Perspective Essay on the Code of the Streets

Perspective Essay on the Code of the Streets

Perspective Essay on The Code of the Streets



Culture in urban communities, also referred to as inner–cities, are growing increasingly violent. In the article, The Code of the Streets by Elijah Anderson, he begins to take an in–depth look at the root of the evil. He deduces that economic factors, parenting and the troublesome environments largely influence the violent norms within this culture.



Anderson notes that two groups coexist simultaneously in the inner–cities which he labels as the "decent" and the "streets." Although both groups suffer economic difficulties, they differ in values mainly instilled through parenting and the home environment. The decent group seeks to adopt mainstream middle–class values, such as a love, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...Robberies, violence and drug–dealing transgressions are a constant fear of many. The decent families although opposed to the norms of the ghetto, encourage their children to understand and respect the code of the streets in an effort to protect themselves. Also, many youths in the inner–cities try to behave as others within their sub–culture. A child might dress or speak a certain way that a race is labeled to be standard to fit in. For example, a Caucasian individual may dress in baggy clothes and speak in slang in public to imitate what people label the African American youth to be uniform. However, this individual in some instances could act completely different at home or in other environments such as family gatherings or church. Anderson begins to analyze the troubled culture by first looking at the home environment and behaviors during childhood. The values differ drastically between the two groups. He states that the decent families are typically working families and try to instill positive values in their children. They hope to provide a nurturing environment and aid their children in pursuing a successful future. They are involved in their performance in school and have home rules to abide by. They have curfews for their children and generally know where and whom they are with at all times, especially young children. They try to prepare their children for the unknown and possible confrontations with

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