Power Foucault Analysis

Power: the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events. While this is the dictionary definition, power can be viewed in several different manners. Michel Foucault took a different approach on this concept by developing his own theory on the phenomenon of power through his observations on subjects ranging from school discipline to administration systems. A writer named Jonathan Gaventa described Foucault’s work stating it “marks a radical departure from previous modes of conceiving power and cannot be easily integrated with previous ideas, as power is diffuse rather than concentrated…” Foucault’s unique was miles apart from many orthodox perspectives of power; his idea was that power is everywhere.
In many urban street gangs, the “average age of gang members 17–18 years old” according to Howell. Due to the turnip-shape of many gang structures, there are many in this age range, however, there are still “OG’s” as they as sometimes referred to. These are usually older gang members who have dedicated their life to the gang. This divide between a regular gang member and an OG is a matter of appearance because of this age difference. However, they are viewed differently. A former gang member said “I had to meet the OG [original gangster]; I had to offer money and respect because respect is the number one street rule.” This difference is in regards to respect; OG’s get a lot more respect by members and the community because they have proven themselves already. Another gang member commented, “You don’t challenge the gang leader. The cardinal rules are discipline and allegiance to the leader, so when he says you play by the rules and you have to put the group before yourself, then you don’t ask any more questions.’’ They are the unquestioned leaders and are viewed as the heads of these street gangs. This image they create yields a dominant position With this power and respect, it persuades many youth to join
The most known example of an accessory would be a firearm. Researchers discovered that “guns are carried partly for kudos and status, partly for protection and partly for instrumental uses such as robbery.” Gang members carry firearms because of its multiple purpose. When they are in their own neighborhoods, they use it as a status of power. When they are confronted, they flash it as a form of protection. And when they are in need of money, they use it as an instrument to carry out a robbery. As the underground market provides them easy access to guns, it is no wonder why gangs and guns are naturally intertwined. This proliferation of guns in gangs have led to adverse effects. A study found that “in New Orleans, between 35-55% of homicides are classified as gang-related. In Chicago, an estimated 80% of homicides are gang-related.” These metropolitan hubs have seen gun violence skyrocket as guns have become part of the gang culture. This fact coupled with the violent nature of gangs contributes to the fear of the community. People are scared to go outside because outside is the gang’s turf and there is no guarantee they won’t shoot you. The power is literally in their hands with a gun, and this leads to terror and submission by the population in gang turf. Most do not want to risk their lives when gang members have guns in their hands. Another accessory is the bandana. Utilized by Hispanic