Wannabe’s— Dangerous speak in today’s climate!
The trend of referring to youth who act in a gang like manner as a “wannabe,” is very dangerous. It can cause the public to drop their guard especially when used by political figures such as Chiefs of Police or Politicians.
This term which on-line dictionary, Wikipedia defines as “a person who likes to imitate, or even withes to be another, but cannot achieve due to physical, psychological, financial, cultural, political, religious or mental limitations.” Now, some people are inclined to believe that teens or youth who tag a wall, commit ac
ts of “wilding”, or other acts of malicious mischief are just playing.
There are numerous definitions of a street gang. But to sum it up quickly, a gang is a group of people conducting criminal activity. If you have a individual or a group of individuals who walk like a duck, talk like a duck and look like a duck then they are a duck, then one could surmise that it is a duck.
Because youth are so unpredictable or volatile, referring to them as “wannabes” can not only be a challenge but it can be taken as an insult by the person or persons being referred to.
Sullivan County (NY) Sheriff Michael Schiff used the term “wannabe” in an appropriate manner in a news interview. He stated, “a gang wannabe is just a gang gonnabe, unless you take some action.” Now compare that statement with the next one.
A suburban police chief in metro Chicago stated, “we don’t have a gang problem what we have are a bunch of ‘wannabes’ throwing signs and fighting.” That is a stark contrast to the prior statement made by Sheriff Schiff. In comparing the two statements, the first recognizes the problem and an understands what steps might be taken to further prevent problems. In the other you see someone using Orwellian doublespeak to the media so as to not lay blame upon the police department.
By making these comments community members, political figures and local law enforcement will not be placed into the appropriate mindset in order to address the problem.
What is the problem? Pointedly, identify the issues in your particular community that make the gang lifestyle attractive. Is it a lack of available jobs and activities for young people to do? Is there are high level of diversity that the majority community does not wish to acknowledge?
Noted gang expert Steve Nawojczyk summed it up in the following statements. “There is no such thing as a gang "wanna-be” and officials who use it should strike it from their vocabulary, “They're gonna-bes,” Nawojczyk said. “If that child thinks he's a Crip, he's a Crip."
By being open with community members, politicians and youth you will receive financial assistance, political backing and successfully addressing the issue.
This term which on-line dictionary, Wikipedia defines as “a person who likes to imitate, or even withes to be another, but cannot achieve due to physical, psychological, financial, cultural, political, religious or mental limitations.” Now, some people are inclined to believe that teens or youth who tag a wall, commit ac
ts of “wilding”, or other acts of malicious mischief are just playing.Robert Lugo, noted educator and expert on Gangs has stated, “If I find a hardcore gang member, I am more willing to talk with them than I am a wannabe gang member. A wannabe gang member is more likely to pull out a gun and whack ya. They are more likely to lay you out flat because they want to be gang members so bad.”
There are numerous definitions of a street gang. But to sum it up quickly, a gang is a group of people conducting criminal activity. If you have a individual or a group of individuals who walk like a duck, talk like a duck and look like a duck then they are a duck, then one could surmise that it is a duck.
Because youth are so unpredictable or volatile, referring to them as “wannabes” can not only be a challenge but it can be taken as an insult by the person or persons being referred to.
Sullivan County (NY) Sheriff Michael Schiff used the term “wannabe” in an appropriate manner in a news interview. He stated, “a gang wannabe is just a gang gonnabe, unless you take some action.” Now compare that statement with the next one.
A suburban police chief in metro Chicago stated, “we don’t have a gang problem what we have are a bunch of ‘wannabes’ throwing signs and fighting.” That is a stark contrast to the prior statement made by Sheriff Schiff. In comparing the two statements, the first recognizes the problem and an understands what steps might be taken to further prevent problems. In the other you see someone using Orwellian doublespeak to the media so as to not lay blame upon the police department.
By making these comments community members, political figures and local law enforcement will not be placed into the appropriate mindset in order to address the problem.
What is the problem? Pointedly, identify the issues in your particular community that make the gang lifestyle attractive. Is it a lack of available jobs and activities for young people to do? Is there are high level of diversity that the majority community does not wish to acknowledge?
Politics do play a role in policing and yes in law enforcement we all have to answer to the community we serve. But we should provide them with accurate accounting of activities in our community, without the sugar coating.
How else are we to expect the community to rally around law enforcement, schools and community leaders if they are told “everything is alright,” “remain calm” when there is really blood being spilled in the streets?
By being open with community members, politicians and youth you will receive financial assistance, political backing and successfully addressing the issue.
Comments