If your answer is "Sit down and have my dinner", you are probably a gangster. If you moan and grown and cry out: "But I didn't shoot no deputy, ooh, ooh, oo-ooh." then you are probably little more than a punk.
I live in an environment where it is real important to know the difference between a punk and a gangster. I am surrounded by a whole lot of "wannabe thugs"; trying to look all "bad-ass and macho an'-shit, yo". They can cause me grief, but that's about it.
They can look and sound like the real thing. One person I know spends ten minutes every morning parading around, looking at himself, preening in the mirror. He's not a bad dude, works out morning, noon and night when not working. Yeah, he works. Scary, has an attitude, but not a bad dude if you stay out of his way. "Anger issues" is the term the staff uses.
They're some lyrics in a song (boy I'm being generous calling them lyrics and the body of music "song"...did I actually say "music") that capture the image of a punk: "if I ain't good looking, you can bet my bitch is". If there were a punk manifesto, a "how to" manual, it would read something like:
Be yourself but make sure you have a strong attitude that intimidates people so they know that you're the shit and they don't mess with you. Work out a lot because being punk isn't easy; sometimes you get into fights, but win or lose who cares? As long as you are PROUD and defend yourself. Pride is the greatest thing you can have.
Like an actor playing a role, they are only adopting a character. They're just punks, posing, gesturing, trying to look like "I'm da gangsta in da hood, yo". Threatening to be "bustin' shiznitz an' layin' da cuts straight"; "sittin' on yo ass wiv me Colt 40 and homies."
I know that there are dudes around me who are true gangsters. They don't make idle threats: "very well, you have made your choice." They have not only style, but also substance: "I shall see that you get a proper funeral with the fish, so that you do not disturb me any longer." They take quick, decisive action: in real life, as in the movies, they will shoot me with a gun. Then they will calmly sit down, and finish their dinner.
May I recommend for your enjoyment: Am I Risk Adverse If I Duck And Cover
You may also enjoy reading: Other stories about my time homeless and on the street
See links for all the Genesis posts to date: Genesis Through My Eyes
Fortune has allowed me to come full circle and return to my earlier interest in photography. I am at that age were some weight loss would be beneficial. I certainly don't believe all photographers need to starve, but my initial goals are realistic, if not humble. The industry has changed tremendously, but the possibilities are unlimited. I am grateful that my parents' gave me a generic name. It's allowed me to explore numerous paths unhindered.
"I continue to seek exquisite beauty in my images, exploring all techniques, old and new".
Stumble It!
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