Introduction
Walter Mosley’s book, “Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned,” takes the readers into the harsh world of its main character, Socrates Fortlow. This story is not just about Fortlow; it is a powerful look at the struggles many African Americans face in poor urban areas. By digging into the pages of this important book, this essay aims to uncover the significant forces in society that shape Fortlow’s life.
In the novel, the audience is transported to Watts, Los Angeles, where Fortlowis deals with not having many job opportunities, something familiar in stories about African Americans in cities. This book is more than just a story; it is a mirror reflecting the big problems that affect communities that are often left behind. Analyzing and diving into Fortlow’s life through a sociological lens, this essay will illustrate the history and culture that set the stage for his arduous journey.
Sociological Exploration
Looking at the book from a sociological angle means thinking about the history and culture that shape Fortlow’s story. His journey represents the tough challenges that many African Americans face in poor cities. Sociologist Anderson claims that when jobs in the city areas go away, such as factory jobs, the usual ways of making money fall apart. This makes poverty and crime worse (Anderson 48). In the context of the novel, the decline of industrial jobs, as Wilson describes, mirrors the economic challenges faced by the protagonist in Watts’ impoverished urban setting. The absence of conventional economic opportunities for Fortlow contributes to the perpetuation of poverty and the resorting to alternative, sometimes illegal, means of survival.
Fortlow, living in a poor city, faces a big problem – not having many chances to get a job. This is a common theme in stories about African Americans in cities. As scholar Elijah Anderson discussed, his troubles connect to more significant societal issues. Anderson argues that when people have few chances, they follow a “code of the street” to get respect and a good reputation (Anderson 45).
Fortlow, who spent time in prison, deals with the harmful effects of society not caring enough and not having enough help to change. When it is hard for people to make money regularly, they do things that are not good or legal. That is why what happens when society does not provide everyone fair opportunities and the help they need to do better after making mistakes becomes more evident.
Redemption and Individual Agency
Another critical sociological view that runs through the story is the idea of redemption and taking charge of what happens. When Fortlow decides to stop doing bad things and be a better person, it shows that people can change and get better, even when things are tough(Mosley 18). This connects with what Perlin discusses in his research. He believes people can control themselves and pick good deeds instead of bad ones (Perlin and Fivush 27).
Perlin and Fivush’s research aligns with the journey toward redemption by emphasizing that individuals can manage their actions and choose positive behaviors over negative ones. Perlin and Fivush believe people can exercise self-control and make decisions that lead to better outcomes. This perspective resonates with Fortlow’s determination to escape a life of crime. This is more than clear in the example of the novel.
Fortlow’s redemption journey and the power he has to make choices add a unique layer to the understanding of the novel. To explain it, it might be helpful to look at the idea of Durkheim, who examined the idea called “anomie” (Bernburg 46). It is when people feel they do not fit in with society’s expectations.
When this happens, some might start engaging in criminal acts. Fortlow says, “I want to do better, even if things around me are not so good” (Mosley 25). This idea that one person can make a change, even when the world is challenging, is a big part of why Fortlow’s story matters. Looking at Fortlow’s choices using these sociological ideas helps to see how people and society work together, making the story even more enjoyable.
Social Capital
Looking closer at Fortlow’s narrative through the concept of social capital shows the profound impact of social relationships and networks on individual lives. Social capital is about the idea that strong community connections can lead to positive outcomes, such as support, more opportunities, and shared resources (Anderson 39). In Fortlow’s case, examining the quality and extent of his interactions within the community becomes crucial to understanding his prospects for redemption and personal growth.
A detailed analysis would explore how Fortlow’s Relationships, or the absence thereof, contribute to or hinder his ability to break free from the cycle of poverty and crime. For instance, if Fortlow had access to a supportive community network that encouraged positive change, his journey toward redemption might have encountered fewer obstacles. On the flip side, his isolation within an impoverished and struggling community could exacerbate the challenges he faces.
This additional theme enriches the sociological exploration by highlighting the nuanced dynamics between individual agency and the surrounding community. It prompts questions about the role of community support, social resources, and collective efforts in fostering an environment conducive to positive transformation (Anderson 43). By delving into the intricacies of Fortlow’s social connections, it is possible to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the interconnected factors that shape his journey in Watts’s impoverished urban landscape. This lens offers a holistic perspective on the complex web of influences shaping individual destinies within the broader context of societal structures.
Opposing Perspectives
While acknowledging the sociological dimensions of Fortlow’s narrative, it is essential to consider opposing viewpoints that may challenge this interpretation. Some critics argue that individual agency alone cannot overcome deeply entrenched systemic issues. Sociologist Robert Sampson suggests that solving urban poverty and crime requires changes in the community and social structure (Perlin and Fivush 49).
In simpler terms, he believes that just one person, such as Fortlow, changing their life might not be enough to fix more significant societal problems. It is the same as stating that Fortlow’s transformation could be seen as a small success story, but to make a difference, one needs to make significant changes in how communities work, and society is set up. So, Perlin and Fivush’s idea is more about fixing the root causes of problems, not just looking at individual cases. This approach aims for long-term, systemic improvements rather than relying solely on individual efforts.
While acknowledging the importance of addressing systemic issues, it is essential to highlight the transformative power of individual agency showcased in Fortlow’s journey. While Sampson argues for broader changes, Fortlow’s story demonstrates that individual transformations contribute to societal shifts. The emphasis on fixing root causes should not diminish the significance of personal growth. Fortlow’s decision to break free from a life of crime challenges the notion that individual agency is insufficient.
Instead, it showcases that empowering individuals to make positive choices can catalyze broader societal change (Mosley 31). By dismissing the impact of individual efforts, there is a risk of underestimating the potential cumulative effect of numerous personal transformations in creating a more positive and resilient social fabric. In essence, individual agency and systemic change are integral to fostering a healthier and more just society.
At the same time, critics may contend that Mosley’s focus on Fortlow’s agency downplays the impact of systemic racism and economic inequality on the character’s circumstances. Andersen argues that the criminal justice system unfairly singles out and marginalizes African Americans, leading to a harmful cycle of poverty and imprisonment (Alexander 19). This means that African Americans, such as Fortlow, may face systemic barriers that make it harder for them to break free from a cycle of poverty and incarceration.
Considering Fortlow’s experiences in the context of Andersen’s ideas calls for a careful and detailed understanding of how individual choices interact with more significant, structural societal problems. For instance, Fortlow’sstruggles after serving time in prison may be seen as not just personal challenges but also as part of a broader pattern that affects many African Americans due to systemic issues in the criminal justice system. This understanding prompts people to question and address the more significant issues at play, such as racial disparities and systemic biases, that contribute to cycles of difficulty for individuals similar to Fortlow. By acknowledging these patterns, there is an opportunity to advocate for reforms and changes in the system to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all, fostering a more just and inclusive society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a sociological examination of Walter Mosley’s “Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned” sheds light on the interconnected themes of urban poverty, systemic challenges, and individual agency. By delving into the socioeconomic realities faced by the protagonist, Socrates Fortlow, within the broader context of historical and cultural factors, the readers gain valuable insights into the complexities of the narrative. The exploration of redemption and personal transformation adds depth to the analysis, drawing on criminological and sociological perspectives.
While recognizing the significance of individual agency in Fortlow’s journey, engaging with opposing viewpoints that emphasize the need for systemic change is imperative. The work of scholars such as Wilson, Anderson, Hirschi, and Durkheim contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the sociological dimensions of the novel. Simultaneously, critiques from Sampson and Alexander challenge us to consider the limitations of individual agency in the face of deeply entrenched societal issues. This sociological exploration serves as a testament to the multifaceted nature of the novel and its relevance in broader discussions on race, poverty, and criminal justice. Mosley’s portrayal of Fortlow’sstruggles and redemption invites readers to reflect on the intricate web of factors shaping individual destinies within the larger tapestry of societal structures.
Works Cited
Anderson, Elijah. “Code of the Street.” The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Urban and Regional Studies, 2019.
Bernburg, Jón Gunnar. “Anomie theory.” Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Criminology and Criminal Justice. 2019.
Mosley, Walter. “Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned.” W. W. Norton & Company, 1998.
Perlin, Joshua D., and Robyn Fivush. “Revisiting Redemption: A Life Span Developmental Account of The Functions of Narrative Redemption.” Human Development, vol. 65, no.1, 2021, pp. 23-42. Web.