Word: gange
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Dates: during 1960-1969
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Among the most violent statements was one issued by Msgr. Joseph A. McCafferey, speaking at the funeral of a 16-year-old girl who had been stabbed to death by another youngster: "What we should do is pass a law by which all known (gang) members be arrested and sent to jail," he said. "I know that there is a cry that there is no room in the jails. . . . Then build more jails. Divert the money from other things, but build them. We cage wild animals. . . . Shall not these boys and girls be caged...
...terms other than those dictated by their immediate neighborhood. Most young people who live in slums regard the world beyond as enemy territory. They cannot conceive of themselves in any jobs other than the ones their parents hold down. These feelings breed a stricter loyalty to the gang; the pent-up emotions they imply can only express themselves in violence...
...then in the puzzle of finding an aim in life (a kid can't hang around the gang forever), the young man places all his hopes in having a normal healthy marriage and raising non-neurotic children. Thus, "togetherness" becomes a partial substitute for meaningful work. But of course, the responsibilities of a family only entrap a man more securely in the system...
...gangs are formed, and what Freud called the "narcissism of small differences" begins to operate. "Turfs" or gang territories are established. "Points of honor" become the meaning in life. And so, into insults--the formal insult, say, of invading rival "turf"--is poured all the accumulated frustration endemic in our society. As Goodman puts it, "It is inevitable that there should be a public dream of universal disaster, with vast explosions, fires, and electric shocks...
...really quite tame, had no particular punch, reflected indeed the thoughts of most run-of-the-mill liberals in the country today. What would have been interesting to hear are the remarks he doubtless makes in small groups, at parties, perhaps to himself, prefaced by a succinct aside: "Well, gang, here's something that I didn't think was quite right for Symphony Hall...