| Gang Life in Chinatown | |
Following a short introduction is an email interview with
Bill Lee, author of the new book "Chinese Playground: A Memoir."
Bill Lee
reveals some of the dark side of Chinese immigrants in his new book,
Chinese Playground: A Memoir. Lee grows up on the streets of San Francisco's
Chinatown. He was a former member of the Joe Boys, a gang based in S.F.
His book is about his own life experiences in Chinatown. Some of the stories or
secrets about Chinese immigrants and youth gangs revealed in his book are
only known by gangs or some insiders in Chinatown.
His book provides valuable insight into cross-cultural tensions,
some factors of driving children to join gangs, and the Chinese underworld and
youth gang problems.
There is an old Chinese saying, "family's scandal does not go out."
This old saying is deeply rooted in Chinese culture so Chinese usually
keep things inside themselves as much as possible.
Lee's courage to write such a book to let people know the Chinese
underworld is remarkable.
The following is the Q&A with Bill Lee via email.
Guide: The willingness to make your private life public is not an easy thing
and needs great courage. You must have a very strong motivation to write
the book. Is that right?
Bill: Yes -- as I stated in the preface of Chinese Playground, writing the
memoir served as a catharsis for me. There is no doubt in my mind that
sharing my story will provide support and inspiration to many others. It
is an opportunity for me to make amends to people I’ve hurt, including
myself.
Guide: Did you get any support from your family for writing the book?
Bill: My son has been extremely supportive and my soul mate was heavily
involved in proofreading the manuscript. In reference to my surviving
parent and siblings, I acknowledged my sisters in the book but have no
contact with any of them.
Guide: What is the hardest part in the book for you to write?
Bill: To sort out, relive, and disclose my past was all very difficult.
Emotions that had been buried deep resurfaced and often, it became
overwhelming. The nightmare presented in the beginning of the book was
very traumatic; the epilogue allowed me to put many of the demons to
rest.
Guide: You told many secrets about Chinatown gangs in the book. What is the
reactions of those people involved in your book?
Bill: It is true that in recounting my experiences, details of the underworld
were disclosed, and there have been repercussions. I have been
threatened by former associates who were upset by the exposé. Old
enemies and crime victims still harboring ill feelings also reappeared.
I was fully aware of the risks involved, yet I felt it was necessary to
break the silence. It is important to note that criminal elements rely on
secrecy, not only to sustain, but to flourish.
Guide: There still exist Chinese gangs in Chinatown today. Are they changed to
better or worse?
Bill: Although the dynamics have changed, with the development of cell phones,
pagers, and the Internet, youths are still being exploited in a
strategic, organized fashion. NICOS, a coalition made up of community
service providers, recently conducted a survey of Chinese residents in
San Francisco, and the top two concerns were gambling and gangs. Law
enforcement intelligence have made considerable progress in monitoring
the gangs, which simply forces them further into obscurity. Make no
mistake, they are still thriving and causing havoc in the community.
Guide: What are your solution or thoughts to save kids from gangs?
Bill: It is a great question and a complete answer would require much more time
and space than we have. Let me summarize by saying that in telling my
story, I hope to educate teens, parents, teachers, counselors, law
enforcement (including judges and politicians) about serious problems
that plague Chinese communities throughout the country, so collaborative
efforts can be made toward prevention and rehabilitation. Distressed
families, gambling, organized criminal groups, rebellion of youths
against stereotypes and unrealistic expectations from parents -- these
are all components that lead teens into the dangerous underworld where
they seek refuge and acceptance.
When I visit schools and discuss my past, I inform kids that I am not
someone they should view as a role model. It is a miracle that the life I
led and the decisions I made did not get me killed or thrown in jail. I
encourage them to seek out positive role models and to realize their
potential. At the same time, I describe the activities I engaged in as a
gang member, specifically the recruitment and exploitation of young
recruits.
Guide: Do you think Kung Fu or the dark side of the Chinese culture has
something to do with gangs?
Bill: Actually, I don't regard Kung Fu as a negative aspect of our culture,
although it can be misguided and abused. Traditionally, the study and
practice of Chinese martial arts involved positive physical, emotional,
and spiritual development. Respect for oneself and others, as well as
proper conflict resolution were all emphasized. While most schools fall
into this category, there are others who have gang ties and are corrupt.
Guide: Should we encourage kids to learn some Kung Fu?
Bill: A good Sifu (Master) can be a great role model for kids and provide
exercise, discipline, appreciation of culture, and build self-esteem.
Guide: I guess writing this book is part of your recovery and you said in your
book that you continue to work hard on your recovery. So how are you
doing now?
Bill: I am doing very well. My recovery involves taking responsibility for my
actions and learning to be a good, decent person. I am making amends
for my past deeds and sins by sharing my story. I no longer believe I
have been cursed with a horrible life. The opportunity to provide
guidance and support to others fighting their own inner demons is an
honor. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts!
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More info about his book and the places to buy the book.