Always Running
When was the last time you were able to turn on the news and not hear about some sort of violent act? Crime is a growing concern amongst most cities, and street gangs are behind a lot of the trouble. Street gangs have plagued the streets for centuries and there is no stopping the urge to commit such hideous crimes. Gangs grow from recruiting young kids but what makes a kid decide to join a crime filled lifestyle. It’s not always a choice. In many cases it is a learned behavior or lifestyle, a lifestyle that becomes embedded into the minds of the youth that stumble their way down this path.
Always Running by Luis Rodriguez with its explicit language, forbidden tales and gang warfare, describes exactly how life on the streets does not always have to result in a treacherous ending. Although many despise his elude stories if Rodriguez had written them any different, people would not understand the struggle he survived and the passion he has for life. In this story you are taken to the mindset of a troubled youth, Luis. From the beginning when the boys both read the sigh you can tell just how much power being excepted by others has on our actions. Tino has such a strong influence over Luis that he would do anything even if it went against his own beliefs.
The exposure we experience throughout our lives, and how we handle it indicates just what direction our lives may turn. It is essential that we be able to differentiate between good and bad paths. Otherwise we will be destined for possible failure. But like Luis there is always the chance to turn yourself around, no matter how long you have followed one path.