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They were able to clearly site these as reasons why they
turned to the gang organization for support, love, respect and all the other
important sensory and relational needs that they believe themselves to be
lacking in the family structure. What is most important for us to understand is
that their perception of the failure of the family structure to supply these
needs did not appear to be grounded in economical or sociological issues, but a
matter of time. The parents were reported to be working parents, who did not
spend the time with the child. Spending time and showing care emerged as central
themes.
Now, while some may summarily dismiss these reports as excuses supplied by teens who demonstrate deviant behavior, we have to give credence to the fact that these are their perceptions, and that within the context of their short lives, something occurred that gave rise to these perceptions, which in all probability started with the adults in their lives.
What is equally disturbing is the fact that although the youth turned to the gang as a parental substitute for their needs, they were very open in communicating that they did not like the value system that the gang represents, reporting being fearful of the gang because of the violence associated with gang life.
The increasing death tolls of our youth strongly suggest that African Americans can no longer look through lenses that suggest, as our present paradigm, that the children are the problem, nor should we continue to lay blame at the doorsteps of our school systems or other "isms". As the responsible adults within the lives of our youth, we must question whether or not we are blinding ourselves to their despair, while concurrently looking for quick fix solutions.
The Value of Appreciative Inquiry
Why is an appreciate approach so important to our change strategies and our communities? At this stage, based upon the previous articles, it probably sounds like a rhetorical question. However, in an effort to really drive home the point, I feel compelled to keep reiterating that Appreciative Inquiry, as a change strategy provides us with a new framework for addressing areas of concern in the African American community, without framing us as "losers" or getting so caught up in the despair and magnitude of the issues. It allows us to begin to value all that each of us has to contribute, and rethink how we should claim the good that is ours to claim. When thinking about "problems" we become mired in hopelessness and at both the conscious as well as subconscious levels, we tend to want to close our eyes and pretend that all is good.
What is equally critical for us to also understand is that the youth in this study articulated hope. Despite feeling the lack of family involvement and interest from their educators, these young people communicated still believing in the value of obtaining a better future through an education. They communicated a desire to raise a family, but were very clear on changes they would make in their parenting styles.
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