Nevertheless, I did not grow paranoid. People who live in lower income housing like the projects are aware of the dangers. But they still enjoy their environment. These were the kids that carried out most of the violence in the neighborhood. Even now, when I go home on breaks and I go into a mini mall or a store, and when these people walk in, a sudden tension builds up.
People become quiet and quickly exit if at all possible without being conspicuous.
These individuals join the gangs for the power to cause fear. It makes them feel like real men. I never joined because I was a bit chicken. I was afraid to die. I did affiliate with them and at times even committed vandalism, but I always knew that this kind of life wasn't what I wanted.