http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F09e-pI6eoA
"Respect" is the ultimate street commodity, the basis for individual, group, and even family protection. In these communities in which gangs tend to form, fear is a driving force behind many of the decisions that these individuals make. This fear creates a innate feeling that they need to protect one another, not only from each other, but from society as well. This respect is established through aggressive behavior, as well as the possessions that an individual has. The material possessions and respect aspect of gangs represents an example of the material culture that resides within our society. These objects play an important role in establishing self-image. They are devices in which members are able to establish and separate themselves from the rest of the group because they that they are willing to possess items that require defending and also that they have more economic resources than other members. They are usually able to obtain these objects through the income of illegal activities, such as robbery, drugs, etc. The aggressive behavior and violence that is typically associated with gangs are part of how they are able to present themselves as tough and able to “stand their own.” This aggression stems from the gang themselves, both from confrontations over respect and resources as well as, the inability to control violence and discrimination from the strong societal hierarchy. The alienation and separation from society is part of the fuel that drives this violent behavior. Individuals are able to establish their social identities and gain respect through their presentation of self. They rely on impression management, or the support of their performance by their peers, to gage if their actions are being accepted or not. Each member strives to impress the older members and maintain “face.” If they can successful master these skills, they will formally gain enough respect in order to be initiated into the gang, finally gaining a sense of belonging.
"Respect" is the ultimate street commodity, the basis for individual, group, and even family protection. In these communities in which gangs tend to form, fear is a driving force behind many of the decisions that these individuals make. This fear creates a innate feeling that they need to protect one another, not only from each other, but from society as well. This respect is established through aggressive behavior, as well as the possessions that an individual has. The material possessions and respect aspect of gangs represents an example of the material culture that resides within our society. These objects play an important role in establishing self-image. They are devices in which members are able to establish and separate themselves from the rest of the group because they that they are willing to possess items that require defending and also that they have more economic resources than other members. They are usually able to obtain these objects through the income of illegal activities, such as robbery, drugs, etc. The aggressive behavior and violence that is typically associated with gangs are part of how they are able to present themselves as tough and able to “stand their own.” This aggression stems from the gang themselves, both from confrontations over respect and resources as well as, the inability to control violence and discrimination from the strong societal hierarchy. The alienation and separation from society is part of the fuel that drives this violent behavior. Individuals are able to establish their social identities and gain respect through their presentation of self. They rely on impression management, or the support of their performance by their peers, to gage if their actions are being accepted or not. Each member strives to impress the older members and maintain “face.” If they can successful master these skills, they will formally gain enough respect in order to be initiated into the gang, finally gaining a sense of belonging.
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/other-shows/videos/assignment-discovery-gangs.htm
This clip demonstrates the importance of respect within the gang culture, as well as reasons that cause individuals to want to become members of gangs. Even though it discusses an earlier time period of when gangs first started originating, it still pertains to today's society. It displays the emphasis that has always been placed on gang members to display that they are capable of defending themselves so that they can be accepted as part of the group.
This clip demonstrates the importance of respect within the gang culture, as well as reasons that cause individuals to want to become members of gangs. Even though it discusses an earlier time period of when gangs first started originating, it still pertains to today's society. It displays the emphasis that has always been placed on gang members to display that they are capable of defending themselves so that they can be accepted as part of the group.
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