East Side Stories: Gang Life in East L.A.
We've heard about drive-by shootings and territorial battles  in the news. "East Side Stories" brings the code, the lives,  the words, and the hope of actual gang members to light in  this stunning collection of essays, photographs, and an  interview of ex-gang member Luis Rodriguez, now the author  of five books and the recipient of several major awards. The  labyrinthine rules and codes of gang life are examined and  explained, while intimate photographs of "gang bangers" in  their homes and with their families put a human face on what  is, for many of us, just another story in the afternoon  newspaper.Luis Rodriguez explains in his interview that the  demonization and false glorification of gang life has done  much disservice to the termination of gang activity,  activity which he defines as "90% boredom." What's the key  to reduction of gang violence and improvement of inner-city  lives, to the dissolution of prisons as a right of passage?  Part of the solution lies in providing better education by  informed and supportive teachers who are able to tap into  the overlooked creativity in inner-city communities. And a  great part lies in nationally understanding and supporting  communities bound by poverty, and encouraging people to work  together to help people work for themselves.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.