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Hello readers! My name is Amanda and I am a college student majoring in English and Journalism. I am also a member of competitive collegiate forensics. As a junior, I have seen many performances in this activity that have personally affected me or someone I know. Each weekend I compete, I learn something new that I would love to share. Through this blog, I'll be examining and advocating for various speeches/topics that were presented during competition, that way others can learn how they too, can help make a difference. For more information about this activity, view the first blog.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Bus tour teaches gang life

Walking in the shoes of another person provides insight to what that person is like.

What types of activities they do.

And perhaps, their goals and dreams. 

But when it is impossible to physically fit into the shoes of another person, it is possible to fit on one of the 56 seats on a Los Angeles bus.

On January 16, 2010 The New York Times reported on a new concept that teaches outsiders what life is like inside of a gang-populated neighborhood, for just $65 per person.

Through, what is called, the LA Gang Tours, tourists can literally travel into gang culture to see what that lifestyle is like, first-hand. 

Tourists sign consent forms to take the tour, but at the same time, gang members in the neighborhood have been contacted to limit violence during tour hours.

The goal of the bus tour is to educate and increase awareness about this culture, putting a face to what people often fear.  Once the culture becomes real, solutions can begin to be developed to help gang members.  

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M81WtBGhO8 for a deeper look into the tour.

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