The Review of "Crips and Bloods: Made in America"

Question 2 

Firstly, it is evident that just like the civil rights movement both Crips and Bloods had an origin. They emerged from young black individuals who had watched the wave of unrest among their elders and also, those that they felt the need to gain a sense of identity. Secondly, the groups emerged from individuals who wanted to be respected just like other white people within the community (King, 2016). Thirdly, a majority of the gang members are children who grew up in an unsupervised home, or those whose parents were grappling with drug and substance abuse. Fourthly, being a member of the Crips and Bloods made the teenagers feel like they had some status (King, 2016). Those who wielded guns were feared and respected. Another fact is based on the idea that initially, the gangs were formed with an aim of competing against each other but later on weapons were introduced as a means of retaliation against each group; to protect their own and avenge those that were killed. Finally, it is evident that the emergence of this gangs were influenced by the harsh treatment that the African American individuals were accorded by the White nationals. The young individuals were not about to persevere the same encounters that their predecessors had. 

Question 3 

There are a lot of valuable lessons that one can learn from the film. For instance, due to the kind of treatment accorded to black individuals, cultural disorientation was experienced. There was a dire necessity to feel like they belong. To be a Crip or member of the Bloods, individuals had to close out any kind of emotion and depict only violence. It is also apparent that punitive treatment from law enforcers is capable of contributing to greater problems in the society rather than control violence (King, 2016). Crips and Bloods were viewed as urban soldiers who protect the residents from their neighborhood (King, 2016). The gangs claimed ownership to certain streets and parks restricting people from accessing such areas. For most of the teenagers, they joined the gang to be protected and avoid getting assaulted and demeaned. It is also imperative to note that most of these members do not view the organizations as gangs. Instead, they are they are like the family they never had. 

Question 6 

One of the characteristics that one had to exhibit to be a gang member is violence. One had to be hostile at all times since anything could happen to anyone at any time. Also, members had to be well dressed, adorned in the latest fashion. This was important since it earned them respect and admiration from other members. Another significant characteristic involves the idea that a person had to lock out emotions and only exhibit brutal force since it was important for someone not to appear weak(). It is also evident that respect was earned through fear. Killing and being violent is what led individuals to be respected among their peers. There is also a requirement that for one to be a gang member, they had to own a gun. Many of the teenagers had guns since they were as young as 12 years old (King, 2016). Guns were needed for protection from rival gangs and law enforcers. 

Question 8 

The film managed to change my mind about the aspect of gang life that it presents. This was because initially, it seemed like gangs came together with an aim of committing robberies and other forms of atrocities. It is now apparent that some of them, such as the Crips and Bloods were formed with an aim of gaining a sense of identity and also protection (King, 2016). Besides, a lot of influence in forming the gangs came from past experiences by members of the black race. The discrimination and torture that the forefathers of gang members experienced motivated them to be gang members in a bid to get recognized and accorded the respect that their ancestors never had. Also, gang life is the ultimate survival for some people since they are denied access to opportunities. 

Reference 

King_Jah (2016, December 11). Crips and Bloods: Made in America [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNSX8qZeSxc&t=4241s.