I finally saw it -- part III

I know this one has been out for a very long time but I finally saw from S-F, the Mexican gangs in LA classic, American Me

Very depressing in many ways, very gritty -- it's interesting because it feels like it was ahead of its time -- seemingly, Fontana and the OZ crew have much to thank Olmos et al. for some of the basic template that they use in their soon to culminate series

It's interesting put into context against Boyz in the Hood -- I think both movies reveal a cycle of violence that underlies the life of minorities in Los Angeles -- from father to son -- from young to old -- who is it that can break the cycle? -- how do you do do it -- is it by education, is it by getting a job, or is your life predetermined fatalistically because you are a member of a certain ethnic group, a neighborhood, a skin color -- when do you have the power to act for yourself -- or is your only voice through group membership

I don't know the answers