Do or Die

Do or Die is written in the best tradition of great American chroniclers of horrifying social conditions, societal and political neglect,and the breakdown of social and human norms. Leon Bings tells the story of South Central Los Angeles' teenage gangs of the late 80s and early 90s,who - in a frenzy of uncontrolled violence - set out to defend their part of the hood and put in work for the set - in other words, kill members of a hostile gang. It's a shocking tale of innercity 12-year olds entering enemy neighborhoods to blast other gangmembers' heads off, just like 12-year old suburban kids enter the opposite soccerteam's penalty area to score the decisive goal.The main narrators are the kids themselves, Bing only providing necessary background information and the thread that links individual experiences into a whole. Throughout the book she stays remarkably objective - never trying to hide her sympathy for G-Roc, Sidewinder, and Co., but not shying away from breaking with political correctness' irrevocable laws by describing one kid she visits in juvenile detention as somebody she "wants to be kept inside forever". As far as I know, Bing, who by the way is an ex-model turned journalist who comes from money, which makes her undertaking even more remarkable, was the first author to seriously investigate ganglife and write about it. Thus, one might not find in Do or Die some information and analysis contained in later books. The lack of the latter has its plusses, though, since one is not forced to follow a particular line of thought, but has the opportunity to arrive at one's own conclusions. Last but not least, the book is very well written. Bing's calm style alternates with the agitated torrent of gang speech. Relaxing moments, which, after all, still exist even in South Cental, take turn with descriptions of violent action. Overall, a great book. Required reading for anyone with only the slightest interest in gangs and urban America.

I am a gang cop in California. I will say that from my perspective, Ms. Bing has done an excellent job in portraying the life and times of gang members in Southern California. Excellent reading material for those that are not privy to what is really happening on our streets and with our youth today.

My friends think my recent interest in gangs is a little "weird". So many people only know what they see in the main-stream media--scare tactics, which dehumanize gangs so people never stop to think about WHY this happens. Most people don't know that gangbanging has been going on for decades, covered up by "The Man". Unfortuneately, more media coverage has glorified gang activity, but Ms. Bing gives an honest and accurate view. She turns faceless "thugs" that cops say are "harder to exterminate than cockroaches", into human beings, molded into what they are by their society and environment. As members of this society, are we going to quell the symptoms, or go to the roots and cure the disease itself?

This book is real, in your face, account of LA's street gangs. It is amazing that the author gained the trust of the people she interviewed. This book adds no "fluff" or drama. It is a real-life account what our young people face in the street everyday. This book is a MUST for those wanting to learn about gang members, their lives and our youth who are incarcarated. Whether you are a professional or student wiritng a paper, read this book.

This book was great and I would reccommend it to anyone who wants to learn about really happens in L.A. and how most all gangsters are born into the system and there is no way to get out. A very detailed and fact filled book. One of the best that I have ever read.