The Fallacy That" The System" Creates Gang Cultures in Urban Area

The argument that the system creates gang cultures versus the black community and embraces street cultures is a fallacy because it fails to recognize individual responsibility. While it is true that systemic factors like poverty, lack of access to quality education, and discriminatory policies have contributed to the proliferation of gangs in urban areas, it is ultimately up to individuals whether they choose to participate in gang activities. This point can be illustrated by the example of Kenneth "Turtle" Johnson, who grew up in a middle-class household but still embraced gang life despite his parents' objections. In my birthplace in the city of Detroit, I have known men just like Kenneth Turtle Johnson, who grew up in a solid family with the resources but chose not to be a productive citizen,  but to gravitate toward street life; there are literally thousands of the story all the country that mirror Turtle with the same tragic outcome.

Recognizing the influence of systemic factors in molding individuals' decisions and prospects is crucial. For instance, research reveals that localities suffering from elevated poverty and crime rates tend to harbor more gang-related activities as young people perceive them as their only avenue for camaraderie and safeguarding. Moreover, some skeptics assert that law enforcement measures such as stop-and-frisk primarily aim at youths belonging to ethnic minorities, resulting in mistrust between police officers and minority groups.

However, these systemic factors do not absolve individuals from making their own choices. As someone who grew up in Detroit during its economic decline and witnessed firsthand the effects of poverty and violence on my community, I understand how tempting it can be to turn to gangs for a sense of belonging and protection. Nevertheless, even in those circumstances, I knew that joining a gang would only lead me to self-destruction.

Instead of blaming the system for creating gang cultures, we need to focus on empowering individuals within our communities to make positive choices for themselves. This means providing access to quality education, job training programs, mental health resources, and other support services that can help young people build better futures for themselves. It also means promoting positive role models within our communities who demonstrate the importance of hard work, perseverance, and resilience.

Another area where we could see significant improvements is in the area of community leadership. Historically, black communities have been led by strong patriarchs who serve as role models and mentors for young people. However, in recent years, there has been a decline in this type of leadership, which has left many young people without positive male role models to look up to. This void has been filled by gangs and other negative influences, which only perpetuate poverty and violence. Members in urban areas, it ultimately comes down to individuals whether they choose to participate in these activities. Growing up in Detroit, I saw firsthand how easy it could be to succumb to the pressures of street culture. However, my parents instilled strong values and provided me with guidance that helped me avoid falling into negative influences. I recognize that only some have access to these same resources and role models, which is why we need more positive influences within our communities. 

We also need more investment in programs to provide alternative options for youth, such as mentorship programs or after-school activities focused on education and skill-building. By providing these opportunities, we can give young people hope for a brighter future beyond the confines of gang culture. Growing up in Detroit, I was exposed to similar challenges as those living in Compton or other urban areas. Despite this, I could resist the temptation of street culture and instead focused on my career goals.

Rather than placing blame solely on external factors such as the system or societal norms, we need to take responsibility for our own choices and actions. The black community must stop using system-level excuses for self-culture suicide and return to being a patriarchal solid community before its doomed fate becomes a permanent underclass. To build stronger communities where young people can thrive, we need to invest in resources that empower individuals to make positive choices for themselves. This means providing access to quality education, job training programs, mental health services, and affordable housing. It also means promoting positive role models demonstrating the importance of hard work and perseverance.

 We must acknowledge that not everyone will have equal access to opportunities due to systemic barriers; however, this should not be used as an excuse for engaging in destructive behaviors. Instead, we must work to dismantle these barriers and create a more equitable society for all. It is important to note that street culture does not exclusively belong to the black community. Gangs and other criminal organizations exist in many communities, regardless of race or ethnicity. However, some within the black community have glorified street culture as a form of rebellion against systemic oppression.

 While feeling frustrated with societal norms and policies perpetuating inequality is understandable, engaging in criminal activities further perpetuates this cycle of poverty and violence. It is time for the black community to reject the notion that street culture should be embraced and instead focus on building strong families and communities where individuals can thrive. By investing in resources that empower individuals to make positive choices for themselves and promoting positive role models demonstrating the importance of hard work and perseverance, we can help create safer and more prosperous communities for everyone. The black community must stop using system-level excuses for self-culture suicide and return to being a patriarchal solid community before its doomed fate becomes a permanent underclass.

The black community must take responsibility for promoting positive values and behaviors. This includes fostering a strong sense of community and instilling in young people the importance of hard work, education, and respect for oneself and others. Promoting positive role models who embody these values can also play a critical role in steering young people away from the gang lifestyle.

In conclusion, while systemic issues contribute to the perpetuation of gang cultures in urban areas, it is ultimately up to individuals whether they choose to participate in these activities. By investing in resources that empower individuals to make positive choices for themselves and promoting positive role models demonstrating the importance of hard work and perseverance, we can help create safer and more prosperous communities for everyone. The black community must stop using system-level excuses for self-culture suicide and return to being a robust patriarchal community before its doomed fate becomes a permanent underclass.