Gun and Gang Violence Interview

Student’s Name
Instructor
Course
Date
Gun and Gang Violence Interview
Written consent from the participant
This is written proof that I am voluntarily involved in this interview. I am aware that I can choose to leave or withdraw consent at any time, and can confirm that I have not been forced or coerced to take part in the interview. I understand that the whole process will be recorded. I am also aware that a transcript from the project can be used in other projects and would like to indicate that the interviewer can exploit the information as they deem it, as long as they do not distort the information. The interviewer and his affiliates can quote directly from the transcripts.
By signing this form, I agree that I have read the interview consent form and understand what is expected of me.
Interviewee’s Name: John Doe Date:
Interviewee’s Signature:
Interviewer’s Signature and Contact:
Selected transcript excerpts or ‘puncture’ moments
Interviewer: Do you think gang violence will end?
Interviewee: (A long silence and sighs) As we speak, someone is probably shot, bleeding to death, or there is a plot to take out someone in the hood.
Interviewer: Is the federal or state government doing enough to intervene, especially since gun and gang violence is increasingly tied to children as young as 12 years old?
Interviewee: As long as it does not target the white man, the government will only show to collect the body. Also, these kids are sharing incriminating information-self snitching, in their rap videos, lyrics, and social media. That’s enough to lock them up.
Interviewer: What would you recommend to the government, especially with regard to young and upcoming rappers that are constantly exposed to gun and gang violence?
Interviewee: Bring back the death penalty and not life prison sentences. If someone is guilty of murder, tie them to the electric chair. Make it scary to someone contemplating murder or vengeance that often invites a series of murders.
Interviewer: Have you seen a gang-related activity that turned violent?
Interviewee: (Long silence for about 10 seconds. Stares into the sky and says) Ask me something else. The streets are clear; if you snitch without witness protection, you are dead. Anonymous reporting is important because one does not easily become a target.
Reflection
The interview reveals the connection between rap music, especially among young, upcoming, and established rappers, and gun and gang violence. His claims are justified since cities such as Chicago and Jacksonville register violent gang activities, often involving the music industry (Kot). As an investigator, I felt implicated in this encounter. I have watched multiple true crime investigation documentaries that are gun and gang-related and often include young drill rappers constantly at war with each other. More often, it involves vengeance for murders that occurred a decade ago. In some instances, innocent bystanders are caught in the violence, with some becoming paralyzed or, worse, losing their lives. Parents constantly worry about whether their children might be caught in gang violence, which ...