Explain the main features of the code of the streets and how it is used by the different types of residents in poor, inner-city African-American neighborhoods.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The code of the streets is the set of norms that govern interactions in public spaces in poor, urban, and African-American neighborhoods. The code of the streets centers on respect. The idea of “dissing” or otherwise symbolically disrespecting someone in public spaces is what drives much of the code and the violence that it allows. This is because respect is seen as a zero-sum game; if someone gains respect by insulting or attacking you, you have then lost respect. Items such as clothing and jewelry can be used to represent respect, but it is mostly through interactions that respect is gained or lost. These neighborhoods are dominated by what Anderson terms “decent” families that adhere to mainstream, middle-class values and norms, particularly in relation to the appropriate role of violence. However, a small number of “street” families believe in and use the code of the streets which deems violence an appropriate response in a wide range of interactions. Because there are potentially serious violent consequences to not knowing and following the code, even those from decent families use it when navigating public spaces. An aggressive, swaggering posture is often adopted defensively to prevent challenges by those from both decent and street families.