After reading Bell Hooks Outlaw culture, the following news item about gang member infiltration in the military has little of shock value and in fact, is entirely comprehensible.The gangs, “gangstra” culture, misogynous and spaces of male patriarchy are a complementary fit with militarism. Sexist domination, subjugation of the other, is an expressive access to patriarchal power in the belief that all males should possess. A gendered birthright. The coding of male culture as erotic finds cause in guns and barbarism. Unfortunately, the gang culture is a reflection of the prevailing societal values , basically rich white dudes at the head of the capitalist patriarchy. Gangs in the military are not a disruption of norms, but instead the embodiment of the norm, at least to some degree. In fact, gangs in the armed forces may even reinforce the appeal of the services, promoting the “terror against terror” philosophy:
from Robert Johnson:
The FBI has released a new gang assessment announcing that there are 1.4 million gang members in the US, a 40 percent increase since 2009, and that many of these members are getting inside the militar.
The report says the military has seen members from 53 gangs and 100 regions in the U.S. enlist in every branch of the armed forces. Members of every major street gang, some prison gangs, and outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs) have been reported on both U.S. and international military installations. Read More:http://articles.businessinsider.com/2011-10-22/news/30309693_1_gang-members-law-enforcement-weaponsa
ADDENDUM:
Hunter Glass is an Army veteran, former detective and gang expert. He said a military gang member is a threat because, “He understands fire power, technology, he understands how to shoot.”
The 10News I-Team spent two years investigating military gang members, revealing their growing numbers among sailors, Marines and soldiers. The I-Team captured illustrations of gang activity, including Bloods and Crips on the dance floor at Fort Bragg, who first flashed gang signs and then turned on each other.
The I-Team’s investigation showed the brutality of gang initiation with dramatic video of a young man being beaten harshly by six or seven gangsters. There are actually 19 separate gangs with members in the military, according to the National Gang Intelligence Center. They include gangs from all races such as Mongols, MS 13, Vice Lords, Asian Boyz and the Mexican Mafia. The Center’s threat assessment for 2009 said military gang members pose a “unique threat” because of their “distinctive military skills” and “willingness to teach … fellow gang members.” Read More:http://peacerebelgirl.wordpress.com/2009/03/29/recruiting-gang-members-into-the-military/