Everyone knows that the streets of Chicago are scary, and what make them scary are the young teens that roam the streets. For several reasons, these hoodlums believe they have to prove themselves to others by disobeying laws and committing immoral crimes. These thugs are young men who feel better when they retaliate for problems they have at home. Similar to the kids in Thailand and the Muay Thai boxing from a young age their skills are to show toughness and the training they have to go through in order to compete and be a winner. At a young age kids see toughness as the image that they should be. They see it on TV, they hear about it on the radio, when they play a game it's about toughness. People respect toughness. Out in the streets of Chicago the most common form of retaliation toward problems at home would be joining a street gang. They pretend to be better by giving in to this lifestyle. Some common problems that these inner-city Chicago kids have at home are single parents, low incomes, alcoholism, child abuse, drugs, etc. For the most part, the streets are a beckoning temptation and distraction that enables these troubled teens to forget about their familial problems and associate with others who are experiencing the same things. Even though committing crimes does not frighten them as easily, for they may be experiencing worst things at home. .
In Chicago, when you join a gang, you must prove yourself worthy to the existing members. This can be seen as a test of loyalty, in which older, more experienced members see how much or what you are willing to do for them. Committing an act of violence against rival gangs is one the fastest ways to make it and be a part of the group. Initiation can also be a group beating by the same gang. This is a test or lesson taught, in which at the same time helps you out in some weird way. By enduring a beating, you are supposedly learning how to be stronger.
