PLATFORM : Inflammatory

I have not conducted a study, but based on my empirical research, I can say it’s a great exaggeration to suggest that nearly half of the young black men in Los Angeles County are gang members.

It would be dangerous and inflammatory to believe that nearly half of the black men in the county are in gangs. Imagine how difficult it would be if you were a police officer and you believed that half of the black men you encountered were gang members. Such a conclusion is perceived as an insult and an affront by the client families with whom I work.

I agree with Reiner that gangs are not going away, but I do think we can change the nature of gangs by empowering them and encouraging them to move in positive directions.