Sisyphus Sez . . . 
Sisyphus is the nom de plume of a federal prisoner who learned
too late the emptiness of instant gratification. Keenly interested in helping
troubled young people avoid his own mistakes, he believes his anonymity
is important due to his notoriety. "I want kids and young adults at
risk to respond to what I say, not to my infamy. If just one child is helped
by reading advice from me, my gratification will be enormous."
Dear Sean: You want my advice on gang membership. You have, merely by writing,
provided your own answer. If you were not bothered by the implications of
joining, you'd not have agreed with your grandmother to await my counsel
before deciding.
Joining a gang is like stepping off a curb directly into the path of a city
bus. The chances of surviving unscathed are practically nil. Even if you
aren't killed, you're almost certain to be terribly mangled. It's a stupid
thing to do. Join a gang-go to hell or to jail. It's such a simple decision.
DON'T DO IT!
Gang members, one to one, are almost without exception decent and respectful
young people. When three or four are together, however, it is almost as
if someone throws their stupid switch. Then each member of the group seems
intent on doing something more insipid than anything the others can accomplish.
Every gang member I've spoken to in private has expressed deep regret over
having become involved in gang activity. There is nothing sadder than seeing
an intelligent young man in prison for life. When he is here because of
gang-related violence, it is even more tragic. Many have yet to reach their
majority. Almost to a person they are completely broke-their only money
coming from relatives (most of whom can ill afford even small contributions),
not from the gangs for whom they sacrificed their lives.
Conscience is the little voice in your head which provides guidance when
you're tempted to do something wrong-an act you wouldn't do were you alone.
Peer group pressure is the force responsible for overriding our conscience
in many instances. A strong person heeds the warnings of his conscience,
ignoring peer pressure. It is easily said, far more difficult to achieve.
Being accepted by a dominant group, even if its collective I.Q. is roughly
equal to a pet rock, can be terribly attractive.
Investing several more years in an education can seem downright dumb-especially
when you see kids only a couple of years older than yourself sporting fine
clothes, big cars, and bankrolls. Only when you recognize how terribly brief
their success is-or their lives even-are you able to grasp how empty and
wasted are such endeavors. Entirely too many kids fail to see the terrible
price of their "success" until the cell door-or coffin-slams shut
forever.
Note: Sisyphus was a king in Greek mythology who angered Zeus, who in turn
made Sisyphus push a huge rock up a hill in Hades eternally. I'm in hell,
hell's all around-and my rock appears permanent-so I'll push it.
Apr-May
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