The Unseen Facade of Boston's Gang Past

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to grow up in a city where gangs and violence ruled the streets? Boston's gang past is a complex and often misunderstood topic, but a new book by Paul Joyce, a former cop turned criminologist, sheds light on the lives of those who lived it. Joyce spent three years interviewing 30 original gang members, known as 'OGs,' to get their stories and insights. The book, 'It Started With the Hats: The Life Experiences of Boston's Founding Street Gang Members,' is a groundbreaking study that challenges assumptions and offers a deeper understanding of the root causes of gang violence. Joyce's interviews confirmed what he suspected as a police officer: that outrunning and arresting gang members wasn't enough to combat gang violence. Instead, Joyce argues that the pull of the street was too strong, and that many gang members were talented, smart, and athletic individuals who were drawn to the quick money and thrill of selling drugs. But what happens when they leave the gang life behind? Joyce's research reveals that willpower alone wasn't enough; it required a combination of 'human agency,' a turning point, and support systems to resist the pull of the gang. So, what can we learn from Boston's gang past? Joyce hopes that his research will be useful to officials in devising comprehensive approaches to teen and gun violence, emphasizing the need for multiagency partnerships and a balance of public safety and public health services. As he notes, it's not just about policing the streets, but understanding the root causes of violence and building relationships with the community. Read Joyce's book to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of gang life and the impact it has on individuals and communities. It's a challenging but thought-provoking read that will leave you questioning the assumptions you hold about gangs and violence.