After further research and analysis into Tommy Shakur Ross’s story in the “Ear Hustle” podcast, the theory I’d say Robert k. Merton’s Strain Theory makes the most sense of Shakur’s gang involvement. Basically, Merton suggests that when people can’t reach society’s goals the usual way, they might find unconventional paths, turning to crime. Listening to Shakur’s experiences in the podcast, it fits. The gang becomes an alternative route for him to snag status and survive in his environment without being or feeling alone, fitting with Merton’s idea of ‘innovation’ as an adaptive response to the strain.
Shakur: “What drew my attention to gangs was, one
day, I’m coming home from school. I went to this taco stand and, after ordering my food,
three young men approached me and they was like, “Where you from, Blood?” I’m like,
“I’m from nowhere, man.” So, one of them flinches at me, you know, as to make me
jump. Then, another one, he grabs the bag of tacos. And then, and then, another one hit
me. I tried fighting them, but I was overwhelmed because it was like three to one. So, I
ran. I’m running down the street, and I’m crying. I’m feeling like I’ve been humiliated
because they took my tacos. So, I was, I was really mad, man. I was really upset. So,
that’s when I decided I was going to join a gang”
This quote describes an incident where Tommy Shakur Ross faced intimidation and aggression at a taco stand, ultimately leading him to join a gang. The encounter aligns with Merton’s Strain Theory, illustrating how individuals, when unable to achieve societal goals through conventional means, may turn to unconventional paths, such as gang involvement, as an adaptive response to environmental strains.
Shakur also stated at (6:27.20). “I was 13 years old… I started hanging around one particular person, and he was a good friend of mine, and he just happened to be from Eight Tray. I figure like, ‘OK. I’m gonna be from Eight Tray.’ I like what I saw in terms of like the togetherness. I was just really amazed with all the different dances and the gang signs, you know, the overall culture, the style of dress, the music, like Parliament-Funkadelic.” This aligns with Merton’s theory, as Shakur, facing a lack of conventional opportunities, innovates by choosing the gang culture to achieve status and a sense of belonging.
