Breakdown of Nuclear Family ‘Probably Foundational’ Cause of Gang Problems
On Thursday’s “Larry Elder Show,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said the gang problem is largely due to the breakdown of the nuclear family, and while there are other factors, “it’s probably fundamental.”
Host Larry Elder asked: [relevant remarks begin around 58:35] “Chief, we only have about 45 seconds left. Isn’t the gang situation largely a product of the breakdown of the nuclear family?”
McDonnell responded: “It is. It certainly is. It’s, I think, a number of different things. It’s probably fundamental. But I look at what police officers see every day in our communities, the lack of adequate nutrition in some places, the lack of early childhood education that is taken seriously enough, that prepares children for success, and, then, certainly, the role of the family in raising a young person in the best way possible. But, also, what we have glorified, glorified a gang lifestyle Since the 80s, you look at certain music, certain films that have been released and have been very popular, glorifying a lifestyle that is dysfunctional and is going to hurt people.
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