Khalid J. Jemmott – Assignment 3

Tommy Shakur Ross’s case can be applied to Social Learning Theory (SLT). Listening to “Ear Hustle,” you hear about Ross’s life and what led him to prison today. The sense of belonging is an emotion that humans want to experience, and gangs can be that sort of relief for individuals. They feel as if they are connected to a community, and this “community” will be there for them through the consequences of gang life. The day Ross visited the Taco Truck, where he felt disrespected by two young gang members, he felt embarrassed. The neighborhood Ross lived in was faced with gangs and violence, so he sought out a way to defend himself. Ross shielded himself with the moniker “Joker.” Ross came from a family of church-goings and went a different path than expected from societal norms. Like many young people who join gangs, they learn their culture and behaviors from older gang members. These older members provide a model of the image young people are inspired to be like. Materialism had a lock on the minds of young people; they rather immediate success over legitimate longevity. Ross saw daily examples of this lifestyle on a daily basis. Ross internalized gang culture, and that manifested himself into a 30-year sentence. In gang culture, they gain reinforcement for their actions on behalf of the gang. This reinforcement can be either positive or negative; in Ross’s case, he received positive reinforcement by committing murder. This case granted Ross respect from other gang members. This is the type of respect Ross yearned for in his life. In Ross’s community and many communities, they are faced with high gang activity and do not have enough positive influences to counteract their current situation. In communities like this, it is difficult for youth to know right from wrong because of the glorification of criminal activity.

His life may have turned out differently if Ross had had more community programs such as mentorship. Communities need individuals to promote positive images for youth so that they focus on activities that uplift their community’s mentality and economy. There would be community outreach and providing resources to reduce the appeal of gangs.