Obviously the youth support complex is the big point of this chapter and somewhat the whole book. However, as Rios pointed out, there needs to be substantial changes to the system in order to implement successful youth programs. For example, teachers and police officers need to learn how to be role models instead of disciplinarians to these kids. #so345

It is really sad to see how the kids trying to do the right thing are still associated with the delinquent kids. They should be acknowledged for their actions not who people think they hang out with. But I think we are all guilty of this. I know I am. I think about high school, when there were delinquent groups in which there was 1 or 2 kids that did better in school but they were still thought of as the better ones of _____ label. As wrong as it is, I'm still guilty of thinking that way. #so345

I know Rios focuses a lot on masculinity to explain the boys actions, but it could be that tough lives create tough people, or at least they're supposed to. These boys have had such a rough life, and it has never let up, so if they stop acting tough it would be really hard to get back up. They have to act overly tough in order convince themselves that they can get through it. To be able to psychologically bear their reality they have to exert their toughness. #so345

I keep thinking that these kids have it rough and somehow it always gets worse. This book does an excellent (but terrible) job of showing the cycle that these kids get stuck in. Labeling theory mixed with the criminalization of their actions combine to make an inescapable reality for these poor kids. #so345

It's hard to say someone has no chance in life because I like to think people have and will overcome any situation they're put in. However, I would definitely say these kids are at a severe disadvantage. When they're not being criminalized on the street they're being criminalized in school. They're legally required to be at school so they're either breaking the law by not being there or getting in trouble at school. #so345

The quote "taming the ghetto" that was used by members of the government is very interesting. It's hard to tell intentionality or whether class or race was specifically referenced here, but either way one must know both are very intertwined. Hearing things like this are always upsetting because it makes you realize that a lot of the people making laws are still racist and classist. But this is what happens when we keep putting people born in the 1940's in office. #so345