Recognizing Gangs and Their Activities

[Dazzler]

This subject has been brought up from time to time and maybe some background information should be posted for parents to use to watch their children for gang involvement.  Gangs are the the IDOC's worst nightmare inside.  So many of the lockdowns and shakedowns are a result of gang acitivity.  I've found a few good websites that explain many of their symbols, customs, graffiti, colors, etc.

The Vice Lord Nation was the first recognized gang, emerging from the St. Charles Boys Reformatory in the 1950's:  http://cryptome.org/gangs/vice.pdf

Another site shows the graffiti and symbols for the most popular gangs within the IDOC:  http://www.gwcinc.com/gangtags2.htm

Are your kids wearing only certain colors?  Wearing their hats c**ked to one side?  This site explains the clothing choices of various gangs:  http://www.nationalconcernedofficers.com/gang_signs_&_symbols.htm

Gang activity and separating rival gangs has been a focus of the DOC and they put pressure on inmates to renounce their affiliations. 

[Schrader42]

Dazzler great topic and an important one for moms to read.  I know facilities usually keep the rival gangs separated but how do parents know or even suspect that their child is getting involved with the wrong crowd.  I think parents need to get more involved with their children and keep them busy with all sorts of activities.  The links you posted are a great source for information and I do hope many will read them.  I did notice the Vice Lord Nation emblem that RSandelli had as an avatar.  I believe she may have copied it from the site to make the complete avatar.  Quite disturbing!  Any comments from the ladies on board?  Please share your stories, comments or ideas.

[Dazzler]

Well actually I did find that complete avatar on another Vice Lord forum board.  Someone asked a member to design it for them using jnasty's name, the Vice Lord Nation symbols and a Gangster.  It was interesting to find out what the numbers mean...22, 12, 14...those are the numbers assigned to the alphabet......very original......22 is V, 12 is L and 14 is N.  VLN.  Duh....That avatar has since been removed from that forum?????????????  I found it the same night it was posted here. 

I found the one website very interesting that explained the colors of clothing, the sideways hats and bandanas, etc.  When J was in CCJ I was able to bring him towels and shoes.  The towels could not be blue, red, yellow, black, etc.  I think I chose a nice peach color for him....nongang color...  Also shoes cannot have any color on them. 

There's plenty of information for parents, teachers, and others to watch for on these sites.  Very informative. 

[mamacita1]

School officials are not allowed to tell parents that their child is a gang member.  They can only tell them that they are displaying signs of affiliation.  So, even if the teacher(s) had their suspcion(s), we are highly encouraged to say nothing. 

As for parents, many are good parents who try their best...but are in denial that their child may be living a double life. 

For example, a teacher in our district was stabbed by a 16 year old last week.  He had never been in trouble before and maintained good grades, being actively involved in the chess club.  Did he snap (what I was first inclined to believe), or was this an order he was following as he was being inducted into a gang?  We just don't know.

Kids are pressured in school to join gangs.  They want to be accepted and popular, and many "good" kids go astray.  The lure is gentle at first, and before they know it, they are being issued orders to do things in order to maintain their status.  The power of peer pressure is much stronger than the power of parents in teenagers....we all know that.  For this reason, I am hesitant to blame parents.  Ultimately, a child must learn to make good decisions that align with their upbringing...if they don't, how can education make the difference? 

mamacita

[gettingby]

The history channel has been running a series called Gangland.  I've watched most of them, each week they cover a different gang.  I never realized that gangs are so prevalent all over every city. The series is quite good, now, how accurate it is, I'm not really sure, but it sure did open my eyes to an entirely different world going on all around us.

[Schrader42]

Mamacita, was the teacher that was stabbed in your district the one that lost her eye?  There was a terrible story about an Elgin or Aurora teacher that lost her eye when a student stabbed her several times. 

Schools have a problem with gangs and just this past weekend, both Proviso East and West were involved in a big brawl after a game.  It was gang related.

[loretjord7]

These site are good site to research and get information on gang styles and life. I have worked in a day care setting and a three year old was doing a gang sign. I spoke to him about it and said if I Saw him do it again I was going to inform his parents. There was also one child that was doing a gang sign and I did inform his grandmother. The grandmother got on him right away and I never saw him do it again. These two children in question are children of young parents that probably think it is cute, but it is not. It is sad. Also they say you are never to old to learn, I would not have ever related numbers to a gang sign.

[mamacita1]

Yes. the teacher taught at Elgin High School.  This was the first time such an incident occurred with this magnitude. We are all in shock, but we all are aware that violence has occurred against teachers by students and parents....just never like this before.

If I may share...I think the Insurance Actuaries must know something most of us didn't know.  Do you know that if a teacher wants to take out disability mortgage insurance, their rates are right up there with policemen and firefighters? 

Anyway, back to the "gang" situation....even if parents have a peripheral suspicion that their child MIGHT be involved in gangs...they do not know how to stop their child from continued involvement.  Frankly, by the time a parent finally accepts their reality.....the child is too far gone within the gang...or is already in prison.

mamacita

[Schrader42]

Mamacita, I did hear the story about the stabbing on my way to work the other morning and just couldn't comprehend the violence in our schools today.  We had gangs when I was growing up but never did I hear of a school teacher being attacked.  The gangs always took it outside or in the hallways.  The problem is parents don't keep a close eye on them and don't get themselves involved with their activities.  I raised 2 sons on my own and I was fortunate to see them grow up in a peaceful environment. 

[Esmom]

has anyone heard that the prisons are putting gang members in cells with non gang members. My son is very worried about this at menard.

[loretjord7]

I raised four boys and you are so right.  As a young mother I was nieve as to what was going on around my children. I stressed about not being involved in gangs only because of what I saw in my life that was gang related. I had one son that had gotten shot at 16 and he nearly died. They said he was not going to make it. But the Lord said different. After that He got out of the gangs, went back to school, working on his masters, has his own business and doing fairly well. But that is just one success story there are so many that do not do as well like the son that the mother wrote a poem about that mamacita posted

[SMD]

This was very interesting reading comming from a small town we don't see much of it.. Yes, it is around but I often wondered why hats was turned different and ect...  Is it ok if I copy the links to send to my daughter she has teen sons..
                                                     SMD

[Dazzler]

Absolutely....I think it's good information for mothers of teens everywhere to know the signs of gang afilliation and watch their kids....

[Schrader42]

has anyone heard that the prisons are putting gang members in cells with non gang members. My son is very worried about this at menard.

Not sure about this one but they probably do it to keep peace between rival gang members?

[loretjord7]

I have not heard any thing like that as of today.

[Forevermah]

  A story just posted today about the student that stabbed the teacher, but no motive, gang affiliation mentioned yet.


Accused teacher attacker could be charged as adult

January 25, 2008
By ERIN CALANDRIELLO Staff Writer

ELGIN -- A 16-year-old Elgin High School student accused of stabbing a teacher last week at the school still may be charged as an adult.

The student, whom sources have identified as sophomore Angel Facio of Elgin, appeared at a hearing Tuesday in Cook County Juvenile Court in Chicago to face charges of attempted first-degree murder, four counts of aggravated battery, and unlawful use of a weapon.

Sources have said charging Facio as an adult still is under consideration. A spokeswoman for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office would not confirm that Thursday afternoon but said "it may come out later."


Facio, 16, is accused of entering Gilbert's classroom at 11:15 a.m. that day, shortly after the early dismissal of students after semester finals. Witnesses said he initially engaged her in small talk, and then threw a coat over her and stabbed the teacher with a steak knife four times in the back of her neck and once near her eye.

Gilbert lost vision in her right eye from the attack, according to district officials.

Steve Beckett, a professor and director of trial advocacy at the College of Law at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, said the seriousness of the crimes makes it more likely the state eventually will charge him as an adult, which could add decades to his prison time if he is convicted.

"There are offenses that are so serious, they really don't meet the criteria to protect children and get them through rough times in their lives," said Beckett. "It sounds like it could happen in this case."

To be charged as an adult with a crime, a juvenile must be at least 15 years old, and the offense must be "very serious," according to Beckett. He said attempted murder would fit into that category. The decision to charge a juvenile as an adult remains at the discretion of the state's attorney handling the case, Beckett said.

If Facio is found delinquent as a juvenile, he could be incarcerated in a juvenile facility until age 21 and then released, said Beckett, who added that juvenile records usually remain sealed.

But "if he's charged as an adult," he said, he could face anywhere from 20 to 60 years in prison. If this were to happen, Beckett said, he would be incarcerated in a juvenile facility until age 21 and then would be transferred to an adult prison.

Facio has been ordered held in juvenile officials' custody pending a hearing Tuesday in the Rolling Meadows branch of Cook County Circuit Court.   

[loretjord7]

So sad for both parties, the teacher and the young boy who may have thrown is life away and for what?.

[mamacita1]

So true..

Seeing things from a different perspective, my heart goes out to the boy and his family as well as the teacher and her family.  I have heard that when she recuperates, she will return to work....that is one brave and determined lady.


Imagine how that boy's family is dealing with this.....

mamacita

[Katzmeow999]

Dazzler great topic and an important one for moms to read.  I know facilities usually keep the rival gangs separated but how do parents know or even suspect that their child is getting involved with the wrong crowd.  I think parents need to get more involved with their children and keep them busy with all sorts of activities.  The links you posted are a great source for information and I do hope many will read them.  I did notice the Vice Lord Nation emblem that RSandelli had as an avatar.  I believe she may have copied it from the site to make the complete avatar.  Quite disturbing!  Any comments from the ladies on board?  Please share your stories, comments or ideas.

I never noticed her avatar. Didn't know the chick, can't remember if I ever talked to her. Even if I did see it...I'm sorry but I wouldn't recognize it. I never did the gang thing, I don't even know what's over here in the area I live in. Sorry, but I'm a complete geek when it comes to these types of things. But I'm glad this thread was started as I have 3 boys and live in Englewood of all places.

[Amarie]

Browncutie,

Englewood huh. well you must walk through your neigborhood with a blindfold on. I am not trying to be funny but I was born and raised in Englewood and even the most geekiest person would know what Gang is in that area. It is on every other building spray painted no less.

I wasn't into gangs but most of the boys I grew up with was and all you had to do was walk through the block in the summer or sit on your porch and you would know what gangs are in the area.  You can walk to the grocery store and hear what gang is in the area because before you make it to the store the gang has been mentioned like 5 times.
 
I was determined to stay away from that mess as I didn't want that life so I went to school tried to sat focus and get out the area as soon as I could. With the help of some people I did just that but I remember where I came from. I am not ashamed of it and I was always aware of my surroundings. lAs a matter of fact most of the boys I grew up with are one of two places. Yup, you guess it in jail or dead. Looking on IDOC is like having a reunion sometimes. 

Gangs do not just target Boys but Girls as well. I have teenagers and even though we are in the suburbs (were things are SUPPOSE to be better) I am very conscious of their lives, activities and friends. I am all up in their business because it is my business to know what is going on with them. One of my girlfriends said you are too involved in their personal lives. I said what personal lives until they are on their own and are productive citizens of society then what they do is my business.

Also, no matter what neighborhood you are in I believe as a parent it is our duty to know what is going on in the area. Gangs or anything else if you don't know what gangs are in the area how can any of the signs posted help you in detecting if your Sons or Daughters are involved.

[Katzmeow999]

No Angie,

I don't walk through this area with a blindfold on. It's just not spraypainted everywhere. They have the name of the area (not englewood) but whatever the nickname is. They don't have the names of the gangs on walls anymore, at least I don't see them. I do know where they hang out and it's not like they shout what they are. As I can walk from [name of street deleted by admin] (street I live on) to Ashland on 63rd street and see at least 4 police cars rolling past. Now if you go the next block over going towards Western then you have an issue, go down by Harper...major problem. I use to live that way and the kids out of Harper would fight and shoot everyday, this side of 63rd Street is a bit more relaxed...if you can get that in Englewood.

[mamacita1]

browncutie..

Even if an area appears to be "relaxed", the same kids go to the same schools...especially high schools.  Invariably, your kids will be approached.

When I was in high school, I was a nerd...yes, even back then.  One day, after a basketball game (this short gal actually played basketball), I was waiting at the bus stop.  A few girls approached me and said nice things to me, but eventually got to the real point of their conversation.  They asked me if I wanted to be a "Queen"?  Being the naive gal I was, I assumed they were talking about a pageant...and I asked them "When is the parade?"   :-D

It was only after they looked at me strange and walked away, that I realized what they were really asking me.  Fortunately, all my life, I was a loner....but that is not the case for most kids.  If your kids are "vulnerable" to needing friends, and they don't "fit" in with others well....they are definitely "vulnerable" to being taken in.

Most people associate good parenting with forging the child's needs with their own trusted family members and by knowing their friends well.  However, I have seen very charming kids who know how to charm teachers and parents and were gang members.  And of course, this does not account for the ingrained personality of determined and obstinate kids who will defy parental authority. 

And we have not even talked about how drugs can over power kids to the point of selling...and guess where these drugs come from?

No wonder all moms have that worry gene.   :-[

[mamacita1]

It appears the kid who stabbed the teacher is now being also charged with sex assault againt and 8 year old.  At least, for now, it appears this kid was "disturbed"....and incidents not related to gangs.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=121412

[Amarie]

Browncutie,

Ok, they must have cleaned up the streets. removed all the thugs from the corners and sandblasted the buildings because I just drove through there and it looked the same as it did when I lived as a matter of fact it was worse. I am very familiar with the area you are speaking of and there is NO way once again that one would not know that the area is gang infested. You didn't mention how old your Sons are but as from one parent to another I would strongly suggest that you find out what is going on in your area. This will help you to keep your boys away from these issues. Do you take the bus?

[loretjord7]

Browncutie,
The Englewood area was a rough neighborhood to live in when I was coming up. I did not live in the area but I did do a semester at Englewood Hight School. My son was chased to the trainstation when he was going to Kennedy King College. With me having all boys, that was not one of the areas I wanted to raise them in. That area is made up of generation or families that have lived in the area. Like  it is said, "there are gangs no matter were you live" ,but that area advertises. Now I was raised in an area that is even still a very pretty area, quite on most  evenings, no Griffie, no hanging out,  made up of homeowners that keep their homes up. So just to  drive threw you can not tell that this a gang area. Now, what you can do is ask your local police what gang is affiliated with that area. I believe they still wear their hats a certain way, All gang members  wear the white T's,  and jeans, just some of the things to look for .

[Katzmeow999]

Browncutie,

Ok, they must have cleaned up the streets. removed all the thugs from the corners and sandblasted the buildings because I just drove through there and it looked the same as it did when I lived as a matter of fact it was worse. I am very familiar with the area you are speaking of and there is NO way once again that one would not know that the area is gang infested. You didn't mention how old your Sons are but as from one parent to another I would strongly suggest that you find out what is going on in your area. This will help you to keep your boys away from these issues. Do you take the bus?

Angie,

Did you not read my entire post? I never said that they cleaned the streets and removed all the thugs.I did say that if you walk the next block west there is a major issue, if you go 2 blocks south. Another issue!!! I never said it wasn't gang infested, however, not on my block and not on several blocks going east. They do hang around a store that I used to frequent. I never said Englewood was gang-free...I just said that I don't see names of gangs spray-painted everywhere. I do see what this area is called and "So & So Loves So & So" on the walls more than I see gang names. I also see lots of R.I.P "Whoever" on walls and garages as well. Yes I do know Englewood is gang infested, but like I said...going east...you may see some guys on the corner, hanging in a certain store. Going west...all over the place. But not east.

And I am aware of what is going on in my area...hence the reason the only times my kids go outside is when they walk fromthis building and to the car or to the bus to go to school. And the bus=stop is right downthe street, I'm not saying that anything can't happen to them. I know what's going on in this area, which is why I watch who they speak to, I don't let them hang outside. When we do go outside, we go away from this area.

For the record, I never said E-Wood was gang free nor gang infested...I know that it is, however, i do not see (names of gangs) spray-painted all over the place. maybe you are driving through a different area!!

[Dazzler]

I can't even imagine what it must be like for mothers in the city trying to protect their kids from gangs and violence on the streets.  It must be nervewracking worrying about your kids when they leave the house.  I grew up in the near west suburbs and travelled all over the city when I was a teen.  I took buses and L's everywhere.  I had friends in all neighborhoods and I was never afraid to go anywhere even after dark.  Times sure have changed.   I moved even further west to raise my own sons and the only 'gangs' I ever worried about were the girls that were beating down the door over my sons....  Sometimes we suburbanites don't realize the terror you mothers must feel knowing your kids can't go outside to play or hangout at the local corner store or even walk the streets with friends at night...

It's disgusting that these gangs can hold whole neighborhoods hostage with their violence.  I feel for ya Moms....

[Jims]

I agree with you, Daz. I know there is a gang problem over here but I don't see it. Every now and again there will be an article in the paper about a gang round-up by the police and they'll talk about some bad-ass gang that's been causing havoc. Part of the problem, too, is that all the violence doesn't make the news. Probably a good thing in a way but it does have an insulating effect on those who live in areas away from gang activity. If it's a suburban crime, it makes headlines. If it's an inner-city crime, it gets a column inch buried on page 9 of the Metro section. John Edwards said there are two Americas, and he took a lot of flak for his comments. But he's right.

[Amarie]

Browncutie,

Please don't get offended at what I post. This is my opinion and what I know. I drove though ENGLEWOOD. I have family still in the area. Your original post said you don't even know what Gang is in your area. Well, I am not sure how long you have been in Englewood but I can tell you this by the time I was 10 yrs old I knew what gang was there. My Mother certainly knew and she is what most people consider Geeks. I would walk past boys on the streets and hear them calling out the gang they were with as they were talking to each other so if by the rare chance this is no longer spray painted on the building you can certainly hear the young men and women talking about. If you witness the Harper students in action then I am positive they would say the names of their gangs. I have younger cousins who attended Harper last year so I know this to be factual.   

Maybe I misread what you wrote maybe you are saying you don't know of the gang on the block you live on because chances are if there are issues on the next block west and 2 blocks south then the gang is known in the AREA.

I too once lived in the City with my Children I didnt live in Englewood by the time I had kids but I was still in the inner city and my Children couldn't go out to play in the yard. They were young and I moved before I had to worry about gangs and that stuff but I am not so removed from this reality. As I said I still have family in the area.

What I was ultimately saying is if you don't know what Gang is in the area you should because as a parent we have to be aware of these things. I believe the neighborhood you live in doesn't define who you are, however, for alot of kids in that area and other inner city neighborhood the gangs are their family because their own families are not taking an active part in their lives. 

I agree with you monitoring your children. I live in an area where gangs are not seen as much (I am sure they exist here I hear about mostly little cliques the kids come up with but too me it is still a gang) but I monitor by teenagers at all times. There is so much they can get into gangs, drugs, all kinds of things. 

[Amarie]

 I believe they still wear their hats a certain way, All gang members  wear the white T's,  and jeans, just some of the things to look for .

loretjord7,

You are right about wearing the hats cocked a certain way but the clothes you mentioned I'd have to debate that. Not everyone who wears the white T's and jeans are gang members. The kids are so into fashion that they can't afford and the cheapest way to dress without looking out of place or out of style is the white T's and Jeans. The rappers were the white ts and jeans.

My Son wears the white T's and jeans and he is not in a gang. He will make sure his shirts are the whites he can get them. It only costs like $8 for a tee shirt when the average designer shirt costs $75-100. So, the kids go for these cheaper clothes. My Son wears other things as well and you are right most inner city kids this is mostly what they wear but when you are a kid that has to take care of yourself you get what you can afford.   

You are right about generations of families being in Englewood. Its like an honor there for a man to be in a gang and then his Son comes along and is in the same gang. I have seen families encourage this type of behavior. Sad, but true.

[Katzmeow999]

Browncutie,

Please don't get offended at what I post. This is my opinion and what I know. I drove though ENGLEWOOD. I have family still in the area. Your original post said you don't even know what Gang is in your area. Well, I am not sure how long you have been in Englewood but I can tell you this by the time I was 10 yrs old I knew what gang was there. My Mother certainly knew and she is what most people consider Geeks. I would walk past boys on the streets and hear them calling out the gang they were with as they were talking to each other so if by the rare chance this is no longer spray painted on the building you can certainly hear the young men and women talking about. If you witness the Harper students in action then I am positive they would say the names of their gangs. I have younger cousins who attended Harper last year so I know this to be factual.   

Maybe I misread what you wrote maybe you are saying you don't know of the gang on the block you live on because chances are if there are issues on the next block west and 2 blocks south then the gang is known in the AREA.

I too once lived in the City with my Children I didnt live in Englewood by the time I had kids but I was still in the inner city and my Children couldn't go out to play in the yard. They were young and I moved before I had to worry about gangs and that stuff but I am not so removed from this reality. As I said I still have family in the area.

What I was ultimately saying is if you don't know what Gang is in the area you should because as a parent we have to be aware of these things. I believe the neighborhood you live in doesn't define who you are, however, for alot of kids in that area and other inner city neighborhood the gangs are their family because their own families are not taking an active part in their lives. 

I agree with you monitoring your children. I live in an area where gangs are not seen as much (I am sure they exist here I hear about mostly little cliques the kids come up with but too me it is still a gang) but I monitor by teenagers at all times. There is so much they can get into gangs, drugs, all kinds of things. 

Angie,

I don't get offended easily. It takes much more than that to offend me. Hell...I was in court on a civil matter on Thursday and the judge referred to all black people as Negroes and that didn't offend me.

I used to live on the same block but the very next block from Harper. I remember being able to tell what time it was because the police would block off the street that Harper was on, they would just walk down to Marquette and do their business there. it doesn't come on this side of 63rd street. I had a neighbor in another building I used to live in, who's brother came from Oklahoma and he brought the gang element from Harper to our block and you can believe the older people on the street went to our landlord and told him and said if he didn't get rid of them, they would do it themselves. This block I live on now is unique.

I've been in Englewood since 1997, I used to live further east than I do know and there were certainly gang members on my block, but aside from saying "Hi" to them and flirting with them on occasion I didn't go into what they were and it was not spray-painted on the houses as it was also a nice street.

Back to Harper, they tried to send my son to Harper because that is our neighborhood school. I went to CPS and told them if they even tried to send him there, I would move out to the suburbs and live in a studio apartment if I had to. I know Harper has it's issues. It's sad....but Harper is considered the dumping ground for students who could not get into anywhere else. It just so happen, my son had only selected "Selective Enrollment Schools" and a few college prep schools. And the selective enrollment only took a certain number of kids, and he just happened to get into one of the college prep schools at the last minute.

I do worry about them approaching him, as he's 15 and at that age where they want him to join. If we need something from the store, you better believe, i will wait until he gets here and go get it myself.

[loretjord7]

The quote on the white tee shirt was posted wrong, not saying all gang members only, wear white Tees, but that you can not distinguish a gang member by the white Tees. And that was only mentioned because she said she did not know what gangs were in her niegborhood. I wear white tee shirts and jeans and I am 50 something.  I know that I am not in a gang, just have a gang of sons in which I love. snowmangel

[Amarie]

Browncutie,

It is really sad that families have to do as your doing to protect their children. I watched my Mother do it iwht my Brothers and I do believe if you are active in your Childrens lives you can have more influence than gangs most times anyway.

Loretjord,

Ok, I misread what you posted. Sorry.   

[Kinnysbaby]

I work at Er, i see gang results everyday and it is sad, either a stabbing, battery,gun shot wound. I fill out paperwork for the body snatchers to take to the morgue at least once a week. In prison they are putting gang member at TAMMS, those that have been in prison all these yrs aren't involved with the gangs anymore, they just want to do their time and go home. I get phone calls from parents if their kids are in our er because they have not come home after school, etc, it is so sad.

[Katzmeow999]

Okay,


Now while I may not know what gang is where. I just checked my myspace account and saw I had a new friend request, and as I do with all friend requests, I check their page before I add or deny. Immediately, I recognized two "gang" symbols....here is the link to the page of the requester: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=322995392

Look in the first video which is on the left hand side of the page and then look down on the right hand side of the page at the teddy bear. I may be a geek, but I'm not stupid. I do recognize what gang that is!!

[Forevermah]

Who updates this myspace you just posted, if he is inside? 

[Esmom]

Angi thanks for the wake up call. I am older and don't get out much but I have grandsons and the small town we live in has problems with spray paint on buildings, so I will be more aware now and talk to them about this.

[Dazzler]

I don't know what teddybear you're talking about but the first video he posted is a commericial for the Gangster Disciples.  I don't know how he maintains a myspace while he's in Shawnee CC but I'm sure one of the CO's or the IDOC people that visit here everyday will be asking him dat question real soon.....

[Dazzler]

Gang members have never been known for their brilliance.... *(%$#

[Jims]

Browncutie - can't believe the judge's "Negroes" comment. Holy shit. What did he say? I heard a comment on one of the news program this past week referring to the "Colored" vote in South Carolina!! Correct me if I'm wrong, but I do believe we are ALL "colored." Some of us are tinted a little darker or lighter than others is all.

I would have to move if I were you. It would be too scary to think that my 15-year-old was being subjected to daily doses of gang rhetoric. Even though he's now in a good school that minimizes his contact with gang bangers, it would still scare me to think that every time he goes outside he could be approached by them. It is going to be an anxious few years for you. Do you talk to him about gangs? I have a 17-year-old son and I think I'd have to club him over the head, throw him in the trunk of my car, and drive him out to Amish country if I ever discovered he was involved in a gang.

[jsmom]

Who updates this myspace you just posted, if he is inside? 

Someone probably has his myspace password and is keeping it updated. I know someone else who is locked up and his g/f keeps his updated.

[Dazzler]

If his gf is looking for new friends for him while he's inside...she's as bright as him....

[loretjord7]

Is he trying to be your penpal from prison? Also what would make him think you would want to get with him knowing what he is about. There was nothing to show that this is the old me and this is the new me.  Hmmmmm!

[Katzmeow999]

Loretjford7, I checked my myspace page to see a comment another friend left for me and I saw that "Friend Request", like I said...I check every profile out before I add or deny. I clicked on it and saw that crap and I was like "NOPE".

Dazzler, some inmates do ask others to find them penpals. i remember I was asked to do a Myspace page for an inmate, I said nope (this was right around the time Myspace started to crack down on SO's with pages). His neice did one for him and it got taken off. I don't think he's that bright if that is his page and has someone setting it up for him with that stuff on it. And I'm sorry, but I thought it was a bear. I just looked at it and it's the Pillsbury Dough Boy!! It was early when i looked at that, but i swear I saw a bear like that someone before.

Jims, Yes..the judge said "negroe". I sat there laughing, the black lawyer in front of me turned and had a look like he wanted to beat the judge down. I find it funny because he's an older Jewish judge and should know better, people say it's his age, this dude is pushing 70 or 80 something and that is the era he grew up in. Sorry, but I know some white people that same age and they don't use that term.

[loretjord7]

I do not know much about My Space, but how did youget hold to his web page?, and maybe I am wording my post wrong. Your words of ," like I said "  make me think I am stepping on your toes, and I do apologize. The words " Friend's Request" makes me believe that someone you know, knows him. Also a profile only tells you what they want you to know, and this ,"Friends Request" felt secure about letting you know about him.

[Katzmeow999]

Loretjford7,

A person can easily send a friend request. They can go on Myspace and type in "Chicago" on the search page and find anyone with a page who lives in Chicago or has the word Chicago on their page. I don't know how he found mines, but I do have lots of friends on my page who are in Chicago. You can also look through anyone who is on your friends list and see who their friends are. I don't know who or how he found my page. It really doesn't matter as I'm not allowing him to be a friend.

And as for the term "Like I said", I wasn't saying that as if you were stepping on my toes. Where would you get that? I just said..."Like I said...I check out every profile before I add or deny!". I didn't say it to mean that you were stepping on my toes. If I felt you were stepping on my toes, then i would have said that. :-)

A "friend request" can come from people you know or do not know. I know many of the people on my friends list personally and some I do not know. Those I do not know are from the Chicago area and happened to stumble across my page and sent a friend request. As stated before, probably someone I know on Myspace or in person knows me and how I am with inmates and sent the friend request. I don't know and don't care as he will not be a friend.