Several factors have to be considered when discussing the different issues brought on by youth violence. Over the years, much has been blamed on economic, social, and cultural elements. Thus, it can be argued that the given quote “community members, youth advocates and youth themselves consistently say that it is nearly impossible to curb youth violence without addressing the underlying social conditions: extreme racial and economic segregation, a lack of job opportunities, limited access to higher education, violence-plagued and under-funded public schools, broken families and a general feeling of hopelessness and marginalization among many Chicago residents,” is true (Lydersen & Ortiz, 2012). The film, “The Interrupters” goes further to highlight how these issues have affected how the youth in Chicago perceive their environment and the people around them. Arguably, it is not possible to reduce violence without addressing the social, racial, and economic conditions that breed it.
There are several ways in which a community can deal with the stated elements that breed youth violence. For instance, it is debatable that the removal of racial biases and segregations will not only reduce the level of distrust for the police among the Black American communities but also lower the chances of youth within this community being violent with the authorities (Gunter, 2017). Eddie Bocanegra, who is one of the people featured in the film “The Interrupters,” gives insights into how his community reacted towards any initiative by the local authorities (PBS, 2012). He explains that there was much tension between the communities and the authorities due to the injustices of racial segregation and discrimination. Thus, addressing this issue in its entirety will help such communities from engaging in violence. Indeed, exploring the situation would mean ensuring people with authority do not use the same to target minority groups.
Economic concerns have also contributed significantly to the issue of youth-related violence. Gunter (2017) explains that the financial gap between the races that make up the US is obvious. For example, it is easier for a Caucasian family to get a house mortgage and live in the suburbs than it is for black Americans or Mexicans. Such cases indicate that Caucasians are believed to have better financial backing compared to other races. On the other hand, it is arguable that one angle of a social element that enhances youth violence is peer pressure. Technology, the internet, especially social media platforms, have put significant pressure on youth in an attempt to appear better and “cooler” than the rest. It is crucial to note that unless these issues are resolved, youth will continue to be violent.
There are two main ways in which factors such as fear of exposure to immigration status, discrimination, and a distrust of authorities have enabled violence among the Latino community. First, they have enhanced low reporting incidents of crime within these neighborhoods. In turn, this has encouraged more wrongdoing as the culprits know they will never get caught as anyone will report these incidences. This is regardless of whether the illegal activity was committed by individuals of the same culture or a different culture or race. Arguably, a majority of the community members would rather take action and either violently guard against such criminal activities or retaliate and, in so doing, contribute to more lawlessness in the region.
Secondly, the distrust of police based on past experiences gives corrupt law enforcers the ability to humiliate, discriminate against, and even commit misconduct towards such communities. Gunter (2017) argues that many people believe that authorities are the drivers of criminal activities in a majority of minority communities. The past experiences that have been recorded have been both about the US law enforcers and the authorities of the immigrants’ original home country. These factors further contribute to violence in Latino neighborhoods as members take the law into their own hands.
One possible solution to the challenges discussed is for the police to hold community-based interventions that allow the community to trust the authorities. Such interventions will do is encourage communities to talk to the authorities about the crime rate in the area. They will be more willing to report such criminal activities, and identify suspects, as they would trust that the authorities would protect them. On the same note, such community-based interventions would allow the authorities to learn about the frustrations of the community. In turn, they would better shape their activities in an attempt to help the community at large. It can be expected that this would lower youth violence in the neighborhoods as well.
Additionally, the problem can be addressed through a seamless link between the police and the immigration department of the state. Indeed, immigrants who are not documented are both more likely to start violence and be the target of crimes due to their status (Gunter, 2017). To protect all lives and uphold human rights, the authorities should not inquire about the immigration status of victims of transgressions. Although this is an ambitious suggestion, it can ensure that not only criminal activities are solved, but that the community is more receptive towards the initiatives started by their local authorities.
I agree with Cobe, Ameena, and Eddie that being an interrupter is more than just stopping fights (PBS, 2012). Indeed, it is also about changing the status quo and making a positive difference. The media has been influential in highlighting how the youth have been violent due to various reasons. However, little has been done to showcase the different efforts youth have recorded to change the status quo. It is prudent to mention that youth have been at the forefront, lobbying for interventions that unite their communities. The three youth featured in the film “The Interrupters” are but an example of what young people are doing. History has been unfair to young people, both on the side of justice and on the side of reporting their incredible efforts.
One way being an interrupter can help change the status quo is by using youth voices to encourage policy change. For example, the suggested intervention where police do not ask for immigration status for crime victims would require significant lobbying at both the local and the state levels. Additionally, the status quo can be changed through youth leaders who seek to change the opinion of their societies regarding lawmen. Indeed, the minority communities have had negative experiences with the authorities, and this has increased their levels of distrust for the authorities. Changing this mindset will not be easy, but is necessary for a change of the status quo.
Youth can also make positive changes in the community by first making positive changes in their own lives. Interventions such as community policing will allow vulnerable groups to live peacefully and lower chances of youth violence. In starting with oneself, the youth must be equipped with the necessary tools to perceive themselves as assets to their communities. This can be done both through formal education and other informal training. Challenging the youth to be role models to the younger generations by also giving them valuable mentorship is ideal for change. Arguably, in the US, many youths from minor communities have been displaced in both local and country-wide discussions on how to better their lives. These decisions have been made by their representatives without many consultations in terms of public participation. Engaging with the target audience from the conception of these interventions will indeed help curb the problem.
One way I can act as an interrupter in my community that is relevant to racial and ethnic relations is by becoming a change agent for youth. This can be achieved in various ways. Firstly, by speaking with youth within my community on some of the challenges they face. The goal of this exercise will be to assure the youth that their problems and concerns matter. Additionally, the action will allow the youth to start thinking about solutions for some of the problems they will have identified. This will then lead to lobbying with the respective government officials in charge of the area to push for policies that secure the youths’ future. The idea suggested will mainly focus on black American and Latino youth in the community as they are the minority. It is expected that some of the things we can lobby for include equal opportunities to join colleges, getting jobs, and also equal treatment by the authorities.
Secondly, I will do research studies on the influence of racial and ethnic biases on crime rates in the community. The suggested solution will result in a scientific paper that will highlight the challenges faced by both these communities and the local authorities policing them. As an interrupter, I will use the findings to push and lobby for change, using a top-down approach for policy development. The success of the study will depend on the community’s willingness to participate truthfully. Therefore, it will be critical to engage thought leaders and youth on the same. All parties that will be involved must understand the need for the study and the intentions behind it for them to have buy-in for the same.
In conclusion, the youth has indeed been at the forefront in regards to the crime being committed in the larger Chicago area. There are two main ways this is so; first, they are the ones conducting these illegal activities, and secondly, they are enabling criminals by creating an environment that supports crime. In trying to deal with the complex nature of youth violence in Chicago, it is important to address the issues that lead to illegal activities. Indeed, racial, social, and economic elements play a significant role in determining violent traits. It is arguable that if these elements are addressed about how they affect youth behavior, then the larger problem of youth violence will also be averted. The changes can be brought on through lobbying and proper policy development.
References
Gunter, A. (2017). Race, gangs and youth violence: Policy, prevention and policing. Policy Press.
Lydersen, K., & Ortiz, J. C. (2012). More young people are killed in Chicago than any other American city. The Chicago Reporter. Web.
PBS. (2012). The Interrupters. Web.