The Caged Tiger
Theme Music - "Maybe We Crazy" by 50 Cent
Peace, I build that this finds everyone in the best of conditions mentally as well as physically. Firstly, although I'm no fan of snitches (unless you're over 60 and scared to come out the house because of gunshots), I'm actually feeling his new song. Last week, when I was in Now Why (New York), Kay Slay brought it back a couple of times. 50's been gave up on lyricism, b.u.t. he spills the beans pretty well about his former life.
Here in Power Born (Pittsburgh, Pa. for those who don't speak the language), there's been a re-emergence of "Street Gangs" over the past 2 years. Out here, you'll find Bloods, Crips, and local variations such as O.G.'s and LAW. From my perspective, the re-emergence is due to 2 main factors:
1) Gang members who are returning home after 8-10 years in prison
2) The influence of Gang- related music in Hip Hop
Within the community, reaction to the development of gangs falls into two categories: containment and eradication (Conservatives, Moderates. and Liberals) or transformation (Progressives, Revolutionaries). The perspective of the former just isn't viable due to the inequities of American society that create the breakdown of the family, which sends youth to the streets looking to belong to whatever they can. As soon as you get rid of one gang, another incarnation pops up.
The view of the latter is based on the events of the Black Power movement and the efforts of Black figures such as Bunchy Carter, Fred Hampton, and George Jackson, who were able to politicize former gang members, and move them into activities on behalf of the people. Additionally, many members of the NGE were once gang members until the Gods taught them Knowledge of Self. Due to the interaction between conscious/progressive organizations and street organizations, many of the street organizations have retained conscious/civilized elements. For example, while watching a DVD entitled "Hood 2 Hood", I saw a GD (Gangster Disciple) explain that GD stood for "Growth & Development". Almost every street organization has a constitution and values.
The point of all this? In my next post.
Peace, I build that this finds everyone in the best of conditions mentally as well as physically. Firstly, although I'm no fan of snitches (unless you're over 60 and scared to come out the house because of gunshots), I'm actually feeling his new song. Last week, when I was in Now Why (New York), Kay Slay brought it back a couple of times. 50's been gave up on lyricism, b.u.t. he spills the beans pretty well about his former life.
Here in Power Born (Pittsburgh, Pa. for those who don't speak the language), there's been a re-emergence of "Street Gangs" over the past 2 years. Out here, you'll find Bloods, Crips, and local variations such as O.G.'s and LAW. From my perspective, the re-emergence is due to 2 main factors:
1) Gang members who are returning home after 8-10 years in prison
2) The influence of Gang- related music in Hip Hop
Within the community, reaction to the development of gangs falls into two categories: containment and eradication (Conservatives, Moderates. and Liberals) or transformation (Progressives, Revolutionaries). The perspective of the former just isn't viable due to the inequities of American society that create the breakdown of the family, which sends youth to the streets looking to belong to whatever they can. As soon as you get rid of one gang, another incarnation pops up.
The view of the latter is based on the events of the Black Power movement and the efforts of Black figures such as Bunchy Carter, Fred Hampton, and George Jackson, who were able to politicize former gang members, and move them into activities on behalf of the people. Additionally, many members of the NGE were once gang members until the Gods taught them Knowledge of Self. Due to the interaction between conscious/progressive organizations and street organizations, many of the street organizations have retained conscious/civilized elements. For example, while watching a DVD entitled "Hood 2 Hood", I saw a GD (Gangster Disciple) explain that GD stood for "Growth & Development". Almost every street organization has a constitution and values.
The point of all this? In my next post.
posted by I Majestic at 3:35 PM
2 Comments:
i did a lecture with the young lords in Buffalo... someone asked a question about that. I explained that we should look at gangs as potential revolutionaries, para intellectuals, and future leaders. when we approach them from that perspective, that is when Power is realized...
but i dig the post.
Peace Lord,
Similar conditions here in New Heaven with the Crips and Bloods. I’m about to bring my JVC outside and play Saigon’s ‘The Color Purple.’
Peace,
C’BS Alife Allah
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