Who really has your back - the truth about gangs

When you have a problem or you need someone to talk to, who do you turn to?

When you need to be comforted, who is the person you rely on to always be there?

Who is that person who lifts you up, inspires, guides, protects and remains on standby?

Who has your back in every situation, whether it be a relationship/job/school/financial problem?

 

For some, the answer to the above questions will be instant. In fact the thought of that special person might light up your face with an unexpected smile.

Some of you might take a little longer, but with time you might find yourself building up a list of a handful of people. Each with their own unique qualities that draw you to them, all who have helped you at some point to regain strength, provide  a solution or simply make you smile.

Sadly for some, there is no answer to the above questions. There is no one to provide the support, love, protection or advice that we all need as emotional beings. Feeling alone can be the most discouraging, distancing and shattering emotion of all. Sometimes we forget to count our blessings, but can I ask you for a second to imagine your world without that wall of emotional safety. Imagine your week without the soothing and comforting tones of that special person. Coping with bereavement is an arduous task, but imagine the knowledge that beyond that grief follows an eternity of solitude and loneliness. If you have been blessed, you may stumble on positive substitutes, but not everyone is that lucky.

I decided to concentrate today on an issue that is very close to my heart, more so after the tragic attack and murder of 15 year old Zac Olumegbon outside his school. Sadly through experience, I am aware that some teenagers consider their gang to be their protector, giver of life, counsellor motivator, provider (that holds parental and emotional responsibility over them) and always HAS THEIR BACK.

 Sadly, they will elect the wrong person to fulfil the above role,

They will choose gang affiliates to fill that void they believe they have in their lives

They will choose to ultimately be alone!

ABH, PYG, SHOWER, G-Street, Gas, Gypset, SMS, T-Block.........

To most the above abbreviations will not mean anything. However, if you are street wise and young there is a good chance that you will know that they are all tag names for South London gangs.

As we become more aware of crime levels and the shocking/aggressive methods used by the perpetrators to carry out these attacks, our fear naturally increases. For our youth, their thoughts will turn to the ways they can protect themselves, their conversations with their peers will spark interest and certain experiences will push them to seek refuge amongst these gangs. I’ve been privy to certain conversations where young people have expressed the need to join a gang for self preservation and to ensure that they have someone to call on should they need help.

                                                       HOWEVER

Stories like Zac Olumegbon are not few and far between.

 When these children chose to nominate themselves as representatives, mules and assassinators, do they realise the repercussions?

At such a young age when they are given their colours and advised to team others a ‘lesson,’- Do they realise that one day someone else could be given the very same orders to antagonise and scare their family members?

When these boys post shocking videos of these attacks on You tube, (with the aim to publicize their notoriety), – Are they aware that one day they might play the starring role as the victim?

When they gain that respect amongst their peers, gain a name for themselves on the street and develop a thirst to inflict fear and pain, -Do they know of the increase in kidnappings and assassinations of those that have made the difficult decision to leave that kind of life?

I suggest at 12/13/14/15/16 years old......NO! But in saying that, you never really know all the repercussions of an act until you experience it the hard way and that is the same at ANY age.

It is clear that this young boy made a bad choice (at a young age), he was trying to rectify his mistake and was savagely killed. Don’t get me wrong, one must ask themselves as to what acts he may have committed in the past to make others want to hound him until he was dead. The fact remains the same, another young boy lost to the streets!

                                  Gangs don’t make sense – Think about it!

Police have reported that gang members that have been wounded remained unresponsive.  Now, as a sensible human being, how could you consider dying with the knowledge that no one would ever know who fired that fatal shot?

Members lower their lifespan! You could be mugged or be the victim of an unprovoked attack at any time, but as a gang member you significantly increase the chances of being attacked by someone you know.

They turn on their own and the consequences are more severe. There are stories of Kidnapping and terrorising the family of gang members and this is just the tip of the iceberg.  

They have no heart and this is most tragic fact. They have no love or responsibility towards their members. The focus is to build up numbers to gain respect, so in essence you are just in a pawn in a fatal game.

                                YOUNG PEOPLE -BEWARE OF THESE GANGS!

Like everything, when they are good, they are very good BUT

When they feel betrayed, abandoned or double crossed, they can be your worst enemy.

Don’t put yourself and family at risk for the sake of a name!

Don’t sacrifice your true friends, family or loved ones for these cold, unforgiving individuals who will promise you the world and shatter it with a gunshot;

Aspire for more than a tag name, superficial respect and a AK47!