The movie “The Interrupters” (James & Kotlowitz, 2011) provides powerful insight into the needs of Urban Communities located in the Southside of Chicago. This documentary exposed the the reality of revenge, lose, and the ever shifting power struggles occurring in communities entangled in gang activity. This paper will explore the concepts of belonging, fear, discouragement, and courage and how each impact our everyday life.
It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child, so it makes sense that we are a product of surroundings. As children we absorb the world around us and cling to moments and people that make us feel special. The desire to fit in can be crucial, especially when situations at home or at school are not desireable. For individuals to have the outlet of friendship and community can combat times of hardship and exile. As described by Eddie a former gang member from “The Interrupters” (James & …show more content…
He informs on the subject of working parents trying to provide a better life for their children, which unfortunately lead to absentee parents. Eddie found his second family on the streets and at the time felt proud to have his own identity as a gang member. This identity separated him from his migrant parents and allowed him to form new bonds with others living in his community.
Although this identity gave Eddie the crucial feeling of connectedness it came with a price. For members living in the community fear is faced daily, and the fear that you are next echoed throughout “The Interrupters” ( James & Koltowitz, 2011). When we lose control to fear individuals being to act out of impulse and thinking clearly is put on the back burner. In the movie we saw this during the beginning clips where a fight broke out near The Interrupters location. Witnesses mentioned cops drove up and then left as though they feared what was to come. Who is left to protect to
It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child, so it makes sense that we are a product of surroundings. As children we absorb the world around us and cling to moments and people that make us feel special. The desire to fit in can be crucial, especially when situations at home or at school are not desireable. For individuals to have the outlet of friendship and community can combat times of hardship and exile. As described by Eddie a former gang member from “The Interrupters” (James & …show more content…
He informs on the subject of working parents trying to provide a better life for their children, which unfortunately lead to absentee parents. Eddie found his second family on the streets and at the time felt proud to have his own identity as a gang member. This identity separated him from his migrant parents and allowed him to form new bonds with others living in his community.
Although this identity gave Eddie the crucial feeling of connectedness it came with a price. For members living in the community fear is faced daily, and the fear that you are next echoed throughout “The Interrupters” ( James & Koltowitz, 2011). When we lose control to fear individuals being to act out of impulse and thinking clearly is put on the back burner. In the movie we saw this during the beginning clips where a fight broke out near The Interrupters location. Witnesses mentioned cops drove up and then left as though they feared what was to come. Who is left to protect to