JUSTICE

The Crips And Bloods Of The Promised Land

Gangs Of Pacific Islanders In Mormon Country

NEWSWEEK
From the magazine issue dated May 13, 1996

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  • Posted By: rogerdpack @ 07/02/2008 12:55:11 AM

    Too bad. I hope that they come back :)

    • Posted By: sealrap @ 08/08/2008 2:58:28 AM

      As a Samoan and Polynesian, I find myself gladly responding to this article and the problems that has gradually developed over the years in Polynesian communities. The gangster mentality, thug, hip-hop reputation has griped these communities (Samoan & Tongans) youngmen and yougwomen, like a prestigious or glorified place or thing to be a part of because the parents have stoped being parents. Samoan & Tongan parents need to take control of their homes and instil the family values that make them great polynesians as well as the values and opportunities of this great country that it has to offer, such as education, hard work, dedication, entrepreneurship and anything they want to be in this country. A biblical phrase say's, "A wise child makes a father proud, an unwise child makes a mother frown". When did Polynesian families drift away from parental discipline (Spanking) where it is needed with a one on one love bonding at the end. Tuff love is sometimes the only way to get through to this kids. The parent that uses decipline as a form of abuse... should be locked up or shouldn't spank at all if they don't know when to stop. Samoan and Tongans are good people... but if they really practiced what they know and preach that are not only taught as LDS members, but also in their culture? They will find themselves defeating this influence early.

  • Posted By: CaliMormon @ 07/02/2008 12:31:47 PM

    For the record, to my knowledge the only reason the LDS Church ever creates ethnic wards is to accommodate language needs. If a Mormon has difficulty understanding the services in English, they have the option of hearing the services in their native language. Otherwise, wards are organized geographically. In fact, there is a large Polynesian family in my parents??? predominantly Caucasian ward in Sandy. There's also a number of Polynesians in my ward here in San Diego.

    Also, while any gang activity is indeed concerning, lets not forget all the many Polynesians who come to Utah and make valuable contributions to our society. They are, by and large, a wonderful people.

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