As some of you may know, I'm always working on a script. Whether it be short or feature length, there's always something going through my head. I'm sure it's the same with many of you.

Anyway, I'm here to ask a question on a concept that I'm currently working on.

The script is related to gangs and the stereotype that they are violent, pig-headed losers. What I want to ask you guys, here is, do you think there is more to being in a gang than fighting and drugs? This is the common belief on gangs, but is this true? Are they merely misunderstood?

The short script is aimed at breaking the stereotype against gang members, but I can't write until I have some sort of opinion on the matter.

Thanks,
Daniel

Your question I think plays into another thread 'Responsibility of the Writer'. What message are you trying to convey? You could show the stereotypical gang banger and the ills of his ways, but that's been done to death and romanticized. The people who the message is aimed at, don't unfortunately get it, they just idolize the violence and the lifestyle, because that's who they are or want to become, outside of them ever seeing the film.

One film that comes to mind is 'Green Street' which explores football hooliganism through the eyes of an American student, who is sucked into the fan/gang world of football (soccer).

Characters are always more interesting when they are complex and conflicted.

Maybe try the approach of a journalist looking for break, who's put on an assignment to investigate gang culture. Plenty of places you could go with that and lots of opportunity for conflict.

Thanks Eoin,

Having read over my first post, I don't think I worded the question particularly well.

I just want anything that shows that gang culture isn't what it seems to us. I want to show it from their perspective, as I think many gang members are shunned from society without any sort of explanation. It's quite an un-known IMO, and I'd like to bring it out a little more.

Not sure if this makes sense, either...

People don't join a gang because they are looking for an outlook for violent impulses. A gang can give someone a sense of belonging, or some status. Violence is a source of power for the gang, and also a way of bonding members to it. Individual members reaction to violence is going to vary. I'm sure there's no shortage of literature on the matter if you google.

Try watching the '90s flicks with 2Pac and ice cube. They explore the facets of gangs - the violent side and the "family" side.

But then again, you could consider "Godfather" and "Goodfellas" a gang movie. I think you need to narrow down your scope - time period, type of gang, etc.

Gang mentality exists everywhere... whilte collar, blue collar and the streets.
To me, showing those different types of gangs in a city would be intriguing.
An ensemble style tale and how these different gangs function and intersect.

My point, there are plenty of non-violent reasons why people join gangs.

Regards,
E.D.

Maybe they have a sibling to take care of...

but if you write this, do you plan on using actual gang members in the filming (if you film it)

They could tell you why they joined. You might want to be careful though. Misconseptions of them being non-violent could come back and bite you in the ass.

Sorry, I live close to Detroit where there is at least one murder per day, stolen cars, robberies, beatings, kidnappings, and too many drugs... nice, huh?  

But I'm sure these kids want to join the gangs for non-violent reasons...

Of course not.

My view is that kids join gangs thinking to be a part of a strong family. One that takes what it wants, when it wants, and thinks they are immune to the law... until they are caught, then they find out their family has run out on them.

Cindy nailed it, especially with her last four paragraphs.

If you're going to fictionalize it, portray them like you would regular people (GoodFellas-style). Very few people would want to see a long drawn-out story about the leader of one of these gangs who still operates it from prison. You could always do that as a small arc or something but it's best to focus on either the small fish (but, you run a serious risk of having to overly-fictionalize them) or something like that lieutenants; the ones that actually have some brains to run something like that.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Cindy nailed it, especially with her last four paragraphs. If you're going to fictionalize it, portray them like you would regular people (GoodFellas-style). Very few people would want to see a long drawn-out story about the leader of one of these gangs who still operates it from prison. You could always do that as a small arc or something but it's best to focus on either the small fish (but, you run a serious risk of having to overly-fictionalize them) or something like that lieutenants; the ones that actually have some brains to run something like that.

If you're interested in complex arcs with gang structure...
You need to study this show...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0306414/

Happy viewing!

Regards,
E.D.

Check out a recent Brit flick called Wild Bill. Whilst it's not gangs per se, it gives a perspective into the human element of this walk of life.

There's also a show called Ross Kemp On Gangs that looks (docu-style) at gangs across the world - he identifies similarities in membership but also explores how different cultural norms affect the behaviours exhibited. Also examines the motivations.

Look forward to having a read.

Thanks guys,

seems there are a lot of movies I can take a look at. I guess they don't have DVD rentals for nothing, here.

E.D, I see the movie you suggested has a 9.5 rating. Must be worth seeing as you don't see that very often.

Cindy, I'm originally from South Africa, where the murder rate is also quite high. Perhaps I could get in touch with some of my friends over there, again?

Andrew, the script is still a long way from even getting started, but I will let you know when things get underway.

Thank you all for the advice. I appreciate it

Daniel

Quoted from danbotha The script is related to gangs and the stereotype that they are violent, pig-headed losers. What I want to ask you guys, here is, do you think there is more to being in a gang than fighting and drugs? Thanks, Daniel

Hello Daniel,

I'm offering here for your scrutiny, not hard logic, but an open intuitive approach.

Firstly, do you feel in your heat that anyone in a gang "got there" by mere fact that they were born a "pig-headed loser"?

Or, did they "get there" by circumstance in a "somehow" that we can't easily define. At least not easily on surface without using some higher logic. IOW: The programs running behind the screens we see... personality, disposition toward social grouping versus private domain etc... There are so very many variables, but I submit to you to consider:

Ask first what you deem as pig-headed? This may in fact (despite its negative side) have also (that is to be considered) its positive attribute:

One with a strong will. One seeking to live. One not apathetic. One prone to networking... etc...

All desirable qualities depending upon how far you take them to either side.

Hope this helps.

Here to converse with if you so desire.

Behatzlecha on your endevor!!!!!  

Sandra

Quoted from Electric Dreamer If you're interested in complex arcs with gang structure... You need to study this show... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0306414/

Been there, done that, Brett.

I watched season 1. It was really good but I never got fully into it. I heard the later seasons were even better but I never got around to them.

Besides, while I like the detail that also went into the police side, I get sick of police procedurals and like the bad guys' side once in a while.

Thanks Sandra...

I have to admit, I am a little confused as to what you were trying to say. I will be sending a pm, soon, just to see if you can clarify what you meant.

Cheers,

Daniel

Hey Dan,

The only way to get into their heads is by talking to a gang member, though if you do tread carefully.

A movie I would highly recommend is Romper Stomper if you haven't seen it already.

Most of the gang members are only tough and violent when with other members, when alone, most of them do not have the same violent attitude.

I knew some bike gang members many years back and individually most where friendly blokes, when paired with others they where different.

It may be worth showing both sides of their personality.

Alex