Turns out, nobody wants to commit a crime when it is below zero. Maybe we should create an ice chamber for gang bangers and let them run wild. It might not be so wild after all.
Yesterday at work, I cried. That’s right. After months of reporting on violent crimes and tragic deaths, I finally expressed some sort of remorse for the people I write about. Not that I don’t feel bad about the things that happen on a daily basis, but the fact that someone could shoot a 6-year-old in the head at point-blank range over drug money–or anything for that matter–makes me ill. Anyone who has had the pleasure of hanging out with me this weekend has already heard my rant about gangs in Chicago and how there needs to be so much more community involvement to oust these dirtbags.
I can get into the socioeconomic issues that result in poor teenagers in urban areas joining gangs, but that doesn’t excuse their presence or behavior. People on the South and West sides that deal with the violence daily hold prayer vigils and march in the streets, and once in awhile some big shot like Daley or Dana Starks will show some interest, but the general Chicago population needs to care more.
Less than two years ago, my neighborhood was the main turf for Latin Kings. When all the indie kids moved in and condos went up, they moved west and south–where the little boy was shot yesterday. Just because it is not in front of our face doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care. We are moving into these neighborhoods and should become involved in sustaining them–and not just on our block.
I guess I should practice what I’m preachin’. I shall try.
4 Comments
January 20, 2008 at 11:54 am
You no nothing about these people you called “dirtbags.” Maybe if you spent any time hanging out with these young men you would know their lives are filled at birth with hate and rage and gangbanging is built into their system. Often, everyone they hang out with are gang members, and all they know is gangbanging. Please don’t act all sad for these people, you know nothing of this culture, and until you shoot someone or stab someone for some crack, you’ll remain some silly South Side wannabe to me.
January 21, 2008 at 6:37 pm
So your stance is to take no action and let this continue? And have you shot or stabbed someone for drug money? A 6-year-old? Really?
I understand that gang culture is all some people know, but I also think that needs to change. I don’t think everyone who joins a gang is a “dirtbag,” I think anyone who shoots a child in the head is.
You obviously disagree, which makes me hard pressed to think I’m the “silly” one.
January 23, 2008 at 12:59 am
I find the saddest part about everything is that people only really seem to get worked up when a cop shoots a gangba… er, altar boy.
Kill a 6-year-old and the reverends shrug it off as just another day in the ghetto.
February 14, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Culture: cultura stemming from colere, meaning “to cultivate.”
Jerome, buddy, you seem like you took the trouble to learn how to read and write — good for you. I would imagine that your parents are rather proud of you, and that is why they let provide you with internet access that you, in turn, use to defend gang “culture” by saying that until one has murdered someone for drugs, they do not have the authority to comment on the legality or appropriateness of murdering people for drugs.
What you may fail to recognize is that it is NEVER a good idea to murder someone. For drugs, for fun, or because the latest fad that you’re going through popularizes that lifestyle. You are a victim, friend. You have been used — not unlike the “dirtbags” you so gallantly defend. Much like anything transitory (human life, plastic bags, condoms) once your usefulness in this culture has expired, you will be disposed of and become part of the greater landscape of decay and depravity that, sadly, only furthers this kind of behavior.
I hope, for your sake, you realize that it is much more beneficial to dirtbags and non-dirtbags you support to cultivate a positive, safe, and murder-free “culture” based on progressive ideals if you ever want to see the true blue South Siders (as, I assume, you and your parents are — btw, what suburb do you live in again?) elevate their situation. If you only want to see more murders and drugs, well, you’ve wasted your time on internet porn and blog reading, buddy. Just go buy a weapon and use it on yourself.
I’d be happy to buy a condo in you “hood” after you and all the “young men” you are so fond of self destruct.
Excelsior!~