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Episode 3 – Filipino American Gangs in SoCal: Where are you from and where are you now?

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In this episode, we explore the history of Filipino American gangs in Southern California with Dave, a local expert on the subject. Growing up in Los Angeles in the 80’s and 90’s was a different time.  The political landscape was different and teen life was difficult for Filipino immigrants who were searching for protection, identity, or perhaps something to do.  How did Filipino American gangs form?  What was the lifestyle like?  Are they still around?  Dave takes us on a journey to answer these questions and much more. We hope you take a listen to get a glimpse of what it was like for those who grew up around what was most worrisome to Filipino American parents during those turbulent years.
Listen through the embedded player below, download directly here, or subscribe to us on iTunes here!

For some more background on Filipino/Asian gangs in Southern California, here are some news articles:

For a comprehensive study on Filipino American gangs, particularly Satanas (STS), read Bangele Alsaybar’s Ph.D. dissertation, “Youth Groups and Youth Savers: Gangs, Crews, and the Rise of Filipino American Youth Culture in Los Angeles,” as mentioned in the podcast.  (Available through Proquest.  If you don’t have access to Proquest, feel free to email us to see how you can get a copy). Alsaybar also published a portion of his study in Amerasia Journal, which can be accessed here.

Finally, here are links to two non-profit organizations that concerned community members established to curb gang violence in the Filipino community, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans in Los Angeles and United Playaz in San Francisco.

[Correction]

Elaine here. Color Your Troubles Away is on Thursday, July 28th. I had the wrong date when we recorded the podcast!

 

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