Lecture Notes: Code of the Street and Urban Challenges

Introduction

• Discussion on distressed neighborhoods in urban environments.
• Emphasis on crime, alienation, and the weakening of civil law.
• Street justice and "code of the street" becoming more prominent.

The Code of the Street

• Described as "eye for an eye, tooth for tooth."
• Street justice often fills the void where civil law is weak.

Mustafa's Story

• Symbolizes the young black man's perspective in urban environments.
• Raised in a challenging family environment with exposure to streets.
• Witnessed violence and crime firsthand.
• Describes his way of making a living through street entrepreneurship.

Economic Realities

• Two main ways to earn money: legal business or illegal activities (e.g., drug trade).
• Drugs and guns are easily accessible; selling drugs viewed as a way of life, not a point of pride.
• Significant earnings possible from illegal drug sales (e.g., $1,500 a day).

Impact on Manhood and Hope

• Lack of hope or future prospects leads to personal destruction.
• Respect and street credibility are essential but high maintenance.

Violence and Conflict

• Increased violence compared to past decades.
• Most homicides are argument-related, often over trivial matters.
• Escalation from verbal disagreements to shootings due to the prevalence of guns.

Accessibility of Guns

• Guns are easily obtainable with a phone call and some money.
• People prefer shooting over fighting due to reputation and the ease of access to guns.

Distrust in Law Enforcement

• Community's lack of respect and trust for the police.
• Preference for self-policing and handling matters internally.
• Police response times are criticized, especially in life-threatening situations.

Racial Divide and Socioeconomic Class

• Automatic, quicker responses expected in white neighborhoods compared to black neighborhoods.
• As class and socio-economic status improve, reliance on the "code of the street" diminishes.

Desire for Change

• Many young people do not want to engage in criminal activities but feel trapped by circumstances.
• They become "creatures of their environment" due to survival needs.

Conclusion

• The discussion highlights America's racial divide and challenges in urban areas.
• The need for changes in opportunity and community support to reduce reliance on the "code of the street."