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Gangs
Apr 19, 2009 10:35:28 GMT -6
Post by phantom on Apr 19, 2009 10:35:28 GMT -6
HBOs Real Sports recently had a story about my area- Hampton Roads, VA-Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, etc.
The show was about athletes who have been shot lately (seven in less than a year). Gangs and the no-snitching code were considered as the cause. The athletes weren't gangsters but they got caught up in gang crap.
Today's paper brought news that one of the top players in our league (a 1AA signee and qualifier) was caught in a gang sweep.
I don't really know what I'm asking here. I'm frustrated and heartsick. What can we do about this?
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zbessac
Sophomore Member
Posts: 149
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Gangs
Apr 19, 2009 10:42:50 GMT -6
Post by zbessac on Apr 19, 2009 10:42:50 GMT -6
Some how we need to find a way to stand up to these gangs and make them realize that we won't be scared and we won't back down.
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Gangs
Apr 19, 2009 11:02:55 GMT -6
Post by coachorr on Apr 19, 2009 11:02:55 GMT -6
I wish I had something plausible to tell you as I cannot relate to what you are going through; moreover, your experience I would think would be far sweeping in wisdom and understanding for the youth on your team and in your youth programs. Other than providing an outlet and speaking out for what is right, counter to the gang lifestyle is really all you can do.
I feel like a child giving advice to a parent, but this is one thought on the issue. Tell you kids that you will not allow them to use the word "snitch" in your presence. Also, that swearing will not be tolerated. And, that anything gang related will not be accepted as your team as a family is something more to these kids.
It seems to me that oftentimes, people arrested or killed are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Stress to your players that if their friends become involved in gang activity, it is now time to no longer keep them as friends. Happened to a kid in the book "When the Game Stands Tall". The week the young man was headed to University of Oregon he is shot and killed, because he was visiting his friend late at night who was a known gang banger. Wrong place wrong time, I don't think kids understand this.
"Show me your friends, I'll show you your future."
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Gangs
Apr 19, 2009 11:46:39 GMT -6
Post by airraider on Apr 19, 2009 11:46:39 GMT -6
HBOs Real Sports recently had a story about my area- Hampton Roads, VA-Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, etc. The show was about athletes who have been shot lately (seven in less than a year). Gangs and the no-snitching code were considered as the cause. The athletes weren't gangsters but they got caught up in gang crap. Today's paper brought news that one of the top players in our league (a 1AA signee and qualifier) was caught in a gang sweep. I don't really know what I'm asking here. I'm frustrated and heartsick. What can we do about this? Coach, I worked the last year in the toughest neighborhood in the city.. probably the worst in Louisiana outside of those in New Orleans. Gangs were not so much of a visible thing anymore.. Had it explained that no one has enough loyalty to others anymore to be apart of a gang.. it was all about self and small clicks.. and I could see that.. In the year I was at the school.. we lost 1 student to gun fire.. had 2 others non-fatally shot.. Had 2 kids at our feeder schools killed.. and had 2 from our feeder schools arrested for murder in completely different situations. So within a small area.. we had 7 young lives effected by gunfire. I do not know why children do not value human life.. but that is what it all boils down to.. lack of values and morals.. this which should be taught by parents.. but obviously it is not being taught.
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Gangs
Apr 19, 2009 12:36:55 GMT -6
Post by midlineqb on Apr 19, 2009 12:36:55 GMT -6
HBOs Real Sports recently had a story about my area- Hampton Roads, VA-Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, etc. The show was about athletes who have been shot lately (seven in less than a year). Gangs and the no-snitching code were considered as the cause. The athletes weren't gangsters but they got caught up in gang crap. Today's paper brought news that one of the top players in our league (a 1AA signee and qualifier) was caught in a gang sweep. I don't really know what I'm asking here. I'm frustrated and heartsick. What can we do about this? Coach, I worked the last year in the toughest neighborhood in the city.. probably the worst in Louisiana outside of those in New Orleans. Gangs were not so much of a visible thing anymore.. Had it explained that no one has enough loyalty to others anymore to be apart of a gang.. it was all about self and small clicks.. and I could see that.. In the year I was at the school.. we lost 1 student to gun fire.. had 2 others non-fatally shot.. Had 2 kids at our feeder schools killed.. and had 2 from our feeder schools arrested for murder in completely different situations. So within a small area.. we had 7 young lives effected by gunfire. I do not know why children do not value human life.. but that is what it all boils down to.. lack of values and morals.. this which should be taught by parents.. but obviously it is not being taught. I'm not real familiar with these problems either but I know they do occur. In my opinion it is that the lack of parental control and the behavior of the parents that are contributors to this problem. I don't have any idea for a solution. Gangs are a part of society and have been for quite some time. They have got out of control because too many people turned their heads and though it would go away. My guess is that is of such high proportions that it is really going to be difficult to get under control. At the other end of the spectrum we have the "CEO gangs", those that take all these lavish trips and bonuses while allowing the lives of others to be threatened. If they would of used a part of the money they spent on trying to control gang behavior maybe the problem wouldn't be what it is today. Sorry, I got carried away. Buddy
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hawke
Sophomore Member
Posts: 209
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Gangs
Apr 19, 2009 14:46:44 GMT -6
Post by hawke on Apr 19, 2009 14:46:44 GMT -6
Many years ago (1970 to be exact) I spoke of having a "soul". Every school district has to find its "soul". It may come from the football team, the teachers, community, etc., but it is a "MUST" in my opinion. Until the young people realize the ramifications of their actions no "soul" will be found. Trying to define "soul" is very difficult. It is not something from a "religious" concept. It is more humanistic and a belief that I am something better than what I (We) express and I am working to extol that belief. We, as coaches and teachers, are story tellers. Tell them stories about those who have overcome their handicaps, regardless of what that handicap was. It doesn't have to be always sports related but it must always be a rising above that which is considered to be almost impossible to overcome. It works.
Hawke (PS to Phantom - MV hasn't found its "soul" and that is our biggest problem.)
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Gangs
Apr 19, 2009 16:04:13 GMT -6
Post by bigdog2003 on Apr 19, 2009 16:04:13 GMT -6
We are having problems with some of the best athletes not playing sports because of the "street code." They may not be gang memebers, but their family may be. It is hurting me so bad that these kids are falling into these things. They said that 3rd graders are starting with it now, and that isn't good. We are a small town in SC, and I can only imagine what it is like other places that are bigger. People in power in the city and county are trying to act like there isn't a gang problem here, like it couldn't happen in our small town, but it is. I saw some gang graffiti on a building on Main St, and it is making me sick. MS13 has moved into the area and that isn't good at all. I have to many friends from my childhood that are dead or in prison over stupid stuff, and it seems to be getting worse.
I know that some of the coaches feel like they are fighting a lossing battle to keep some kids off the streets, kids with promising future on the field and off. Some of them think that they are playing some kind of game out there, and when they learn that isn't no game, it will be to late.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Gangs
Apr 19, 2009 17:36:15 GMT -6
Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2009 17:36:15 GMT -6
Coach, as a cop I can tell you there's alot than can be done about it , but it takes people to get involved. And unfortunately it's dangerous.
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Gangs
Apr 19, 2009 19:00:12 GMT -6
Post by caneman on Apr 19, 2009 19:00:12 GMT -6
I do not know why children do not value human life.. but that is what it all boils down to.. lack of values and morals.. this which should be taught by parents.. but obviously it is not being taught. That is it right there, it goes back to the parents for sure on the majority of the cases... I think another issue is that kids this age don't have their risk/danger evaluation part of their brain fully developed so they think they are invincible and willing to do irrational things without thinking about much at all... I work at a school where gangs are a big issue, kids can't wait to tag the bathroom wall with their gang and tagger symbol when security isn't looking, its like dogs peeing on a bush... I pray about it every day and ask the Lord Jesus to deal with it, I know this helps. I don't let them wear any colors or throw up signs or tag their papers or books or desks and send them to security when they don't comply. Caneman
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Gangs
Apr 19, 2009 19:06:26 GMT -6
Post by caneman on Apr 19, 2009 19:06:26 GMT -6
Coach, as a cop I can tell you there's alot than can be done about it , but it takes people to get involved. And unfortunately it's dangerous. Please tell more, this is worth fighting over, I am tired of this cancer in our community... Caneman
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Gangs
Apr 19, 2009 19:27:39 GMT -6
Post by PSS on Apr 19, 2009 19:27:39 GMT -6
Many years ago (1970 to be exact) I spoke of having a "soul". Every school district has to find its "soul". It may come from the football team, the teachers, community, etc., but it is a "MUST" in my opinion. Until the young people realize the ramifications of their actions no "soul" will be found. Trying to define "soul" is very difficult. It is not something from a "religious" concept. It is more humanistic and a belief that I am something better than what I (We) express and I am working to extol that belief. We, as coaches and teachers, are story tellers. Tell them stories about those who have overcome their handicaps, regardless of what that handicap was. It doesn't have to be always sports related but it must always be a rising above that which is considered to be almost impossible to overcome. It works. Hawke (PS to Phantom - MV hasn't found its "soul" and that is our biggest problem.) Hawke, that's a good statement. I worked at one of the toughest inner city Houston school districts last year. We had at least one gang fight in school every day. I taught the remedial kids that had just been released from jail. I know what that life is all about. The way we dealed with it as a football team is that when the freshmen came into our program we accepted them with open arms. We became their dads, because I would dare to say that 80% or more didn't have a dad at home. They had a chance to prove that they were "clean" from the gang life style. You have an awesome chance to make a difference in a kid's life. But it is tough. You can't sacrifice team for an individual. It only takes one person being involved in gangs to cause problems. Rarely does that person make it through fall 2-a-days. Anyone caught with gang material "colors", they were cut on the spot - no questions asked. We taught them to use proper English and required them to use it. Required them to address adults with respect. The work " {censored}" was not permitted and if used was punishable. You know how this word is used so loosely as slang today. We had an advantage. We had been very successful for many years, and have had over 60 kids play at the next level. Football was a way to get of the "hood". The HC was awesome and knew how to deal with these kids and could recognized a gang kid as soon as they walked in the door.
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Gangs
Apr 19, 2009 19:40:07 GMT -6
Post by footballguru99 on Apr 19, 2009 19:40:07 GMT -6
Keep fighting the fight and try to reach them at an early age!!
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 0:20:56 GMT -6
Post by aapocistan on Apr 20, 2009 0:20:56 GMT -6
I have no experience whatsoever with gangs or anything similar, but I've read a lot about the work Pete Carroll is doing in Cal and from what I hear he's making a difference. Maybe it's sort of a publicity stunt, which I highly doubt, but I think it would be a good idea for somebody to try and contact him about this problem and provide some insight in what he's doing.
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 8:20:28 GMT -6
Post by outlawjoseywales on Apr 20, 2009 8:20:28 GMT -6
Great posts guys, Since this is about "home stuff" we only can do what we can do. I think that PSS had a great post. "When a Freshman came into our program, we accepted them with open arms-we became their dads."
That is probably the finest thoughts I've heard as to how WE can actually have any hope of touching the lives of the handful of kids we are in charge of. The gang "look" is what makes all this difficult. Just like us as kids, we wanted to look tough, sound tough, but we weren't bad people. But it's hard to look "through" the gang styles to find that kids are not as bad as they want to look.
"We became their dads." Man if that doesn't hit you in the heart, I'm not sure you have one. Gang-land culture isn't confined to just the inner-city, it's all over the 'burbs' too.
The truth is that football is about people, the answers to helping this situation is way, way, way too large for anyone to fix. No democratic culture has the will nor the money to fix the problem that has led to father-less homes. It's too big.
But what we can ALL do is what PSS has put into place, man this answer should be "post of the year."
OJW
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stylee
Sophomore Member
Posts: 178
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 9:02:22 GMT -6
Post by stylee on Apr 20, 2009 9:02:22 GMT -6
I'm like some other guys in that we don't have a "gang" problem so much as just a violence problem.
I coach guys 18-40. Many of them have grown up and "gotten it" - they go to work, provide for their families, have harmless fun on the weekend. But many haven't.
Last season, I had 2 players get shot in a 2 week span! The shootings were not fatal in either case, but it's still terrifying. One would have been dead had his attacker's gun not suddenly jammed. Neither of the kids were bad guys - they're not the ones running around shooting people - but they put themselves in precarious situations by their own volition.
Like PSS, most of our kids come from single-mother households. I think that has a lot to do with it.
I've also struggled with "{censored}." During my years playing with these guys, I was one of two white players on the team. Now I'm the lone white coach. It's hard for me to address that topic directly. I understand the "empowerment" angle, but it's often used in a purely negative sense.
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 9:37:47 GMT -6
Post by outlawjoseywales on Apr 20, 2009 9:37:47 GMT -6
Stylee, I would suggest that you modify the use of the most volitile racial word in the world, you won't be heard for what you have to say because you will be labeled incorrectly simply by writing that word. In other words, once you write that word you are done. If you think that you will open a dialogue you will be sadly mistaken, there are too many people on both sides who make lots of money off of your goodwill. It's only wisdom, we will understand you without that word. Just trying to help.
OJW
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 9:41:36 GMT -6
Post by PSS on Apr 20, 2009 9:41:36 GMT -6
To get a true sense of what the Gang culture is like watch an episode of "Gangland" on the History Channel. This is a good portrayal of gang life in general. I had kids in my class that had been shot or stabbed.
This just doesn't start at the JH age guys. It starts much younger. Elementary age kids get involved and grow up in the gang. The gang takes the place of the parents. You have to have community leaders, church leaders, others --- to combat the growing problem. You have to recruit people within the community to help you.
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stylee
Sophomore Member
Posts: 178
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 9:49:18 GMT -6
Post by stylee on Apr 20, 2009 9:49:18 GMT -6
Stylee, I would suggest that you modify the use of the most volitile racial word in the world, you won't be heard for what you have to say because you will be labeled incorrectly simply by writing that word. In other words, once you write that word you are done. If you think that you will open a dialogue you will be sadly mistaken, there are too many people on both sides who make lots of money off of your goodwill. It's only wisdom, we will understand you without that word. Just trying to help. OJW Thanks, OJW. I realized after I typed it that it was probably a mistake. I saw PSS's use and was hoping to use it in a similar sense. If I figure out how to edit posts, I will modify it to "n-word." Edit: I can modify posts but can't seem to modify THAT post. Hm. That's part of my point: it's an extremely tough topic to address because of how careful one must be with the vocabulary of the issue. I'm not complaining - the context surrounding the word is painful and I don't ever say it. I probably shouldn't have written it.
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 10:02:05 GMT -6
Post by PSS on Apr 20, 2009 10:02:05 GMT -6
Stylee, I would suggest that you modify the use of the most volitile racial word in the world, you won't be heard for what you have to say because you will be labeled incorrectly simply by writing that word. In other words, once you write that word you are done. If you think that you will open a dialogue you will be sadly mistaken, there are too many people on both sides who make lots of money off of your goodwill. It's only wisdom, we will understand you without that word. Just trying to help. OJW Thanks, OJW. I realized after I typed it that it was probably a mistake. I saw PSS's use and was hoping to use it in a similar sense. If I figure out how to edit posts, I will modify it to "n-word." Edit: I can modify posts but can't seem to modify THAT post. Hm. That's part of my point: it's an extremely tough topic to address because of how careful one must be with the vocabulary of the issue. I'm not complaining - the context surrounding the word is painful and I don't ever say it. I probably shouldn't have written it. The whole point of my post was that you have to teach and treat kids as if they were your own. There is nothing worse than a boy that has not had a proper "father" figure in his life. Some on here may argue that it's not our job, but if we don't then who will? This country will continue to head down the road it's on if we as coaches and teachers don't reach out to those that truly need the guidance, the training, the life lessons that a young man needs to mature and to someday be the proper father himself. There's more to coaching than X's and O's!!!
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 10:12:06 GMT -6
Post by phantom on Apr 20, 2009 10:12:06 GMT -6
To get a true sense of what the Gang culture is like watch an episode of "Gangland" on the History Channel. This is a good portrayal of gang life in general. I had kids in my class that had been shot or stabbed. This just doesn't start at the JH age guys. It starts much younger. Elementary age kids get involved and grow up in the gang. The gang takes the place of the parents. You have to have community leaders, church leaders, others --- to combat the growing problem. You have to recruit people within the community to help you. This is where it gets frustrating. The kid who got arrested is adopted. His early upbringing seems to have been rough but he has a good family now. In the paper today the coach at the college where he signed said that they don't know what they're going to do.
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eric58
Junior Member
Me sparring Bruce Lee back in 79'
Posts: 298
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 11:21:51 GMT -6
Post by eric58 on Apr 20, 2009 11:21:51 GMT -6
It is a big problem also from where I'm from. As a probation counselor that's all I deal with is kids who are in gangs. As somone mentioned before we have to get to these kids when their young so they don't fall into that. Yes parents are to blame but what about the ones where both parents have to work two jobs just to survive. Do we still blame them for being a bad parent? I'm very surprised me and my brother didn't end up in gangs even though we hung out with guys in gangs. Raised by single mom with two teenage boys. She worked full time then at night went to night school so she could get a better job. I know a lot of kids go through this kind of stuff. Thats why I think the state's should have offer all sports for free at the elementary level. Over here just to play pop warner football it is $300. So what happens to the kid who wants to play but cant afford it? He just goes and hangs out with his other boys who couldn't afford it and they get into trouble. I talked to the president of pop warner and they only give 2 scholarships out to kids who cant afford it. Thats a joke and so is pop warner (not meaning to offend anyone but over here pop warner is only about winning) I know other school districts they offer all sports provided by the state and as far as I know parents don't have to pay a thing. I think by having it in the elementary schools we can reach the young kids.
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 11:33:33 GMT -6
Post by davecisar on Apr 20, 2009 11:33:33 GMT -6
It is a big problem also from where I'm from. As a probation counselor that's all I deal with is kids who are in gangs. As somone mentioned before we have to get to these kids when their young so they don't fall into that. Yes parents are to blame but what about the ones where both parents have to work two jobs just to survive. Do we still blame them for being a bad parent? I'm very surprised me and my brother didn't end up in gangs even though we hung out with guys in gangs. Raised by single mom with two teenage boys. She worked full time then at night went to night school so she could get a better job. I know a lot of kids go through this kind of stuff. Thats why I think the state's should have offer all sports for free at the elementary level. Over here just to play pop warner football it is $300. So what happens to the kid who wants to play but cant afford it? He just goes and hangs out with his other boys who couldn't afford it and they get into trouble. I talked to the president of pop warner and they only give 2 scholarships out to kids who cant afford it. Thats a joke and so is pop warner (not meaning to offend anyone but over here pop warner is only about winning) I know other school districts they offer all sports provided by the state and as far as I know parents don't have to pay a thing. I think by having it in the elementary schools we can reach the young kids. Most Pop Warner programs have scholarship programs' Our Youth program charges $75 and that has been waived a number of times My Omaha program was free
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eric58
Junior Member
Me sparring Bruce Lee back in 79'
Posts: 298
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 11:42:50 GMT -6
Post by eric58 on Apr 20, 2009 11:42:50 GMT -6
It is a big problem also from where I'm from. As a probation counselor that's all I deal with is kids who are in gangs. As somone mentioned before we have to get to these kids when their young so they don't fall into that. Yes parents are to blame but what about the ones where both parents have to work two jobs just to survive. Do we still blame them for being a bad parent? I'm very surprised me and my brother didn't end up in gangs even though we hung out with guys in gangs. Raised by single mom with two teenage boys. She worked full time then at night went to night school so she could get a better job. I know a lot of kids go through this kind of stuff. Thats why I think the state's should have offer all sports for free at the elementary level. Over here just to play pop warner football it is $300. So what happens to the kid who wants to play but cant afford it? He just goes and hangs out with his other boys who couldn't afford it and they get into trouble. I talked to the president of pop warner and they only give 2 scholarships out to kids who cant afford it. Thats a joke and so is pop warner (not meaning to offend anyone but over here pop warner is only about winning) I know other school districts they offer all sports provided by the state and as far as I know parents don't have to pay a thing. I think by having it in the elementary schools we can reach the young kids. And it's not just pop warner but other sports. To play soccer for 7 games is $125. To some of us that's not much but to others that's a lot. Also martial arts. I remember it used to be $60 a month now they charge $120 all because of UFC.
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 12:21:41 GMT -6
Post by outlawjoseywales on Apr 20, 2009 12:21:41 GMT -6
Sadly guys, money is a big part of the entire problem. These kids see the local gang leader with everything and then their mother, auntee,g-mom with just enough to get by and they THINK that this is the way.
I don't think there is an answer for it. Like I said, there isn't enough tax money collected to fix a problem of this magnitude.
Like PSS said, the best-the absolute best we can do with love these kids, model correct behavior with them, and hope to God that at least a couple of them can see a better way.
A little story, some people outside of school, look at the kids with their "style" and say how bad football players are. I always say to them, "you don't understand, the football players represent the best, not the worst of those kids."
It is true, no matter how "gangland" these kids style may look, we have the best of the entire school on our football teams.
Been there. OJW
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 14:49:44 GMT -6
Post by bigdog2003 on Apr 20, 2009 14:49:44 GMT -6
What can I do other than offer to mentor the kids? I am a college student that volunteer coaches at the local middle school, and I try to tell the kids about my friends that made the wrong choices and where they are now. Some of them don't care, and it bothers me so much. I see the promise in these kids and I want them to reach their potential.
I need some advice on what more I can do to help these kids avoid the street life.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 17:45:24 GMT -6
Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2009 17:45:24 GMT -6
Coach, as a cop I can tell you there's alot than can be done about it , but it takes people to get involved. And unfortunately it's dangerous. Please tell more, this is worth fighting over, I am tired of this cancer in our community... Caneman First you need to realize that no matter what, you can't save all of them, it's choice they make, for any one of several reasons..money, protection, association(identity), a sense of power, unfortunately something you can't really offer them. ...The sad part coach is that every post here is correct..however it's no always as easy as just getting people together and running the problem out of town. Everyone here is correct instating that people don't value human life anymore. even worse it's become somewhat of a badge of honor amongst gangmembers, no matter how innocent the victim. You need people in high places, along with the cooperation of the citizens in the area. i would contact your congessman, solicit the help of local NEWS agancies, talk to your chief of police, start petitions to take your neighborhood back. What it takes is an increased police presence, however that often spells higher taxes, something people in impoverished areas aren't either able or willing to withstand. The best way is to choke off what they thrive on, namely money from Drugs, prostitution, and extortion, how...I don't know, one of the funniest ones (and effective ones) I saw was a guy following Porstitutes around with a camera then he busts them in the act with the John. He posts everything on the internet...NOTE : I DO NOT RECCOMMEND ANYONE ATTEMPT ANY VIGILANTE TYPE JUSTICE. Alot of noise nees to be made, but the scary part is this puts someone in the limelight, and often the crosshairs. I reccomend that if you do you allow the police to be inthe spotlight for it
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 21:24:32 GMT -6
Post by coryell2009 on Apr 20, 2009 21:24:32 GMT -6
I'll speak from the point of view that 3 of my half-brothers were in gangs and I've made it a point to get involved in the daily life of 'gang' members. The kids have to trust you. They have to be able to relate to the experiences that you bring to their life. Sorry to say I've been where they are and I've made mistakes. The kids aren't really in gangs and it is mostly about money getting these kids shot. It usually involves one of the parties, getting disrespected and feeling like they have to keep their street cred. You would be shocked at how many kids have slept in my spare room. The parents in the situation need to be removed....in most cases, the problem with that is that the social services in Dallas are a joke. I may get pimp slapped for saying this but what the hell....I don't think increasing a police presence is te answer. Sure, the arrest will go up and you may HEAR of less crime, but in many of these areas crime continues. It just goes underground. The crimes get more violent. People get more fearful and stop calling the police. Gangs/Drug Dealers are like a virus, they adapt and they are dreadfully hard to be rid of. For example my brother, Tim, killed 3 people when I was the age of 8 while I was in the house of his 'friends'. The reason? He felt threatened and he thought one of the dealers was snitchin. I've spoken with him since he's been in prison and we talk all the time about the situation in the street. I've seen a great player Byron Norton of Justin F. Kimball, get shot while we were getting prepared to take the class picture. Cause? Two rumors: Girl problems and drug dealing. These come from the parents not making enough money and the kids not wanting the disrespect of wearing out dated clothes. I'm trying to explain my NO to increased police prescence. The more arrest the cops make the more DESPERATE the drug dealers get. They are not going to stop. You have to attack the causes of what makes these kids get involved in drug dealing....MONEY. I try to take kids and get them enrolled in A+ certification classes and introduce them to a temp agency that lets them solder motherboards and other electronic components. I know of one kids who has gotten started building PC's and selling them on eBay. Most of these kids are making around $9-$14 an hour. Now that the economy is on a downturn..I fear for this summer. I think throwing money at this problem with the standard answers is absolutely the wrong way. Instead of giving many of the parents on welfare cash, give the apartment complexes the cash directly. I've heard of people on Section 8, not being able to pay rent....when the rent on the program is only $62. Drive thru the hood and you will see rims/Nike's and all other kind of crap. Find the 5 closests stores in the neighborhood and give them a credit line at those stores. I'm sure many of you have heard of people selling food stamps. It's more prevalent now more than ever.
Bigdog....try to take them to the nearest federal prision (Medium and up...) that doesn't work? Explain the finances of the drug game. Understand that 75% of drug dealers don't 'take home' more than a few hundred a week. Sure they can get bigger into the game and at that level you have some of these problems: Drug Raiders (which are getting more brazen...because many cops see them as less of a problem than the drug dealers), the constant fear of infilitration into their circle of friends, which will roll on you. Got off topic....but tell them that the amount of product they will need to make money will definitely lead to 10-12 years federal time. That means they go in at 18 and come out at the earliest 27-28 with a felony record. Ask them to tell you how many of the guys in the hood are making the money that they WANT to make.....
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burn
Sophomore Member
Posts: 181
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Gangs
Apr 20, 2009 21:55:43 GMT -6
Post by burn on Apr 20, 2009 21:55:43 GMT -6
I don't know how to fix the gang problem but it is a cancer on our society. I have worked in schools where 80% of students are on free and reduced lunch and their parents speak little English. The parents are in the house mostly but they do not understand the culture and they do not know a lot of what their kids are doing. I used to bring parents in and show them their kids myspace page with all of the norteno or sureno symbols and they were dumb founded. I walked around school all day every day taking belts, shoe laces, hats, and making students change the 3 dots on their shoes or the four buttons undone on their shirts. It drove me nuts but I can pick out a Hispanic gang member pretty much on sight. So I am in a new school and I am not the principal but the football coach and A.D. For some reason I carry more weight now and I get these kids involved in lifting after school and many of them have come out for football. They know the rules and they know they will be accepted if they follow those rules. Our wt. room is bursting at the seams before and after school with every culture in our school because they know it is a safe place and that the rules are the same for everyone. I try to work with every kid and I have a slew of other coaches in there with me because they can not believe red, blue, and whatever color or number they claim all get along in the room. I don't know how to fix the problem but for a few hours a day these guys all get along. The reason they give me when I ask them why is simple. We feel accepted here and nobody is judging us. It has helped a ton on campus because many of the coaches are out during lunch and break and these kids know we are watching. We have brought them into our world. I know when they go home or are out in the street it is a different story because I hear about some of them that have been put away for various crimes but some are conforming. Just my little story with some of these guys lol.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Gangs
Apr 21, 2009 5:08:24 GMT -6
Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2009 5:08:24 GMT -6
I'll speak from the point of view that 3 of my half-brothers were in gangs and I've made it a point to get involved in the daily life of 'gang' members. The kids have to trust you. They have to be able to relate to the experiences that you bring to their life. Sorry to say I've been where they are and I've made mistakes. The kids aren't really in gangs and it is mostly about money getting these kids shot. It usually involves one of the parties, getting disrespected and feeling like they have to keep their street cred. You would be shocked at how many kids have slept in my spare room. The parents in the situation need to be removed....in most cases, the problem with that is that the social services in Dallas are a joke. I may get pimp slapped for saying this but what the hell....I don't think increasing a police presence is te answer. Sure, the arrest will go up and you may HEAR of less crime, but in many of these areas crime continues. It just goes underground. The crimes get more violent. People get more fearful and stop calling the police. Gangs/Drug Dealers are like a virus, they adapt and they are dreadfully hard to be rid of. For example my brother, Tim, killed 3 people when I was the age of 8 while I was in the house of his 'friends'. The reason? He felt threatened and he thought one of the dealers was snitchin. I've spoken with him since he's been in prison and we talk all the time about the situation in the street. I've seen a great player Byron Norton of Justin F. Kimball, get shot while we were getting prepared to take the class picture. Cause? Two rumors: Girl problems and drug dealing. These come from the parents not making enough money and the kids not wanting the disrespect of wearing out dated clothes. I'm trying to explain my NO to increased police prescence. The more arrest the cops make the more DESPERATE the drug dealers get. They are not going to stop. You have to attack the causes of what makes these kids get involved in drug dealing....MONEY. I try to take kids and get them enrolled in A+ certification classes and introduce them to a temp agency that lets them solder motherboards and other electronic components. I know of one kids who has gotten started building PC's and selling them on eBay. Most of these kids are making around $9-$14 an hour. Now that the economy is on a downturn..I fear for this summer. I think throwing money at this problem with the standard answers is absolutely the wrong way. Instead of giving many of the parents on welfare cash, give the apartment complexes the cash directly. I've heard of people on Section 8, not being able to pay rent....when the rent on the program is only $62. Drive thru the hood and you will see rims/Nike's and all other kind of crap. Find the 5 closests stores in the neighborhood and give them a credit line at those stores. I'm sure many of you have heard of people selling food stamps. It's more prevalent now more than ever. Bigdog....try to take them to the nearest federal prision (Medium and up...) that doesn't work? Explain the finances of the drug game. Understand that 75% of drug dealers don't 'take home' more than a few hundred a week. Sure they can get bigger into the game and at that level you have some of these problems: Drug Raiders (which are getting more brazen...because many cops see them as less of a problem than the drug dealers), the constant fear of infilitration into their circle of friends, which will roll on you. Got off topic....but tell them that the amount of product they will need to make money will definitely lead to 10-12 years federal time. That means they go in at 18 and come out at the earliest 27-28 with a felony record. Ask them to tell you how many of the guys in the hood are making the money that they WANT to make..... Coach, In my experience it was less about a way to make money..plenty of them had the ability to go get legitimate jobs, it was more about the lifestyle, and image. And unfortunaltely it only gets compounded in prison. Increased presence will serve to put a strain on the money that comes in through Drugs, Prostitution, extortion...it may take a few yeas, but eventually they serve pretty lengthy prison sentences
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Gangs
Apr 21, 2009 5:54:18 GMT -6
Post by davecisar on Apr 21, 2009 5:54:18 GMT -6
It all starts with no dad in the house, that is the #1 cause of all this, Coach Osborne makes a very strong empirical case for this in his book "Faith in the Game"
I started a free youth program for at risk inner city kids, have seen it all
3 of my former players have been murdered. 1 observer was shot and killed while watching our practice less than 20 yards away.
All of the kids that were killed had no father in the house and chose a path most of our kids didnt. We did weekly grade checks and awards, nearly all of our top performers were from the tiny group of 2 parent families we had.
Our society doesnt value committed marriage relationships or for the most part fathers. They feel dads are optional or even baggage.
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