Salt Lake Gangs And Mormon Gangbangers

[Saints Alive]

Just saw an interesting program on the rise of gangs in SLC. I had no idea that there was such a gang problem in SLC. What was more interesting was that they interviewed member who were also gang members. They said they would gangbang on Friday and Saturday and go to church on Sunday. Being a Midwest Saint this took me completely by surprise.

[EllenMaksoud]

Just saw an interesting program on the rise of gangs in SLC. I had no idea that there was such a gang problem in SLC. What was more interesting was that they interviewed member who were also gang members. They said they would gangbang on Friday and Saturday and go to church on Sunday. Being a Midwest Saint this took me completely by surprise.

NO, seriously? So, I am not sure I know that gangbanger is. I was thinking they were robbing and killing and drinking and smoking. Really Mormon children do this? What are their parents doing, watching "Family Guy", the most brain dead program on planet. I knew I was not watching TV for reason. So what are the plod doing all this time? May be they are their children?

[Saints Alive]

Not to stereotype but its mostly Tongans and Hispanic immigrant members, the show actually said that the church actually brought it upon themselves with the missionary program. It is real gang activity like you see in LA. Literally Bloods and Crips.

[Kenngo1969]

It's a very, very difficult life to leave once one is in it. That said, the Gospel of Jesus Christ can only change the willing (and admittedly, in the case of gangs, one has to be very willing. )

P.S.: Granted it's only one example, but street gangs are a very good example of one of the Book of Mormon's secret combinations.

Edited April 20, 2013 by Kenngo1969

[Saints Alive]

P.S.: Granted it's only one example, but street gangs are a very good example of one of the Book of Mormon's secret combinations.

That's what I was thinking the whole time I was watching

[oats]

It seems to me that people involved with criminal activity often try to blend in, by name and superficial action at least, with whatever social group is most prominent in a given area. It sounds like a reasonable enough ploy in the same way a thief and pathological liar would want to be a televangelist or something like that.

i've never seen so many people humour and speak so flatteringly to missionaries, all while professing god, as I did when I was in the ghettos of California where evangelical culture was the flavour of the decade. Not to infer that the ghettos equal crime, but the ones who turned out to be criminals were often ones who we remembered for their ostentatious displays of piety.

[Judd]

What program was this?

[Ron Beron]

Not to stereotype but its mostly Tongans and Hispanic immigrant members, the show actually said that the church actually brought it upon themselves with the missionary program. It is real gang activity like you see in LA. Literally Bloods and Crips.

You can thank the immigration policy of California. Many of my "homies" are getting out of California because of the three strikes law so they head for safer territory and with them their organization skills.

[Saints Alive]

You can thank the immigration policy of California. Many of my "homies" are getting out of California because of the three strikes law so they head for safer territory and with them their organization skills.

They actually mentioned that in the program.

[Saints Alive]

What program was this?

I can't remember the name but it was on spike. It only Caught my attention because I was flipping through channels and they showed a picture of the SL temple.

[Tacenda]

I watched on the history channel a story about the KKK. I guess it's an even bigger group now than ever in history. They had former members that have come forward. They discussed their method of recruitment. They targeted people who were down on their luck, singles, and people that didn't have a family structure to lean on. The former members said that people that joined need a family. Maybe these gangbangers are the same, they need family. Especially the hispanics where they've come across the border leaving their families behind. It's just sad if these gangs start believing one human being is better off without the other just because of skin color or nationality etc. Boy oh boy, things really never change do they? From the beginning of time, they never change. Except goodness will always prevail.

[tyler90az]

If most are members that are immigrants directly to SLC they are not taking to the LDS culture. They more then likely feel like they do not fit in. Like Hinkley said, they need a friend, calling and spiritual nourishment. Make that an even higher priority with immigrants going forward.

[Saints Alive]

Tacenda & Tyler,

Actually, according to the gangmemebers and former gangmembers anyway, you are both wrong. Most of them have their own families, wives and children. They actually said that one of their street rules that is different from gangs in other areas is that they will leave you alone if you have your family with you. Its a big deal to them to disrespect someones family. One of the guys they interviewed had family that was trying to get him to quit gangbanging and come back to the church.

[Kenngo1969]

... One of the guys they interviewed had family that was trying to get him to quit gangbanging and come back to the church.

I feel for that family. Easier said than done. Easier said than done.

P.S.: In order to sever his gang ties insofar as possible, he'd probably have to relocate. But if he does that, he won't have family support close at hand. A tough situation all around.

Edited April 20, 2013 by Kenngo1969

[Judd]

It's an episode of Gangland called "From Heaven to Hell" and if you YouTube that they have the whole episode.

[Saints Alive]

Thanks Judd!

Here is the link if anyone is interested: http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=s1FMt2hDoQ8&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Ds1FMt2hDoQ8

I don't remember it being very graphic.

Edited April 20, 2013 by Saints Alive

[Garden Girl]

P.S.: Granted it's only one example, but street gangs are a very good example of one of the Book of Mormon's secret combinations.

IIRC somewhere in Brigham Young's writings he says that SLC will eventually become an evil city... one of the worst... perhaps these gangs are fulfilling that statement... I can't imagine participating in gang activity on Saturday night and then going to Church Sunday morning...

GG

[BookofMormonLuvr]

Just saw an interesting program on the rise of gangs in SLC. I had no idea that there was such a gang problem in SLC. What was more interesting was that they interviewed member who were also gang members. They said they would gangbang on Friday and Saturday and go to church on Sunday. Being a Midwest Saint this took me completely by surprise.

When I was in the MTC in 1994, bandanas were a banned clothing item because they had had issues with fights between former Bloods and Crips in the past.

[blackstrap]

IIRC somewhere in Brigham Young's writings he says that SLC will eventually become an evil city... one of the worst... perhaps these gangs are fulfilling that statement... I can't imagine participating in gang activity on Saturday night and then going to Church Sunday morning...

GG

The closest that I have come is playing Church basketball on Saturday night and then going to Elder's quorum on Sunday with the same guys .

[Kenngo1969]

When I was in the MTC in 1994, bandanas were a banned clothing item because they had had issues with fights between former Bloods and Crips in the past.

And, with this, yet another reason to be glad they Raised the Bar!

[Kenngo1969]

The closest that I have come is playing Church basketball on Saturday night and then going to Elder's quorum on Sunday with the same guys .

Heathen! Repent!

[Kenngo1969]

IIRC somewhere in Brigham Young's writings he says that SLC will eventually become an evil city... one of the worst... perhaps these gangs are fulfilling that statement... I can't imagine participating in gang activity on Saturday night and then going to Church Sunday morning...

GG

It's easier for some people to "compartmentalize" than others. Though none of us is perfect, most of us are who we are, more or less, 24/7/365. Some of us, however, are one person part of the time, and another person the rest of the time.

[Garden Girl]

It's easier for some people to "compartmentalize" than others. Though none of us is perfect, most of us are who we are, more or less, 24/7/365. Some of us, however, are one person part of the time, and another person the rest of the time.

I don't know, Kenngo... I've heard some Priests party on Sat night, then bless the Sacrament on Sunday... I've heard that from several people, including while visiting my girlfriend who lives in SLC area (Kaysville) several years ago (she was RS pres with teenagers). I was disappointed then, and am disappointed still if some members (who I realize are not perfect) behave as one person part of the time and another the rest of the time. Though I try not to judge others, nor "compartmentalize" as you suggest, it does disappoint. For all I know, the few AP young men in my ward could be doing the same thing.

GG

[Tacenda]

I don't know, Kenngo... I've heard some Priests party on Sat night, then bless the Sacrament on Sunday... I've heard that from several people, including while visiting my girlfriend who lives in SLC area (Kaysville) several years ago (she was RS pres with teenagers). I was disappointed then, and am disappointed still if some members (who I realize are not perfect) behave as one person part of the time and another the rest of the time. Though I try not to judge others, nor "compartmentalize" as you suggest, it does disappoint. For all I know, the few AP young men in my ward could be doing the same thing.

GG

Kaysville is where I live, it would be a hoot if I knew her!!

[Saints Alive]

Oh but church would be so boring if everyone was perfect!