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January 3, 2011 6:44 AM   Subscribe

Mefibooks: historical background on LA gang life?

More specifically, literature that explores how recruitment strategies, initiations, and hierarchies have originated and evolved over time. Perspectives on LA gangs historically as well as currently. Any book suggestions will be deeply appreciated!
posted by mooselini to Education (3 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
Best answer: Not a scholarly study, but there's Luis Rodriguez's Mi Vida Loca: Gang Days in LA, a memoir of his start and finish with gangs during the 1960's. It discusses the three topics you mention, and my students still found it very relevant.
posted by smirkette at 8:17 AM on January 3, 2011


Best answer: Haven't read it in years, but I remember enjoying León Bing's Do or Die.
posted by Dr. Wu at 9:46 AM on January 3, 2011


Best answer: I saw an excellent documentary on the history of LA gangs on HBO a few years ago called The Bastards of the Party. It appears to be available online now.
posted by chrchr at 10:48 AM on January 3, 2011


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