Most Americans know that adolescents dabble with drugs and minor offenses. However, what about murder. Chicago has become the murder capital of the United States almost all of the murders occurred in African American communities according to (Chicago Tribune 2012). Chicago had 506 homicides in the past year and of that 243 of the victims were under the age of 25(Chicago Tribune 2012). This has become a very scary epidemic. With no good appraisals acted on to stop the problem. I propose some good strategic actions that could help slow the murder rate down in Chicago.
To begin working on the problem. Understanding who is creating the violence is key. Most violence in Chicago is gang related. Being that Chicago has always been known for their notorious gangsters stated by (Williams 2). But what has allowed the numbers of deaths grow is how these teens think today. As if it’s every man for himself (Williams 2). Growing up on Chicago Southside I know and understand the violence. The majority of the deaths is returned and received by young black boys. Most of them come from single-mother homes. Like many cases their mom can’t provide much financial stability. This is the first factor that sends a young boy in the streets of the Chicago. If you see your mother struggling. You go out and find a way to get money. These young boys are not going out to find minimum wage jobs. Simply because it takes too long or they don’t look the part. Fast money is the motive. They learn the ways to selling drugs by observing friends or others. This the root of the problem. It starts at home. I suppose that it should be more job like programs out there for young black boys. This could create better influence on them. Or at least give them something positive to be around.
What is more eventually these 14, 15 and 16 year old boys join their neighborhood gang. After that their life will never be the same after that. Immediately to join a gang you have to prove your loyalty. Sort of like a sorority. Once your apart of it it’s extremely hard to get out of that lifestyle. To tell the truth once a boy joins his outcome will become two options. He will wind up dead or in jail.
So why do these boys join? If they know the odds. Well they accept them. Gangs provide a type of support system for the boys in them. It’s like a brotherhood. They have created a bond, they fight, kill, and protect one another most of the time. Their gang is their family. For example, I can recall a time when I was in high school. I had been conversing with this boy. He was only a freshman about 14 years old. We were talking about gangs and stuff he told me the gang he claims. Then later explained that he is the hitter for his gang. A hitter is a person that does the shooting and killing for the gang. He was 14 years old had a couple of lives on his name. I know it’s hard to believe that someone that age could have killed a few people and they are walking around like nothing happened.
In 2012 mayor daily, the former mayor of Chicago. Attempted to bring the National Guard to the city. The violence had just started to increase around this time. He never followed through with the plan. I’m not sure why. He probably never thought the violence would get this out of control. I believed his plan would’ve been good. It would have put a lot of restrictions on the young boys and were they do the killing.
Conversely, the African American community does not trust the government. I know this just by growing up around in my community. They feel that the government has never cared about African Americans. In a way they would be right. For example the black boy versus the police is a consistent war. The police will be quick to lock the first black boy up they see or they will try to dehumanize them.
I don’t believe there is any trust that could be built between the two. Which I why the government has to be careful how they try to help in this epidemic. Instead, older citizens in the community should get more involved. The youth will respect them more. Especially if they have been in same boat or situation as them. The influence older men can have on these boys is essential.
Today’s society has an effect on Chicago violence too. Everyone has wants and needs. But a lot of these teens wants has fueled their violence. As stated by (Williams 2) a generation that struggled hard just to have enough is being replaced with one that is obsessed with having the best. Where I’am from if you don’t have the latest gadgets and clothing you’re a nobody. In Chicago black teens have a desire to be in the flashiest clothes. Young black boys use their guns to rob any and everyone that has something to say.