kg

poli sci and sociology student @butleru

[kg @so400276676]

it's discouraging to see that, instead of promoting them in the right direction, people will ridicule the youth for "hanging out with the wrong crowd" and basically deem them as delinquent before they have any chance at fixing things #so345

[kg @so400276676]

James' future was seemingly already decided for him the moment that police officer made him a target. How does this affect the motivation for someone like him to even attempt to lead a better life, when no matter what you do there is someone waiting for you to fail? #so345

[kg @so400276676]

for example: most drug dealers often share most of the same skills as a regular salesperson, since you need to be very precise and charismatic in order to gain respect in the community. but, because its unorthodox they aren't treated the same #so345

[kg @so400276676]

The beginning of the chapter also made me think of a widely shared thought that most people involved in criminal activities actually do have good skills that transfer into a workplace environment, they just don't gain the respect needed in the realm of professionalism. #so345

[kg @so400276676]

The discussion that follows about misrecognition was something that I thought could be applied in an even broader sense. There's always going to be a generational difference in what young people see as professional versus the adults they are trying to impress #so345

[kg @so400276676]

Ronny's insistence to wear his white Air Forces to the job interview was backed up by his statement "Because the professionals wear them." This shows just how important it is to recognize cultural differences in role models and respect them. #so345

[kg @so400276676]

Tyrell's dad encouraging him to not see all cops as bad was something that stood out to me. Even though his dad probably knew that his view was skewed already, he still wanted to promote a more positive outlook for his son. #so345

[kg @so400276676]

many youth that do break the cycle will most likely leave the area and do something “better” with their lives, which won’t necessarily help the area they grew up in from breaking the cycle. i think that a unique case like Rios’ is what is needed #so345

[kg @so400276676]

many of the youth growing up in this area have found role models in the adults in the neighborhood, which in turn means that they find the status as a convict as admirable. how do we break this cycle? #so345

[kg @so400276676]

However, it made me realize how important the background was that Rios had. I don’t think the boys would be as receptive and open if he didn’t share the same experiences as them. It definitely played an important role in getting him the access he needed to observe them. #SO345

[kg @so400276676]

As I was reading about Rios and his methods of observing them, I couldn’t help but think about how I assumed there would be some pushback from the boys to have someone following their every move, even if it was for their benefit. (1/2) #SO345

[kg @so400276676]

it’s interesting to me how common it is to kick these boys out of school, due to truancy or being a “threat”, but that only pushes them further into risk of “victimization” as Rios puts it. they turn back to the gang activity because they don’t know anything else. #SO345

[kg @so400276676]

when talking about Smiley’s death, Rios included a quote from one of the officers that really took me aback. the officer basically admitted to him that the system gains from watching them engage in violent acts against each other, especially murder. #SO345

[kg @so400276676]

from a strictly constitutional view, i find it fascinating that it's even legal for these officers to stop and search pedestrians so frequently in areas such as Skid Row. what sort of privilege based implications does this have? #so345

[kg @so400276676]

i think that this lack of a sense of community in certain areas can definitely lead to more negative stigma surrounding it, as outsiders may see this as a sign of a "bad neighborhood" when it's really just an effect of policing #so345

[kg @so400276676]

something i found interesting was how the reading talks about the intense isolation that people in heavily policed communities go through. many people are afraid to leave their homes even during the day, and miss out on connecting with their neighbors #so345

[kg @so400276676]

does being a part of this group that has normalized and praised these actions create a blind eye to the issues presented by use of unnecessary force? #so345

[kg @so400276676]

the discussion of excuses/justifications for use of force by officers is interesting to me. to them it is a necessary action they are "allowed" to partake in. i'm curious if they would be able to justify this use of force if they were not an officer/had a diff career #so345

[kg @so400276676]

careers would have more of a stronger moral compass to stick to what they believe in when they're the ones responsible for upholding the law on a more interpersonal level. it's concerning that they would be willing to give in so easily & shows how norms are in the prof. #so345

[kg @so400276676]

I find it interesting how cops are so easily swayed by their veterans in the field to become something that they possibly had no intention of being (as in, not all of them believe that use of excessive force in necessary). i would hope that people going into these (1/2) #so345