Compton is one of the toughest neighborhoods in Los Angeles. It has been ranked as the 17th most dangerous city in America. Gangs are a part of daily life in Compton. The streets are run by ex-cons, cons and future cons. Drugs and death pervade the very air.
Gang life is usually not a choice for folks growing up in these neighborhoods. It’s like being born into a family. You’re in because you’re born in. It is extremely difficult to break free from the gangs. But it can be done.
I think it is obvious that providing non-violent outlets for youth is an important tool for helping youths avoid the gang lifestyle. The problem is that most “outlets” don’t create the family feel, structure and sense of belonging that a gang provides. The exception to that is sports. Being on a team, especially a good team feeds the same hunger that a gang feeds. Unfortunately, sports teams are also run over with gangs. The teams represent the gangs. The winners assert dominance over the losing gang.
On a deeper level there is another flaw with most sports as an alternative to gang life. Sports don’t really demand etiquette and respect. Trash talking is part of the game. Then there is the violence. Basketball, soccer and football, the most popular “pick up” sports in SoCal are rough and tough games. There is jostling, tackling, fouls and much contact between players. One could say that sports feed into the violent gang culture to a degree.
That is why this BBC report on a Cricket team from Compton is extra remarkable. Cricket has pageantry, etiquette and respect. It is the ultimate gentleman’s game. Somehow, the sport has caught on in Compton. The team has toured across the world drawing rave reviews from more experienced cricket teams in real cricket countries.
The team has been somewhat successful in getting kids off the streets but they have higher goals. They want to build a cricket field in Compton. I wish them the best of luck.
Keep up the good work!
Video off the BBC report:
HT: JM
Link: BBC and http://www.comptoncricketclub.org/
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