For gangs “Once you get tagged- tattooed- that means you’re committed”(Leap. Pg.109). Although, many gangs have different symbols or numbers to represent them among those there is one common tattoo that exist in the gangland and that is the tear drop. Jorja Leaps gives us a beautiful description in regards to the various definitions of the tear drop. Jorja mentions the main principle behind the teardrop is to symbolize pain. In addition, Fabian an African American gangster mentions “ Three definitions come with the teardrop; you have lost someone close to you, you have hurt someone crucial to you, or you have spent time in jail or prison”(Leap. Pg 108). Thus, the teardrop is a cultural representation within the gang …show more content…
With the help of Father Greg Boyle and homeboy industries there is hope and opportunities for the farmer gang members to change their lives completely around. For example, “ This is one of the few jobs available to them, particularly with the economic downturn. At Homeboy Industries, the staff finds that living up to one of its core values, “Jobs, Not Jails”, presents an ongoing challenge”(Leap. Pg 195). For gang members overall it is hard to even get a job because society views them as criminals and thugs. Father Greg Boyle and his industrie don’t view them as criminals instead he views them as O.G’s.(opportunity givers). Offering them jobs, helping them with their personal problems and a second opportunity. Instead of society closing the doors on these individuals we need to open them and help them to the right path like Father Greg Boyle and Homeboy