Quote:
Originally posted by Sistermadly
Then you're basically saying you only want to accept people who have a similar background as your own. That's cool, and you're entitled to your opinion, but that's how it's coming across.
Look, it might be anecdotal evidence, and I know that doesn't count for much when you're trying to make an argument. All I'm saying is that there are young men and women who would like to live their lives on the straight and narrow path, but because they live in neighborhoods that have a high level of gang and/or criminal activity, they have to join the gang -- or die. Thankfully I never found myself in this kind of situation -- and you should be thankful that you were born in different circumstances -- but if I were faced with a choice between life and death, I'd choose life.
And something else I've found -- there are different levels of activity within gang organizations. Not everyone is a kingpin, just like not everyone in a fraternity/sorority is the international president.
I'm not defending criminal behavior -- but I do understand what it's like to grow up in a bad neighborhood surrounded by folks like this. You learn very early on that life is not as cut and dried as you might think.
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I completely understand that sometimes people don't have a choice, and a gang is really the only way they can stay safe and alive. But at the same time, it's not my fault they were in that situation. Regardless of HOW they joined, they are still associated with people who have no regard for laws or respect for others.
I'm paying $4200 a year for a recreactional/social/academic/living situation. It's my choice to not associate with someone like that.
And as far as only wanting to socialize with people from different backgrounds, I am completely interested in knowing people from all walks of life. But there are criminals in all social classes, from all over the country. I can do without hanging out with them.