching the same message though.

I also think that maybe as someone said, the innocent passerby thing has something to do with it. If you don't get involved with the mafia and leave them alone, you probably haven't got too much to worry about from them in general. With gangbangers, anyone can be at risk from them.

 

[Elle]

The mafia is technically the original "gang bangers." But I in no way see how the mafia is anymore socially acceptable than The Cripts Or Bloods.

.

WOT? Look at the history...

The "Icons" of the mafia are STILL talked about!

Al Capone - Scarface! Bugsy Siegel...

These people are emulated. I don't of many black gangsters, (crips, bloods, etc...) that are held with high regard like this.

 

[Elle]

And they still break the law just like any other gang. Only problem is, they are able to pay off cops and buy politicians, where as the The Cripts and others can't.

That's "organized crime" for you.

 

[COOL_BREEZE2]

It's hard to know what to do about it. I do think a fair share of the blame can be placed at the door of hip hop groups which glamorise this kind of lifestyle though.

Yeah, I recall alluding to that some time ago when we were talking bout the stereotyping kind of a thing and perception and how enticing it may appear to be when the youth see the imagery and hear the words associated with it especially when the music is powerful and captivating. The youth want to mimic what they see and want to get what they see without working (legally) for it or applying themselves as they ought to. Live fast die young.

 

[Cotton]

Well I guess American Gangster has broken them into the "icon" market.

 

[Elle]

Ok, but do you think Frank will make history books and be as prominant as Scarface and the like?

Be realistic here.

 

[Cotton]

Ok, but do you think Frank will make history books and be as prominant as Scarface and the like?

Be realistic here.

Well according to American Gangster he was more dangerous than any mob boss of his time. I don't see why not.

 

[Elle]

I do see why not. Because of the trash that runs around fighting over which gang their little 4 year old child should "join."

Digg - Parents Fight Over Which Gang Toddler Should Join

 

[Elle]

And...to elaborate: even though Fraink was not part of say, the Crips, Bloods, etc...he is still a black gangster. I think when people think of "black gangster" they will typically think of the trashy behavior of the above mentioned gangs.