I have to say that working on our community profiles was not only frustrating, but made me actually feel sad! Perhaps it was an issue of search terms but the easiest information to find on teens in Brooklyn neighborhoods was crimes they have committed. Machetes in Williamsburg, vandalism in Brooklyn Heights. It seems like such an obvious juxtaposition. There was so little information on what they can do in their out-of-school time that it doesn't come as much surprise that they turn to crime.
On a similar note, I watched Crips and Bloods: Made in America last night. It is a very interesting documentary on gang life/violence in LA. It is chock-full of history and information, but the real take-away message is that if these teenagers had more options and more support, they wouldn't be getting involved in this lifestyle. These opinions come from current gang members, reformed gang members, professors, etc.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I'm sorry this was a tough assignment, but it is very telling that there are so many communities out there with no resources for teens.
ReplyDeleteCrips and Bloods sounds good--I've never seen it, but I'll definitely check it out now.