Lately, I've been sensitized to the activities of a couple of big gangs. I've known about these gangs for decades, but never gave them much thought. I didn't think they had much to do with me, frankly. In fact, for a long time I didn't realize they were gangs.
But over the years I've come to see them a little more clearly, and all the things I've seen over the years crystallized this morning as I was riding down to the Orange congregation of the Community of Christ.
Observation: Each of these gangs claims, defends, and seeks to expand turf.
Observation: Anyone living in a gang's territory who is not also a member of that gang is made to feel unwelcome, and perhaps even unsafe.
Observation: Each gang dehumanizes and demonizes anyone not a part of it.
Observation: Each gang expects thoughtless loyalty to its credo.
Observation: Each gang has a characteristic color with which it is identified.
What are these gangs, you ask?
Well, I call them the DemoCRIPS and the RepuBLOODcans.
Yeah. No kidding...Very good observations. Makes it hard to find a place to belong.
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