People do not make culture; in fact, it is the reverse. Armed with this intellect, why do individuals choose to align themselves with such negativity? For enhancement, respect, survival, fitting-in, or having accessibility to facilities which are not necessarily obtainable in third world countries, where morals and civilisation prevail.
My confusion ends when I see the lack of opportunity and diversity in these urban areas; revisiting poignant memories and recalling previous encounters and possibly similar to some of yours.
Croydon, Surrey during 2003 in the last year of primary school saw the emergence of many teenage social groups; however, the most popular groups accommodated the worst trouble makers. They all spoke the same and shared the same sense of style, but most importantly they all appeared to be “respected.” Some of the perks that came with the come-up and the notoriety included females, identity, and security as they abided by their own set of rules. It was not until several years later I realised those dividends were nothing, but mere illusions.
Extract from my book: Who Am I?
Dear Kevin,
Forgive me if I have misinterpreted your words, but I do believe a system of bullying exists, initially in schools; possibly one individual who seemingly terrifies other kinds. That bully has to bully to protect or hide his own weakness. These days it seems that bullying is now at a ‘gang level’. Scary. It some locations, walking down a darkened ally, will instinctively set off an alarm as it may well not be safe. It’s not an easy matter to resolve. A gang member will be perceived as being week. Gangs are only ‘strong’ together. On their own, they are weak, but if recognized as a member of a particular gang, will gain an invisible strength. There is a lot of education and reality needed. A gang is the same as one individual gang member who hides behind a weakness of character. Hence gains collective ‘strength’ being part of a group.
You are certainly creating some serious interest!
Simon