Drawing from Healing Trauma, and Fremon’s “G-Dog and the Homeboys,” discuss the following questions.
(1) In Healing Trauma, Father Boyle states that “every kid is fleeing something when they join the gang.” How
does the theme of trauma thread through the lives of program participants at Homeboy Industries? In what
ways does trauma push young people to join gangs and engage in violence? Be sure to include evidence and
examples from Healing Trauma and “G-Dog and the Homeboys.”
(2) How does Father Boyle explain the success of Homeboy Industries in reducing gang membership and
recidivism? What do you think allows this program to be so successful?
(3) How are the themes of trauma, recovery, and empowerment reflected in Dr. Victor Rios’ life story? In what
ways have Rios’ life experiences informed his work in Watts?
(4) Father Boyle and Dr. Rios are both opposed to the widespread use of suppression strategies for addressing
the harms of gang life. What are your thoughts, and why?
Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2-Ox9LnQo4
Sample Solution