Lack of Role Models

In low income neighborhoods, many young men feel pressure from their peers to respect them as the baldest and most loyal “gangster” in the neighborhood, which leads them to commit some hideous crimes (such as shooting at someone and/or killing another young man). While some young men portray that persona, many of them rather not go that route. However, they feel the continuous pressure from surrounding peers to do what is a sense of normal behavior within these low income neighborhoods, which to live and participate in a life of crime.

Young men want to do the right thing, but are afraid. No, they are not afraid of being shot or arrested but doing what is right. They are so worried of not being with the crowd, that they will do anything to fit in. Some have sold drugs and killed other young men as a way to prove their loyalty to the streets. That is not loyalty but has proved to be a lack of guidance. Young men in these neighborhoods lack a father figure or some sort of a positive role model. According to Ron Stewart, a Buffalo State College sociology professor who specializes in the African-American family, and black males in particular, said “The absence of fathers is a major factor in sons turning to a tough street culture in search of acceptance and identity…..” Who are you following?
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