Beowulf: Shared Values – Then and Now
The values and characteristics which were held ideal in the epic Beowulf can still be found in today's culture if one knows where to look. Gangs have become commonplace almost everywhere in the world. The similarities between modern gangs and tribes of ancient anglo-saxon warriors is quite pronounced.
To many gang members being part of the gang is like a status quo. The gang member believes he or she is now part of a larger family. Many would-be gang members look up to gangs as if they are a role-model of some sort, wanting to someday be a part of this elite group who inspires fear in many people.
Almost always, gang members believe that they must always be showing just how 'bad' they are. They will stop at almost nothing to outdo a rival gang's outrageous feat or even a friendly gang member's boasting. Law matters very little to these gang members, they make their own laws to follow. Gang member are rarely seen by themselves as they are fearful to travel alone through life's 'wilderness' without the comfort of knowing their friends are there to back them. However, gangs are very visible in packs. When roaming together they walk and talk as if they fear no one and nothing. They want the world to know just how 'bad' they are. When traveling together, no boast is too far-fetched. It doesn't matter whether or not it is true, only that the rest of the world believe it.
Gangs are almost always at war with rival gangs. They rarely is ever believe in treaties between one and another but would much rather fight it out to prove which gang is superior. There are no restrictions against weapons and daggers, chains, guns, spikes, and brass knuckles are very common. It is very unlikely for a gang member to not be carrying at least two weapons at all times. Gang members often like to personalize their weapons too. For instance, brass knuckles may have the gang member's initials engraved in them to show possession, or a favorite gun or dagger may be intimately named. Such weapons are often highly valued and if lost will be sought after intensively by the distraught party.
Gangs often carry with them superstitions. Perhaps the most prominent one is the fact that many gang members will not go into battle without their favorite weapon. They believe it is bad luck to go into a fight with a new or unfamiliar weapon.
Gang members often consume large quantities of various drugs. Determining which drug is desired is often dependent on the situation. Such as, if a fight with a rival gang is imminent then the drug consumed will likely be some kind of stimulant such as cocaine or speed. If the situation is likely to be a party atmosphere or a bunch of guys just sitting around bragging then it will likely be alcohol or a mixture of various drugs. These drugs often give the gang members the impression that they are even 'badder' than before. Conflicts between 'friendly' gang members are common during bouts of drunkenness as each member tries to assert his supremacy over all other gang members.
Gangs set up their own boundaries of what they believe to be their 'turf'. It is looked very unfavorably upon any outside gang who invades another's turf. Gangs are very adamant about defending their own turf but are often uneasy about entering unknown territory.
Gangs are often very particular when it comes to selecting new recruits. Having a close friend or contact that is already within the gang is advantageous. However, most members are selected by other criteria. Physical stature is of extreme importance. If a potential gang member is big enough and strong enough to inspire intimidation in others then it is likely that he/she will be recruited. Also, fighting prowess is of utmost importance. Gangs want their warriors to be the 'baddest' in the entire world. Boasting about prior engagements with enemies and your successes may help to get a potential member into a gang but whether or not he/she can back up their mouth will often determine their fate with the gang.
Overall it is easy to see how modern gangs are similar to groups of ancient Anglo-Saxon warriors. The values of ancient times still live with us today, although it is doubtful that any gang members realize just who they get their values from. Being that these values have survived for so long as one guise or another it is unlikely that they will change anytime soon.
Partner sites: Pitbull dog, Study Spanish in Ecuador, and Free Essays and Term Papers