The theory I’m choosing that represents Tommy Shakur’s upbringing is the “Social Learning Theory”. A theory that studies how an individual can imitate actions from others, whether it’s in person or on screen. Albert Bandura did an experiment with children using a blow-up Bobo doll, and his goal was to study how kids would treat the doll by observing the actions of the participants. The participant would show frustration and hit the doll in various ways. Once the child began the experiment, they would take a toy away from the child to provoke anger and then leave them with the Bobo doll to study their reaction. Without hesitation, the child imitated the participants and hit the doll in almost every way they remembered from observation. However, their actions would stop based on if they were scolded by someone, or further expressed if they were rewarded.
For Tommy Shakur, his decision to join a gang was influenced by a close friend of his. Initially, he didn’t have a close group of friends who would protect him when he faced trouble in the streets. However, by observing his friend and the Eight-Trey gang, he felt that’s where he belonged. “I like what I saw in terms of togetherness,” said Shakur when asked what made him join a gang. From that very moment, his allegiance to the gang enhanced his status and he became comfortable with who he was becoming. But nothing prepared him for the incident that would change his life forever. Shakur killed a rival gang member for disrespecting his set and the retaliation soon followed. His mother and brother were shot due to his actions.
Like many young people who join gangs, they’re mostly influenced by peers in their neighborhood. A sense of belonging is the motivation that forces them to seek these environments. The unity, the connections, and the colors are factors that make being in a gang enticing. Also, they’re more susceptible to committing crimes for the gang because their fellow members teach them the way to be. Specifically at a younger age, not many influences can deter them from leading a troublesome life.
In connection with Bandura’s experiment, a person’s imitated behavior can increase or decrease based on the person they consider to be in charge. If a gang member’s actions are rewarded by the gang, then he or she will confidently continue to do what’s expected of them. Law enforcement can only arrest and prosecute offenders, but it’s not enough to stop the cycle from happening in these communities. Collectively, gangs will chant “free my homie”, despite their friend committing heinous crimes. Most organizations are set up for younger generations to believe there’s glory in gang life. It is glamorized in music and may grant you respect from others. It’s social learning to be in it, but social learning can also get you out of it.
