Nuestra Familia A Broken Paradigm Analysis

Nuestra Familia: A Broken Paradigm, written by John “Boxer Mendoza, explains the life on the inside of the notorious prison gang, the Nuestra Familia. Mendoza articulated the story of how he rose through the ranks and how he’d eventually escape from the Nuestra Familia’s control. John “Boxer” Mendoza grew up in the Mission District of San Francisco, often referring to his neighborhood as skid row, because of its extreme poverty and crime rate. At age two Boxer was placed in foster care and would remain there till the age of ten. Growing up, he had little guidance, mentorship, or was taught family values, so as expected, Mendoza resorted to gangs, drugs, and crime, to fulfill his needs to fit in, very early in life. Eventually, this careless
Mendoza became a career criminal at the age of twelve. Home invasion, stealing cars, and armed robbery, became his favorite way to earn his keep. He dabbled with drugs, but heroin became his drug of choice. Most of his book took place in a prison setting, which he pretty much served in every one of California’s prison systems. It wasn’t until he transferred to San Quinten, that he’d learn about, and eventually join the NR (Nuestra Raza). The NR was already aware of Mendoza’s transfer and had evaluated his resume (your gang career, your portfolio, every violent act, every accomplishment, every sacrifice that you have committed on behalf of the Norteno cause) prior to his arrival. It is not until this point that the author provides an extensive history and recounts the fourteen laws of the NR. The fourteen laws are an oath which outline the gang’s expectations and dictates its members daily activities, including, responsibilities, purpose, and goals. This oath must be memorized and instilled in every member and must become second nature. Members are expected to give up everything for “The Cause”, including their own life, if the time comes. Mendoza accepted into the original cause and was a superb student of the gang’s