American Gangster

I must admit that one of my favorite shows on tv is American Gangster. If you've never seen it, it is an hour long show that tells the story of some of America's most notorious black gangsters and criminals. They have told the story of familiar people such as Frank Lucas, John Muhammad and Lee Malvo, and Tookie Williams and people who are not as infamous such as the Smith Brothers and The Shower Posse. I like the show because it not only show you the glitz and glamour of fast living, but it also shows you the down side of a life of crime.

The other night they had the episode with Larry Hoover. Larry Hoover was the founder of the Gangster Disciples. He commited some heinous acts of crime and is in jail for all of his misdeeds. While behind bars he had an awakening and realized that all the things he had done were wrong. He wanted to become an advocate against gangs. They showed some of the young men today that are in the gang and they absolutely love the gang life that they live. One went so far as to say "I don't need nobody to come and save me. I like things just the way they are."

When I see things like that, I start to feel hopeless. It seems like there is no turning back from this destructive nature that we, as humans, have developed. Gangs, Drugs, and war all have documented history on what becomes of individuals who follow these paths yet people still have this "I don't care" attitude. Thank God my mother cared. I thank God everyday that I came from a good family where God was always first. Where being a good hard working man putting in an honest days work for all the things I desire was more admirable than breaking the law and making fast money.