Code of the Street Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Code of the Street - Essay ExampleAs a result, mainstream institutions such as the law, ar drawd and interpreted through a different lens. This essay will critically analyse and reflect upon Andersons commandment for the purposes of determining both its validity and viability.The codification of the lane is defined as a set of prescriptions and proscriptions, or informal rules of behavior organized around a desperate search for respect that governs ordinary social relations, especially violence (Anderson, 1999 9). Within the code people operate under a threat of vengeance which acts as a shield to knock-down-and-drag-out encounters (Anderson, 1999 10). The code is a set of informal rules governing interpersonal public behavior, particularly violence in inner-city neighborhoods (Anderson, 1999 33). It is residents form of law or their pass arbiter (Anderson, 1999 10). The code thus is an alternative system to the middle-class norm. While it may be difficult for outsiders to e valuate the validity of the state due to lack of lived experience with street living, one can safely assert that Andersons analysis rings true insofar as it appears to stem from the very nature of social systems rules and regulations. whatever social setting is governed by a set of rules which must be strictly followed should one wish to negotiate his/her way through the system in question and interact with members therein. The street, according to Anderson, is no different.Proceeding from the above stated, it is necessary to point out that in any social setting, self-esteem is important, as is its preservation. The street is no different. In inner-city communities, respect is key to ones self-concept and as such, the code prescribes the proper way to respond if challenged (Anderson, 1999 33). On the street, ones reputation is highly valued and important to his self-identity. To keep back reputation, there is a constant threat of violence against those who may attempt to trample anothers standing in the community (Anderson, 1999 15). Anderson argues that the code regulates violence on the street as it offers approved justifications for those desiring to aggress against another. Whether or not you engage in violence, you are aware of the penalty if there is a rule violation (Anderson, 1999). The code thus is ones defense on the street. The code provides a framework for negotiating respect and is a practical mechanism for surviving on the street (Anderson, 1999 134). Respect is a powerful commodity on the streets of inner-city America and is a form of social capital Anderson (1999 66) Respect is premised on being treated right and given respect (Anderson, 1999 33). Respect is external and must be demonstrated and seen. On the street, young Black males must constantly prove themselves often using physical violence. erst you have established yourself, respect acts like shield of protection. To maintain respect, one must have a hardened image and appear unbrea kable. While life off the street emphasises respect and self-esteem, it does not prescribe violence as a means of attaining and later preserving it. In other words, societal culture and street culture have different perceptions of the meaning of respect and its determinants, despite their both outlining and highlighting its importance.Just as is the case with society in general, street society is not homogenous but comprised of different groups, cultures and