CRIPS AND BLOODS: MADE IN AMERICA

My previous film review of 'Colors' inspired me to explore further into the urban gang & turf war issues of South Central LA. Many of us have seen the films (Menace II Society, Boyz N The Hood etc) which offer an eye-opening peek into the window of this imprisoned faction of society. I ended my review of Colors by saying that while I understood gang violence, I still didn't get it... and so after sifting through a heap of dvds I found "Made In America: Bloods & Crips". This documentary explores the history of black gangs and explains their origins, their motivations and their necessity. Needless to say these gangs grew out of segregation, hatred and racism stemming back to the 1950s and a time where the only respect they were ever going to get was within their own community. They began as clubs and evolved into gangs. Respect evolved into fear and before they knew it the defiant and reverent attitudes which built communities spiralled into a chaotic and violent war zone with absolutely no reason, logic or purpose. The film is narrated by Forrest Whitaker and it's a good exploration of it's subject. It refrains from showing explicit images and choses to delve into the issues with people from all sides of the war. Former members, community leaders, victim families and current members. Curiously the one point of view absent from the film is the police. This is a smart move as such opinions are destructive to finding the solution. *** spoiler alert *** the film concludes by highlighting the absurdity and ignorance of the streets wars. All political and social significance of the gangs is long lost and the white man and authority cannot be held responsible anymore. Black men are killing black men and the only way out is to die or change... unity and opportunity is what will bring peace.... but that, of course, is fruitless.

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