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More Gang Life Q & A -HOMEPAGE
Questions about Gang Life
Answers
To any of you guys who have brothers that are in the same gang as you, how
does it feel and do you approve of it, also if, whenever you guys might
cross paths in the system being brothers how do you feel? -Yadira
Dear Yadira,
I have come across your questions from a friend and I would like to answer
them. You would like to know what we think about having brothers in the
same neighborhood or gang and if we approve of it. Well, to tell you the
truth, I don’t approve of anyone being in a neighborhood and the reason
that I say that is because I am from one, and I don’t want anyone going
through what I have been through and am going through. I don’t wish it on
anyone, especially my brothers. But in away I think that some of us would
like to have our brothers in the same neighborhood - that is if they are
trying to be from a neighborhood. That way we can look out for each other
as brothers and homies. But it is not the same if he is from another
neighborhood. I think that you would understand what I am talking about. I
think it is better if he is from the same neighborhood than being from
another one because, in one way, how about if he gets jumped into a
neighborhood that I don’t get along with. Believe me; I had brothers that
that happened. That’s why I am saying what I am saying.
If we ever do cross paths in the system, in one way it will be cool
because we are going to see each other, but Yadira, the bad part is that
we are going to meet under the same circumstances and that part is not
cool. But in the end, no one wants their brothers in any gangs.
With much respect - Rafa
California
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Yadira,
I used to think life couldn’t be any better than being in the same click
as my older brother and building a reputation beyond his. Well, I’ve done
it. I now have life without the possibility of parole plus 9 years. I see
an older brother pass through “fish row” [the reception area] and I want
to plant my foot up his butt for being older and still not being anywhere
close to having his life together. Keeps on getting out just to come .
It kills me that he now tries to impress me into thinking he’s hard. I
look out for him when he’s here because I don’t think I could face Mom and
Dad if I let anything bad happen to him.
With care - Brian
California
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Yadira,
First and foremost, I hope this ‘lil kite finds you in the best of health.
Second of all, bear with me for a minute or two. I’m not too much into
writing letters, so don’t mind if I get straight to the point. You asked a
couple of questions about brothers being in the same gang and crossing
each other’s paths in the system. I wish I could tell you what you want to
hear, but instead I’m gonna tell you a little about my own experience and
hopefully you find the answer to at least one of your questions.
Me myself, I am affiliated and always will be known as an affiliate. I’m
the youngest out of two brothers and, to tell you the truth, most of the
things I know, I learned from my older brother. I joined a gang, did
whatever, wherever, and however I felt like but there’s no way I could
have seen my brother in my situation - do the things I did, go through the
things I did. Even though I’m the younger brother, I wouldn’t approve of
it. The directions I was headed, it was only a matter of time before my
brother was too, so I did everything I could to distance myself and my
homies from my brother. I figured it was a ‘lil too late for me but if
there was anything I could do to prevent my brother from getting into it,
I would do it. I know that was one of your questions, so if it isn’t too
late, and I hope it isn’t, please try everything you can to stop yourself
and your brother from joining a gang. It might not mean much coming from
someone that’s already in the system, but seeing your brother in the
system, going through all the hard times you’ve been going through is the
last thing I’d wish on anyone. I have run into a couple of cuzzins and
seeing the look on their face when they saw me in this environment being a
whole different person was something I’ll never forget. So if it’s not too
late for you Yadira or your brother, please think long and hard. Ain’t
nothing fly about being in a gang. I know this ain’t much but hopefully it
was of some help. Keep up head up n stay strong.
P.S. My older brother is married, has a daughter and is a Pastor. God
looked out for him.
Fiji
California
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Yadira,
Greetings there Yadira! Well now, before I respond to your
questions/inquiries, let me take this moment to formally introduce myself.
My name is Ricardo and I’m 23 years old.
First of all, to answer your questions, “yes” I have a brother (3 years my
senior) who is also incarcerated and we both belonged to the same
neighborhood. This isn’t an easy question to answer and it made me dig
deep cause, even though it may sound wrong, I’ve got to be honest; I have
never given it much thought until now. I’ll be up front and try to explain
my answers as best I can.
As sad as it might sound, coming up the way we came up, it wasn’t
strange/rare to hear/know of two brothers being locked down, so I never
really gave it much thought. Now in hindsight I can honestly say I don’t
condone the choices we made and I’m sure my brother would agree that if we
had any regrets in life, our biggest one would be joining our
neighborhood, but harboring regrets would just eat at us and it is kind of
useless. So instead I gotta focus on the present and whatever lies ahead.
My brother and I were always close like most brothers. Together we shared
all of life’s experiences and, like most ‘lil brothers, I looked up to my
brother. So when he started running the streets and joined the
neighborhood, naturally I was right behind him, trying to be (be like)
imitate my brother, and initially he tried to detour me from that life
style. But as we became more distant, the more I became involved in the
same activities until I became consumed by it and by then it was far too
late for him (my brother) to object. So he halfheartedly accepted it and I
could see it was hard for him to swallow because, by then, he somewhat
knew what to expect from that life style. So, to answer your question, now
in hindsight I would not approve of him (or for that matter anyone else)
joining the neighborhood, for many reasons aside from the obvious.
I have never had the opportunity to cross paths with my brother, but if we
ever did it would be bitter-sweet because, on the one hand I love him and
haven’t seen him in eight years, but on the other hand it would be painful
to see my brother under these circumstances. (I’m sure it would be
mutual.) We would be left no other choice but to deal with it and make the
best of not only an awkward but a somber situation.
I hope I have shed some sort of light on the situation even thought my
answers may not have been what you expected or were looking for. So bear
in mind it’s just my experience and point of view.
With care - Ricardo V
California
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Gang Answers To Questions18
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