Reading my local paper The Advertiser, I can't believe that there's these different crews/squads/gangs, etc. fighting each other around South London! What is going on?

In this week's Croydon Advertiser there was a 4-page report on it. And there was an attack at East Croydon preceded by a stabbing at the local college, which I used to go to! What the hell is happening? The paper was listing gangs like PDC, Don't Say Nothing and others.

So what happening to just having "friends"? I never needed to be in a gang or large group! And yet, those kids will say they don't feel safe if they don't have their mans to "back them up".

Even worse, is the fighting in town centres and anti-social behaviour. The same week there was a stabbing of a schoolkid in Norbury, in Croydon town centre I saw 6 police vans and 2 cars, with plenty of police milling about. I asked what was going on and they said that they were expecting a gang fight. He explained "it's mostly gangs of Black boys fighting each other". I felt so sad and ashamed.

Finally, the Advertiser said that the gangs even film themselves and put the footage up on Youtube and Myspace! I've seen some clips, but I haven't seen any real fights yet - does anyone know where these clips are. Apparently some of them are on a DVD called "South Students, Vol 1" mixed with grime rapping. The footage is incredibly juvenile and stupid. These kids are living in a fantasy massively influenced by US gangsta rap and violent movies. I know that the music and movies are entertainment, but why do they want to live it?

I can't understand why Black boys are fighting each other? What are they fighting for: respect from "the streets"? To boost their ego?

Don't they have anywhere positive to channel their energy?

confused3