More and more serious crimes are committed by minors in Montreal.
Criminal gangs recruit them knowing that if they are caught, they will receive a harsh sentence.
“The entire population must be mobilized to stop this scourge,” said Minister Bonnardel.
I have an idea to discourage young people from becoming members of criminal gangs…
It’s not a miracle solution, but it might make them think twice before taking the plunge.
Present the film Hochelaga in schools.
A PUPPET
Released in 2000, this punchy film written and directed by Michel Jetté greatly impressed me when it was released.
The story is simple: Marc, a young delinquent in the midst of an identity crisis, is recruited by a gang from the east of Montreal, the Dark Souls, who are at war with another gang, the Devil’s Soldiers.
At the beginning, the Dark Souls guys make him do “small jobs”: driving, stealing motorcycles, etc.
Then they tell Marc that if he helps them resolve a conflict by killing a member in good standing, he will receive his “patches” and will be able to move up the ranks within the organization.
Marc accepts.
After completing his mission, he jumps on his motorcycle and joins his comrades at the end of an alley.
He is greeted by a member of the Dark Souls who congratulates him:
“You did a great job, Marc. But this is where it will end for you. You arrived in a fucked up period. The war between the Dark and the Devils is starting to cost everyone. The Disciples suggested to both gangs that they stop this and clean up their ranks.
“But it wasn’t easy. There was no question of a full patch eliminating another full patch. That would have caused too many conflicts. We had no choice but to hire outside guys to clean up and then eliminate them afterwards.
“You would have made a good warrior. But the timing was bad.”
The guy takes out a revolver, then shoots a bullet between Marc’s two eyes.
End of the film.
CHECKMATE
This is the reality of gangs.
We are far from the “code of honor” of Godfather.
This is what we need to show young people.
“You think the gang leader has your best interests at heart. This is false. He doesn’t care about you. He manipulates you and uses you, just like the guru of a cult. You are a pawn in his chess game.”
Some communities are concerned that many of their youth are joining gangs.
Could it be that these young people are looking for a father figure?
It’s not easy being the son of an immigrant. Your father still lives on the time of his country of origin, while you live on the time of your host country.
It creates friction. Conflicts.
So you’re looking for a substitute father. More “modern”. More “open”.
A charismatic leader arrives who promises you fame and fortune.
No wonder so many young second-generation immigrants fall for this…
Related News :