I was reading an article that asked this question. One paragraph in particular jumped out. Ishmael Cisneros, a member of the notorious global crime syndicate, the Mara Salvatrucha, better known as MS-13, says that once you join a gang, “your mind closes off to the rest of the world and you’re capable of doing anything for the gang…don’t get caught up in the world of gangs, especially for those that think there’s something good in it. It’s all lies.”
I think the reason it jumped out at me was that I was embarrassed. I have been a gang member--many times. Oops. So I will give three rather embarrassing personal examples over the next week. The first of these is that I used to be a member of the gang called Republicans.
There is great comfort in not having to think. Seriously. Thinking is hard. You know what the correct answer is already, no need for pesky things like facts to get in the way. You watch the correct news network, and condemn the incorrect news network. This reinforces what you already think. Charles Krauthammer is always right.
When you see a news report, and the speaker has an (R) after their name, we already know almost everything we need to know, we will hear the truth. Our template, as I call it, is set. If someone from your gang is up for election, you will vote for them, even if you have to hold your nose to do so.
Don't misunderstand. I have not joined the rival gang called Democrats. I see no reason to leave the Bloods to join the Crips. I find the competing gang just as amusing. Well, maybe a little more so as I used to be a Republican. Old templates die hard.
The whole process is almost useless. Remember what Ishmael said in my quote, "It's all lies."
Do what you think best, but as for me, I will no longer be a gang member.