When The Interrupters first came out a couple years ago, several people told me to go see it. I put it off like a dental check-up. Intellectually, I want to build my awareness of what is going on. Emotionally, I fear the pain that comes with comprehension. One of my newest team members, Work Josh, was involved in the film through his work at Cure Violence formerly known as Cease Fire. I spoke to both a producer and an actual ‘Interrupter‘ in checking Work Josh’s references. And now five months later, I finally watched the film.
The documentary focuses on former Chicago gang leaders that have become Violence Interrupters. They work collectively and individually to mediate hostile situations. The concept is both powerful and profound. In one of the first scenes, there is footage of a confrontation that is a retaliation. A family member has been disrespected so other family members arrive with a butcher knife and a concrete block. They are ready to fight. It’s not just young men, it’s girls too. And even more startling, they brought little kids to the altercation. Already, I’m equally riveted and disturbed.
The film illustrates the epidemic level violence has reached. It describes violence as a two step process: 1). someone has a grievance 2). the grievance justifies the violence. People feel ostracized. They are angry. Fighting helps them feel in control. The documentary features some success stories and some not so successful stories. After fulfilling his prison sentence, a young man returns to the scene of his crime. He apologies to the victims of his armed robbery. The exchange is intense yet beautiful. In another storyline, a promising young woman continues to make detrimental choices. Her interrupter feels disheartened and betrayed. Their interaction has a devastating realism to it.
Many of the killings start over a squabble about money. And sometimes not even a lot of money. There is a group discussion about the brawl that escalated from a $5 dispute. Ugh! Greed is the impetus of many discords. And not just in Chicago’s dicier neighborhoods. In many cities, in many neighborhoods, in many families, people are greedy. And they are cruel in an effort to get what they believe they are entitled to. Conflict resolution is an important skill. Being able to discuss heated matters in a constructive manner helps to dissipate the raging situation. That is the external solution. The internal solution is to learn to be happy with what I have. Don’t let jealousy become a controlling force in my life. That’s a truth for everyone and anyone. Guns kill. Words wound. Comprehending change in my own life brings healing.
Two To-Dos: Watch “The Interrupters” and make an appointment for a dental check-up. Everyone should know what’s going on internally and externally.